GREEN RIVER are acknowledged as a vital chapter in the genesis of Grunge and a port of call for some of the pivotal artists of the genre. Singer Mark Arm (real name Mark McLaughlin) had cut his teeth with numerous Seattle Punk acts including MR. EPP, and as a drummer for THE LIMP RICHARDS and THE THROWN UPS. Guitarist Steve Turner had been a colleague of Arm's in all of these acts.

Bassist Jeff Ament had pre GREEN RIVER been involved with DERANGED DICTION. Guitarist Stone Gossard was a veteran of THE DUCKY BOYS and MARCH OF CRIMES. Drummer Alex Vincent came from Punks SPLUI INUMA. Following the 'Come On Down' EP Turner decamped and was replaced by DERANGED DICTION man Bruce Fairweather.

GREEN RIVER eventually imploded as Gossard, Fairweather and Ament LORDS OF THE WASTELAND which evolved into MOTHER LOVE BONE. Gossard and Ament would ultimately find great fame and fortune in PEARL JAM. Arm and Turner founded cult act MUDHONEY.

Fairweather was later involved with LOVE BATTERY.