In some quarters, it seems 1991, which also saw the release of Pearl Jam's multiplatinum debut album "Ten" and Soundgarden's "Badmotorfinger, " is being treated as year 0 of grunge, because that's when the music exploded into the mainstream consciousness.

CNN: Commentary: The roots of grunge run deep

Its music scene has diversified, encompassing punk, grunge and funk.

ECONOMIST: Country music

It inspired the band, they said, to begin a mission to "get rid of grunge", "declare war on America" and make music that was identifiably English.

BBC: Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain