Nirvana's Nevermind album, which was originally released on September 24, 1991; will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most iconic, and instantly recognised albums of all time. Whether for its polarising cover art, or for tracks like Smells Like Teen Spirit; it captivated listeners across the globe and continues to, till this day. Now, leading up to its 30-year anniversary, the BBC have announced a brand new documentary, titled When Nirvana Came to Britain; recounting the band's time during a tour of the UK. 

The documentary actually follows Nirvana a couple of years before Nevermind was released; when the band was visiting the UK on their Bleach tour in 1989. Although this may be the starting point, When Nirvana Came to Britain runs through the events of the band right up until 1994; tracking how they “introduced a new and exciting brand of rock music to the UK, changing the musical landscape of the time and influencing a generation of British youth.”

As with any good documentary, we will also be treated to unseen archival footage and home movies by the band members themselves; as well as visiting “little-known British locations” that played a crucial role in the band's rise to fame. The footage will be laced with exclusive interviews with the Nirvana road crew and surviving members, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, for first-hand, intimate accounts of the trip and the band's connection to the UK.

“The UK definitely responded to Nirvana much more, before America. You guys were the first with everything…we cut our teeth there. After touring the UK I remember going back to America to the same bars and clubs where we were playing to 99 people…150 people…it was definitely not like what it was in the UK. It really is like a second home," shares Grohl in the official synopsis.

Outside of Nirvana's influence in the UK, When Nirvana Came to Britain will also explore how the band was inspired by other legendary musicians and bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Vaselines. “This story has never been told on TV before, so it’s been fascinating to hear it from Dave and Krist themselves, as well as the people who literally went on the journey with them, as they toured the UK,” says executive producer Mark Robinson.

The documentary and complimentary celebrations of Nirvana's Nevermind album will drop on September 24, so keep your eye out for more updates to come.

 

Want to learn more about Kurt Cobain and the impact of the 27 club? Read our piece on what makes 27 an age of reckoning.

 

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