Minneapolis has always enjoyed a “hip” status in music circles as a scene that consistently produces meaningful music. One of the bands responsible for the cities’ reputation as an indie rock hotbed was Hüsker Dü. Formed in 1979 by drummer Grant Hart and guitarist Bob Mould (then joined by bassist Greg Norton), their albums Zen Arcade (1984) and New Day Rising (1985) would lay the blueprint for what would become “alternative rock” in the 90s. While never having a commercial breakthrough, many that did would cite Hüsker Dü as an influence. The band formed from hardcore punk motivations, but soon melded melodic angles into their sound. It must be noted that the career arc of Hüsker Dü was crucial to convincing the underground music scene that punk rock and melody were not mutually exclusive. A lesson well learned by bands like Nirvana and Green Day and others who enjoyed huge commercial success in the early to mid 90s. The band unfortunately succumbed to the usual creative differences inflamed by Hart’s excessive drug use. However, the music continues. Hart still mines from the cleaner spectrum of indie rock with a bit of folksy quality for that singer/songwriter feel. To witness indie rock royalty that many of your favorite bands would call one of their favorite bands, Hart takes the stage at our own House of Rock in Eau Claire. And speaking of our own local coolness, Drunk Drivers and The Jaggernauts round out an indie rock line-up that shouldn’t be missed.

Grant Hart + Drunk Drivers + The Jaggernauts • Friday, Dec. 6 • House of Rock, 422 Water St. • 8pm • $5 • 21+ • 838-0158