The curious connection between Shirley Temple and Melvins
Melvins were pioneers of grunge and sludge metal, having an indisputable influence on the late 1980s music scene and inspiring other influential acts such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, Green River and more. Forming in the alternative rock and punk haven of Washington, USA, Melvins’ sound was relentlessly hard to pin down. They were grunge before grunge existed, an underappreciated band operating way ahead of their time.
Melvins initially became known for their hardcore punk performances. Over the years, the group became heavier as they incorporated influences of noise rock, experimental and avant-garde. Eventually, their sound became more akin to the grunge and sludge metal sound that earned them their place in the pages of rock music history.
Melvins are the brainchild of frontman Buzz Osborne, the only remaining member from the initial three-piece lineup. His unique thought process and die-hard punk ethos made him an incredible frontman and a fantastic catalyst for establishing Melvins’ signature sound. The songwriter was idolised by Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, with whom he formed a strong relationship. Melvins and Nirvana often crossed over, playing together and featuring on the same releases, such as their 1991 split single homage to Velvet Underground, Here She Comes Now/Venus In Furs.
Melvins were not a one-man band, however. The original bassist for the group, Matt Lukin, later found fame as a founding member of the other absolutely iconic band of the era: Mudhoney. The group, formed in 1988, became known for their intense live shows and the incredible single ‘Touch Me I’m Sick’.
With Lukin leaving Melvins high-and-dry without a bassist in order to go form Mudhoney, a replacement needed to be found. A decision was made that a musician by the name of Lori Black would be the one to fill Lukin’s shoes. Black was in a relationship with frontman Buzz at the time Lukin left the band, so the idea of having her join the band on bass seemed obvious. Her inclusion in the group’s lineup inexplicably links the grunge pioneers to the famous American actor, singer and diplomat Shirley Temple.
Black, who played on Melvins’ second studio album Ozma, is the daughter of businessman Charles Black and Shirley Temple. The couple were married in 1950 until Charles died in 2005. Temple secured her start as a child actor in the 1930s and 1940s, best known for starring in Bright Eyes. It was not until the former child star got involved in the world of politics that she entered into the public consciousness once again. A conservative Republican, Temple served under the presidencies of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, playing various roles – notably as the US Ambassador to Czechoslovakia during the Velvet Revolution.
It is difficult to imagine the grunge pioneer and punk rock hero Buzz Osborne was thrilled about having his band tied to the Republican politician Shirley Temple; perhaps that is why he denies Lori Black played on one of Melvins’ biggest releases, Houdini, despite being credited for her performance on the album. The story is reminiscent of fellow punks The Dead Milkmen and their song ‘Punk Rock Girl’ – released 1988, the same year Black joined Melvins – “It makes no sense, your dad is the vice president, rich as the Duke of Earl yeah, you’re for me punk rock girl”.
