Nirvana are to be the subject of a new exhibition opening in their hometown of Seattle next year.
Two decades after the release of ‘Nevermind’ Nirvana remain an iconic group. Releasing just three studio albums, the band defined the grunge sound before conquering the mainstream charts.
Sparking a hugely successful period for underground rock in the United States and beyond, the band’s success often obscures their humble origins. Nirvana began as an old fashioned power trio, attempting to blend Black Sabbath with The Beatles.
A new exhibition in the group’s hometown of Seattle aims to shed new light on their origins. Arriving in time for the 20th anniversary of ‘Nevermind’ toppling Michael Jackson from number one on the charts, the exhibition contains some rare items.
‘Nirvana: Taking Punk To The Masses’ opens on April 16th 2011 in the city’s Experience Music Project. Remaining open for two years, the exhibition gives a focal point for Nirvana fans in Seattle.
The collection contains some rare artefacts, including never before exhibited paintings crafted by Kurt Cobain in High School. Elsewhere, the original hand written lyrics to ‘Spank Thru’ and ‘Floyd The Barber’ are due to be displayed.
The songs are two of the earliest known Nirvana songs, pre-dating Dave Grohl’s involvement with the band. Classics from the ‘Bleach’ era, the lyrics will be displayed with the first guitar Cobain destroyed onstage.
Issuing a short statement, Nirvana bass player Krist Novoselic gave the exhibition his approval. “(Kurt Cobain) was a visionary artist who touched people all over the world,” he said. “It’s great that there will soon be a collection that celebrates that contribution to music and culture.”
“There’s a story with Nirvana at its center,” he continued. “But it’s a story that also includes the many people, bands and institutions that make up a music community. The show is a celebration of Northwest music.”
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