Hüsker Dü was founded by
Grant Hart, Greg Norton and Bob Mould in 1979. Only 17,
Grant Hart was nonetheless a veteran of a handful of
previous bands and had already been playing music
professionally since the age of 13. Hüsker Dü
made several records for the legendary "SST" label
including the much-loved "Zen Arcade", "New Day Rising"
and "Flip Your Wig". Moving on to Warner Brothers Records
in 1985 they made two fine albums, 1986's "Candy Apple
Grey" and the band's second double album,
"Warehouse".
Using a fake name, Grant produced all
the visual art for the band, including all the record
covers, some of which earned the band awards and helped
secure the group's artistic aesthetic. Ironically, it was
Grant's refusal to take the credit for this work that
caused friction when other members insisted on receiving
a fee for production of the records.
Leaving the group in 1987 to form
first "The Swallows" then eventually "Nova Mob", Hart and
ex-partner Mould became embroiled in one of rock music's
most enduring feuds. The Hüsker Dü audience was
already divided into two distinct factions before the
band broke up. Afterward, Grant fans and Bob fans took
turns finding evidence of friction in each man's solo
work. Where they once were compared to Lennon and
McCartney musically, they were now put into the roles of
bickering ex-colleagues.
Beginning with his 1988 release,
"Intolerance", Grant's solo records have been subtle,
thematic renderings that move the listener along the
route, building up to climaxes all the more dramatically.
Grant's 2000 release, "Good News for Modern Man"
continues with his practice of laying down all the
instrumental tracks himself. This record was handicapped
by label bankruptcy in the US, but was acclaimed by his
listeners as the most fully realized record he has been
involved in.
Grant's post-Hüsker band "Nova
Mob" disbanded in 1997 when Grant's domestic partner and
bassist moved to Holland to pursue other interests.
During the band's career they made two full albums and
five singles. Nova Mob's recording of Grant's
science-fiction rock opera, "The Last Days of Pompeii"
was the last record released by Rough Trade International
before they ceased operations. The ambitious project was
only available for a short period, but a new re-mix of
the record is prepared to be released soon. Hart is
currently finalizing negotiations for his next
recording.
Although music is still Grant's main
stock in trade, his visual arts skills remain as sharp as
ever. In addition, he has recently taken part in several
readings of his poetry as well as reading the works of
his late friend Charles Henri Ford at the Metropolitan
Arts Club in New York. He often performs with Patti Smith
and has shared the stage with such notables as Charles
Plymell, Philip Glass and of course his late chum William
S. Burroughs. He currently serves such diverse
organizations as The Duchamp Society, The Ghost Squadron
of the Confederate Air Force and The Studebaker Drivers
Club of North America.
