This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/7/2024
Incredible "Smells Like Teen Spirit" 12" Picture Disk has been boldly autographed by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and David Grohl in black felt tip marker. Cobain has added the inscription "I am a Rockstar". Arguably the band’s most iconic album cover, this is an essential Nirvana-signed piece dating to the hit single's 30th anniversary. Rolling Stone Magazine recently named it the 5th best song of all time. The picture disk is overall in fine condition. Accompanied by full Letters of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication, Autograph COA, and Roger Epperson Authentication.
According to Kathleen Hanna of the punk band Bikini Kill, the title 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' was inspired by deodorant worn by her bandmate Tobi Vail, whom Cobain was then dating. After a long night of drinking, Hanna and Cobain crashed at the latter’s hotel room in August 1990. As Cobain slept, Hanna amused herself by scrawling 'Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit' on the motel room wall, inferring that Vail had marked Cobain with her scent. Unaware of the deodorant brand, Cobain interpreted Hanna's motel graffiti as a revolutionary slogan. The composition of the song, which Cobain revealed in a 1994 Rolling Stone interview, is rooted in the Boston rock scene: 'I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it. When I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily that I should have been in that band—or at least a Pixies cover band. We used their sense of dynamics, being soft and quiet and then loud and hard.' The release of Nevermind and 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' helped power the Seattle grunge trio into the rock and roll mainstream by the close of 1991.