The 5th of April 2024 will mark 30 years since the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. As the birthplace of the band, Seattle is a spiritual destination for fans wanting to pay their respects to the king of grunge. Below are seven ways fans can play homage to the icon in 2024.
The Crocodile
In the 90’s, The Crocodile was the hot spot for every grunge band and fan up and down the country. Supporting aspiring artists such as Green Day, The Strokes, and Nirvana, these walls have seen some of the most iconic shows in music history. Nestled in Belltown and a must-visit for every music fan, the venue relocated a few years ago, however, it is still an unparalleled, independent music sanctuary for artists and fans alike against the backdrop of Seattle’s music legacy. Nirvana last performed at the club on 4 October 1992 and was dubbed as a “secret opening act”.
Central Saloon
Central Saloon is said to be the “birthplace of grunge” with the likes of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden performing at the venue in the 80s. In the same decade, popular grunge label Sub Pop Records was born. Inspiring an unpolished and unapologetic sound, Central was the performance venue for many of Sub Pop’s bands. On April 16th 1988, Nirvana played their first home show at the venue. Consequently, founders of Sub Pop, Jonathan Poneman and Bruce Pavitt saw them perform for the first time. A relationship formed and the label would go on to release the band’s debut album.
Viretta Park
As he has no grave, a popular spot for fans to pay their respects is in Seattle’s Viretta Park, which borders the house where Kurt once resided with Courtney Love. The park has become a memorial for Cobain with two benches marked with messages from fans. The park is an opportunity for fans to remember where they were when headlines broke.
Screwdriver Bar
Nicknamed “Rock N Roll Utopia”, Screwdriver Bar was once a rehearsal space for Nirvana between the release of Bleach and Nevermind. After deciding to not renew their lease, the space sat empty until a group of friends decided to turn it into a bar where customers could drink and enjoy music. The dimly lit basement serves beer & cocktails, with a rock ‘n’ roll jukebox and pinball machines to make guests feel at home.
Linda’s Tavern
Opening earlier that year, Linda’s Tavern was one of Cobain’s old haunts and would be regularly visited by the grunge star. Also known as the “grunge Cheers”, this laid-back bar was the last place he was seen in public before his death. Today, fans can head to the cowboy themed tavern and sit in the booth where Cobain was last seen.
The Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel has had numerous rock ‘n’ roll royalty come through its doors, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Nirvana was no stranger to the historic hotel, with one of Kurt Cobain’s final interviews being held on a guest room balcony in August 1933. Guests can stay in one of the rock star themed suites – The Pearl Jam Suite is a popular request featuring grunge décor, a guitar, amplifier and record player.
Museum of Pop Culture
As the birthplace of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix to name a few, Seattle’s music heritage is world-renowned. The eclectic music scene is no better appreciated than at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). Designed by Frank Gehry, the eccentric, colourful building is said to represent the energy and fluidity of music. Inside, there are permanent exhibitions on the aforementioned musicians, a guitar gallery displaying instruments by artists such as Slash and Dave Grohl, and a sound lab where visitors can make their own music. Fans can play tribute at ‘Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses’ – a permanent exhibit offering an intimate look at the band’s past, with more than 200 rare artefacts, photographs, and oral histories.
