It was signed by all three members in 1991 after a gig in Bristol before they became global superstars
13:22, 21 Apr 2025Updated 13:25, 21 Apr 2025
The signed Nirvana record sleeve which sold for more than £18,000 at auction(Image: SWNS)
An “extremely rare” record sleeve signed by Nirvana including frontman Kurt Cobain sold for almost double the asking price. The three Nirvana members signed the LP after a 700-capacity gig at the Bierkeller, in Bristol, in 1991 before they became a global hit.
The sleeve was autographed by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl after playing the gig. After spending over 30 years in a loft, the record sleeve of the band’s hit album Nevermind went under the hammer at auctioneers Wessex Auction Rooms in Wiltshire.
Auctioneer and music specialist Martin Hugher previously said full sets of Nirvana signatures from this period are “extremely rare”. Ahead of the auction sale he said the signed record sleeve was likely to go for £10,000. It has in fact sold for £18,600, which is almost double what he anticipated.
At the time he said: “Full sets of Nirvana signatures from this period are extremely rare, and to have them signed so perfectly on the sleeve of the most iconic album is a collector’s dream.”
The date was November 4, 1991, and the soon-to-be global superstars Nirvana were playing a gig to just 700 people at The Bierkeller in Bristol. After the show friends of the local promoter hung out at the venue and spent some time speaking and sharing a beer with drummer Grohl, and bassist Novoselic.
They happily signed their items – one being a ticket and one being the sleeve of their recently released Nevermind album. The gig friends then knocked on the door of the dressing room and were welcomed in by the late singer Cobain who was chilling out post-gig. Cobain also signed the items before the pair then went back out to the venue to continue their conversation with Grohl and Novoselic.