10 of the best Nirvana Live Performances

Nirvana were the leading grunge band of the late 80's early 90's who paved the way for many others. Their Nervermind album was what broke Nirvana in to the Mainstream much to Kurt Cobain's dismay. The Nevermind album was a masterpiece thanks to Butch Vig, Smells like teen spirit and Drain You would not have sounded as good as they did if it wasn't for Vig. Even though Nevermind was grunge perfection, it was their live performances that gave the songs a new lease of life. Live performances didn't need the regimental timing a studio recording would command. They could play faster, improvise and with more energy without worrying of total musical perfection. Mtv also gave Nirvana the opportunity to perform "Unplugged" which enphasized the brilliance of Kurt's song writing. I'll leave you now with 10 of the best Nirvana live performances. Oh how I wish Kurt was still around.

 First up with have the most influential song of Nirvana's, Smells like teen spirit. This is probably the best live recording of this song. This performance was at Reading Festival,England. The intro might not sound quite right but it was made with every intention. Rock band Boston were not happy with smells like teen spirit as it sounded to similar to their hit More than a feeling.

Next up we have Nirvana stripped of their Marshall stacks and distortion pedals (almost) and being a "Big Harley writing rock band" and left with acoustic's. This song was originally written by David Bowie and this is one of Nirvana's best cover's.

 The best Nirvana song and Kurt's personal favourite, Drain you. We're back at Reading again for this one. This is crisp performance if this doesnt't get you amped I don't know what will. If you've got good headphones use them!

 This one was Nirvana's first Live TV performance in Britain featuring on the controversial hit 90's TV show The Word, on channel 4. This was a new wave of TV with a very young channel 4 pushing the boundaries of television. A very close to the edge intro from Kurt, I'll rate this video with a PG rating. One of their best performances. Nirvana were relatively unknow in Britain in this video hence half the audience not knowin what to do.

 This performance is one of the last for Nirvana, Pat smear also features in this one. This song is one you may not listen to much so will broaden your Nirvana taste. I love this song live. In Utero was Nirvana's last album and is nothing like Nervermind,Bleach or Incesticide but probably Kurt's best work.

Nirvana doing what they did best, ignoring what they were told what to do. Their PR team must of pulled their hair out after this. One of the big shows in England at the time was the Johnathon Ross show, our answer to Larry King. (No where near as good) and Nirvana were billed to play live. Johnathon Ross introduces them with the viewer friendly Lithium that was scheduled to be played, Nirvana had other ideas.

 This is a classice from the 1992 MTV Music awards. Already by then having enough of being told what to play. This video has been made famous by Krist almost knocking himself out throwing his bass in to the air and not catching it. A gorgeous Cindy Crawford also features at the end of this video too.

 The aftermath of the Reading performance with some good ol Nirvana stage destruction. Kurt used to switch to a bog standard Fender strat when the destruction was iminant. Kurt also plays this Star spangle banner.

 Taken from the Nirvana lIve and Sold out DVD, this gig features many times in the DVD and also includes a great Drain you performance. This is one of Nirvana's pre global success Songs Sliver.

 This one just had to be in there one of the best, Lithium with one of the best audiences. Kurt is also playing his signature Jagstang which was designed by himself for Fender guitars and is only available in left handed. Right and all, about time us lefty's got a guitar right handed players couldnt play!

 This is the First Live performance of Smells like teen spirit, Pre Nervermind. Listen to how rugged it is. This the song that made it all. Enjoy.