Kristen Pfaff joined the 27 club on June 16, 1994. The cause of death is recorded as: Drug overdose (heroin)
Kristen Marie Pfaff, born on May 26, 1967, and tragically passing away on June 16, 1994, was a distinguished American musician, best remembered for her contributions to alternative rock bands Janitor Joe and Hole as their bassist and backing vocalist.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Pfaff's musical roots run deep, with her birth father being part of a musically accomplished family. After her parents' divorce, she adopted her stepfather's surname, Pfaff. Kristen had an older brother, Jason, who is also a musician. Her early years were marked by the study of classical piano and cello before attending Catholic school Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart and the University of Minnesota, majoring in women's studies. In her college days, she developed a strong interest in social activism against rape and violence.
Kristen's musical journey took an exciting turn when she taught herself to play the bass guitar in Minneapolis following her graduation. She formed Janitor Joe with guitarist/vocalist Joachim Breuer and drummer Matt Entsminger in 1991, creating a sound influenced by grunge and post-hardcore scenes. Their first single, "Hmong," was released in 1992, followed by the picture disc "Bullethead" single and their debut album, Big Metal Birds, in 1993. Pfaff's distinctive bass playing style was a crucial element of Janitor Joe's aggressive sound, both live and on record.
Janitor Joe gained significant attention in the Minneapolis music scene and beyond, eventually touring nationally. It was during one such tour that Pfaff was discovered by Eric Erlandson and Courtney Love of Hole, who were searching for a new bassist to join their ranks. Despite initial reluctance to leave Janitor Joe behind, Pfaff eventually joined Hole in 1993 due to her father's professional advice. However, her mother and bandmates in Janitor Joe were more hesitant about her departure.
Kristen Pfaff's legacy extends beyond her untimely demise, with her contributions to alternative rock music leaving a lasting impact. Her time with Janitor Joe showcased her powerful bass playing and songwriting abilities, while her tenure with Hole cemented her place in the grunge scene's history as a pioneering female musician. Pfaff's tragic death at the age of 27 from a heroin overdose remains a reminder of the dangers that continue to plague the music industry. Despite this, her memory lives on through her music and the inspiration she provided to countless musicians and fans alike.