This last Friday I had the very rare opportunity to attend the new Nirvana exhibit at the Seattle Experience Music Project before it was open to the general public. I wasn’t really too sure what to expect, seeing that I’ve never been to a VIP event like this, but the experience I walked away with was something I’ll not soon forget. I was a mortal in the midst of rock gods, surrounded by the people that created the Seattle Sound 20 years ago. Members from Nirvana, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, The Fastbacks, and Young Fresh Fellows were in attendance, along with co-founder of Sub Pop, Bruce Pavitt.
I was elated to find the attendees all viewing this exhibit in a positive light. It would be easy for this exhibit to bring back a lot of difficult memories and grief to those who knew Kurt on a personal level. Rather everyone saw it as was a way to celebrate one of Seattle’s most respected bands. The exhibit itself is a lot smaller than I was expecting, but still was very impressive. Hand written notes by Kurt, different articles of clothing worn by members, instruments, rare personal photos, and different artwork from the band.
Right before leaving I went into the Sky Church where a slide show of different Nirvana photos was playing, along with DJ’s spinning different songs from the era. There were easily 300 people all standing watching this slide show, all in awe, still fascinated by what was Nirvana, and what they meant to Seattle. Twenty years later, we still love Nirvana, and that will never change. I’ve never experienced anything this moving in the music world, and I don’t expect that I will have the opportunity to again anytime soon. Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses is open for viewing now through April 22, 2013 at the EMP, and is a must for any Seattle music fan.
