BBC celebrates 30th anniversary of Nirvana’s Nevermind
September 1, 2021
By Nik Roseveare
This September, BBC Music will celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most influential albums of all time – Nirvana’s second studio album, Nevermind – with a range of programming across BBC TV and radio, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Programming will explore the music of the album in depth, as well as taking a broader look at what made the Seattle grunge bands one of the most significant acts in rock history.
Highlights include:
- When Nirvana Came to Britain – a new documentary for BBC Two, featuring contributions from former members, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic
- 6 Music’s Deep Dive into Nevermind, which sees BBC Radio 6 Music celebrate music of the album, playing tracks from it throughout the day
- Teen Spirit: Nevermind at 30, a new Radio 4 documentary, hosted by author Doug Coupland
- Another chance to see Dave Grohl in conversation with Dermot O’Leary in Reel Stories: Dave Grohl on BBC Two as well as Classic Albums – Nirvana: Nevermind on BBC Four
- BBC Radio 2 programmes including Jo Whiley, Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton and The Rock Show with Johnnie Walker will mark the anniversary
Lorna Clarke, Controller, BBC Pop, said: “Nirvana’s Nevermind was an album that had a huge impact on music at the time – both for the industry and for fans. The longevity and influence of Nirvana as a band is undeniable, with their music holding a special place in the hearts of audiences across the board. So, it’s fitting that BBC Radio and TV are coming together to celebrate this iconic record, thirty years on. It’s another great opportunity for our platforms to come together to mark the big moments in music, as we have done this year with David Bowie: Five Years On, The Glastonbury Experience and Amy Winehouse: 10 Years on, in addition to our upcoming coverage of the Mercury Prize 2021.”
Grohl, Nirvana drummer and now Foo Fighters frontman, commented: “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.”