Dave Grohl before he was famous

He drummed on pillows. Then he joined Nirvana.

The nobody years

1969-1975 Springfield, Virginia childhood
He's born in Warren, Ohio, in 1969. After his parents divorce, he grows up in Springfield, Virginia, a quiet stretch of suburb outside Washington.
Was born in Warren, Ohio, and raised in Springfield, Virginia after his parents divorced. Source
early 1980s Practises on pillows, chairs
As a teenager he teaches himself drums with no kit at all. He plays along to records, beating out rhythms on pillows and the seats of chairs until the parts stick.
Taught himself drums as a teenager by playing along to records, practising on pillows and chairs rather than a kit. Source
1986 Quits school at seventeen
At seventeen he walks away from high school. The Washington hardcore band Scream needs a drummer, and he takes the job and goes on tour full time.
Left high school at seventeen to tour full time as the drummer of the Washington hardcore band Scream. Source
1987-1990 Years touring in van
For years, life is a van and very little money. Between shows he sleeps on strangers' floors, then packs up and drives to the next town.
Toured for years in a van on little money, sleeping on floors between shows. Source
1990 Stranded in Los Angeles
In 1990 Scream break up partway through a tour. He's left stranded in Los Angeles, a drummer with no band and a long way from home.
Was left stranded in Los Angeles when Scream broke up partway through a tour in 1990. Source
1990 Auditions for Nirvana, Seattle
Then Buzz Osborne of the Melvins puts his name in front of Nirvana. He travels to Seattle and auditions for the band.
Was recommended to Nirvana by the Melvins' Buzz Osborne and auditioned for the band in Seattle. Source
1990 Nirvana's fifth drummer
In September 1990 he joins Nirvana. He is their fifth drummer in three years, sitting behind the kit of a band still looking for the one who'd stay.
Joined Nirvana in September 1990, its fifth drummer in three years. Source