'Collectors' dream' signed Nirvana LP up for auction

A unique Nirvana record sleeve is set to be auctioned, and it has a fascinating story behind it. This particular sleeve belongs to the band's iconic album Nevermind, and it features the signatures of all three original members: Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic. The cover art shows a baby swimming underwater with a dollar bill floating nearby, which has become one of the most recognizable images in music history. This signed sleeve was obtained after a concert in Bristol, England, on November 4, 1991, where only about 700 fans were present to witness the performance. After being stored away for over three decades, this rare item will be auctioned at Wessex Auction Rooms in Wiltshire, and it is expected to fetch a price exceeding £10,000. Nirvana was not widely known at the time of this concert, but they were on the verge of becoming global superstars. Martin Hughes, the auctioneer and music expert, expressed his excitement about the sleeve, stating that it might be 'the best-signed example ever to come to market. ' He emphasized the rarity of full sets of Nirvana signatures from this period and noted that having them signed on the cover of such an iconic album is a collector's dream. Hughes, who has a personal connection to Bristol, finds it particularly thrilling to have this local piece of music history included in the auction. He described the concert at the Bierkeller as legendary, and he has known the seller for many years but had never seen this remarkable item until now. The seller, known as Haggis, is a Rock and Metal DJ who managed to get the sleeve signed after the show. He and his friends waited inside the venue for the band to come out, while many other fans were outside hoping to meet them. Haggis explained, 'We knew the guys who ran the Bierkeller and we were also friendly with the door staff, so all this helped immensely with me getting this LP actually signed. ' He recalls a memorable moment when Kurt Cobain asked them, 'Is it just you three? ' as if he was surprised that there weren't more fans waiting. Haggis and his friends wanted to have a private moment with the band, so they replied, 'Yeah, just us three. ' This interaction became a cherished memory for Haggis, and he believes it is a significant part of music history. The auction for the signed Nirvana record sleeve is scheduled for April 16, and it is anticipated to sell for between £12,000 and £15,000, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors and fans alike.