Origin stories of the Seattle area's iconic bands A healthy dose of grunge here

How did some of Seattle's most prominent and iconic bands get their start? Click through the slideshow to about their humble beginnings. How did some of Seattle's most prominent and iconic bands get their start? Click through the slideshow to about their humble beginnings. Photo: JORDAN STEAD/SEATTLEPI.COM Photo: JORDAN STEAD/SEATTLEPI.COM Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close Origin stories of the Seattle area's iconic bands 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

In the 1980s and '90s, Seattle carved out a name for itself on the national music scene.

Grunge was some of the top music of the moment, and Seattle became the epicenter of it all. Bands flocked from Aberdeen, Bellingham, and beyond to play clubs that had already propelled certain bands to fame and fortune.

The stories behind these successes are oft-recited, but the ways in which these bands came together – and continued to influence Seattle-area musicians for years to come – aren't as well known.

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Many bands began as a product of a high school friendship, forming now quintessential lineups by linking up with significant others and friends of much-admired musicians. Cassettes were shared, members recruited – one band even brought in a male stripper to entice the lead singer.

One thing remained consistent, however: No discovery was exactly the same.

Click through the slideshow above to see how 17 iconic Seattle-area acts came to be.