Buzz Osborne of the Melvins dismissed Kurt Cobain from his production role on the band’s 1993 album *Houdini*, prompting rumours that the two had fallen out. Osborne’s account suggests the split was a practical decision, significant because the Melvins had been an early influence on Cobain and helped shape the path that led to Nirvana.

Cobain had reportedly auditioned for the Melvins before Nirvana, later sharing a close relationship with the band: drummer Dale Crover played on early Nirvana recordings, and Osborne introduced Cobain to Dave Grohl. Although Cobain was credited on six of *Houdini*’s 13 tracks, he missed most recording sessions amid the pressures of fame and personal difficulties. Osborne said a claim that Cobain quit because the Melvins wanted him to write songs for them was “fucking insane”.