I am interested to know what influence Sonic Youth has had to Husker
Du and the Pixies (other relevant bands may be considered). How have
the bands' music crossed paths?

This is a $2.00 question, so I'm looking for anecdotal or experiential
knowledge, not a research paper.

Thanks!

Seeing as Husker Du former (in 1979) before Sonic YOuth (in 1981) it
would be unfair to say SY influenced Husker without giving credit to
Husker's contribution to the Youth. I would say that had equal
influence on eachother (in terms of sound, making it in the '80s
underground scene, touring, etc). The Pixies came along a bit later
(formed in 1986) and were more into a more pop sound than SY was at
the time, but the roaring guitars and volume and punk attitude of both
SY and Husker DU shows in the Pixies. I might say that (sonically)
Husker Du may have more of an influence on the Pixies than SY, but
that would be speculation on my part.

As for crossing paths: For starters, Husker released their first album
on SST in 1981 and Sonic Youth released their first full length on SST
in 1983.

SY bassist Kim Gordon produced a video for Pixies bassist Kim Deal's
post-Pixies band, the Breeders ("Canonball") and Gordon sang on a
track from SY's 1995 album, "Washing Machine." ("Little Trouble Girl")

I read the book "Our band could be your life" by Michael Azerrad a
while ago; it has well-researched biographies of about 10 bands (among
them Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, plus Black Flag, Fugazi, Minor Threat
etc.), they are extensive but not too long (about 20-30 pages per
band). So you will probably find a lot of answers in that one.
Although I don't always agree with Azerrad's view I think he's got the
facts right.

And yes, I have to agree, since SY played very noisy music until the
mid/late 80's I would rather ask for the HD influence on SY than the
other way around.