Nirvana

One of the saddest shoots I ever had the misfortune to have to undertake. All was not well in the court of Nirvana on the European tour in support of In Utero and myself and the journalist Keith Cameron... read more had the bad luck to be thrust into the midst of it. Kurt's glassless glasses and Daniel Johnston t-shirt both pretty much sum up the futility of the experience for me. From the young hungry band I spent five days on the road with to this in two years must be some kind of a record. The missus is just out of shot.

I was on the side of the stage for all of this gig and was pretty impressed with the bands performance that evening but apparently they were less so. So much less so that in a fit of rage they spontaneously... read more decided to trash all their gear onstage... later that night Krist Novoselic shaved his head in an act of penance.

First three songs only for photographers: During the third, Kurt Cobain ensures optimum photo-coverage by helpfully jumping into the pit for some close-up grandstanding and a brief serenade to the front... read more rows.

A 15 minute shoot in a stairwell after the soundcheck at the top of the Astoria. Kurt was drinking a pint of beer. I stayed for the gig and was blown away, then Nirvana (Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain and Krist... read more Novoselic) influenced a generation... This was made by cross-processing VPS film, adding water-colour to the resulting print and then re-photographing the whole thing.

I had to meet the band (Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic) and their PR Anton Brooks at the Dalmacia hotel in Shepherds Bush. It was really a bed and breakfast and they were all staying in the... read more basement. I dragged them outside but it was freezing so the session was quickly drawn to an end but not before I walked up and down the road looking for locations. I finally settled on a zebra crossing and a launderette. I managed to get a few solo shots before they darted back into their room to get warm. Other photographers that day had to shoot them inside.

The support band had been ignored by an almost empty house, but the place is suddenly capacity rammed and heaving for headliners Sonic Youth. Four feet away from the side of the little stage, oblivious... read more to the monumental racket, the support band’s singer/guitarist (Kurt Cobain) catches a few zzzs on a narrow wooden bench.

I had to meet the band and their PR Anton Brooks at the Dalmacia hotel in Shepherds Bush. It was really a bed and breakfast and they were all staying in the basement. I dragged them outside but it was... read more freezing so the session was quickly drawn to an end but not before I walked up and down the road looking for locations. I finally settled on a zebra crossing and a launderette. I managed to get a few solo shots before they darted back into their room to get warm. Other photographers that day had to shoot them inside.