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Feb 11, 2014 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

In Experiencing Nirvana, SubPop Records co-founder Bruce Pavitt documents the 1989 Mudhoney and Tad/Nirvana tours through Europe that culminated in the three bands playing Lamefest UK in December of that year. With commentary on daily activities accompanied by full-page photographs, this coffee table book provides both visual and firsthand tale of the tour. While Tad and Mudhoney are featured prevalently here, Nirvana is the focus act. At the time, Nirvana was last on these bills; Nevermind was still nearly two year’s off. But Experiencing Nirvana documents Kurt Cobain’s explosive stage persona as well as his emotional troubles even before the onset of fame. Pavitt and his fellow SubPop cofounder, Jon Poneman, orchestrate the tour and deal with the hardships of a couple guys trying to build a brand with a few bands trying to do the same. The commentary is more journal than insightful commentary but it does provide a glimpse into the inter-workings of the tour and the dynamic of the time. As documents of a nascent scene go, this one is pretty worthwhile. (www.bazillionpoints.com)

Author rating: 6.5/10