Cork '91 - When Nirvana and Kurt Cobain came to town

To mark the anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death, Des O’Driscoll looks back on the day in 1991 when the late singer’s band played a support slot at Sir Henry’s in Cork.

'In 2016, a print of Ed Sirrs picture of Kurt Cobain on stage in Sir Henrys Cork in 1991 was placed on one of the buildings on Grand Parade.'

For a generation of Cork music fans, it’s the ultimate ‘I was there’ tale. Nirvana. Sir Henry’s. Tuesday, August 20, 1991. How a little-known trio played support to Sonic Youth in a 750-capacity venue that was less than half full when they took to the stage. It was the first time a European audience had heard ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ played live, and those of us who really were there remain split into two camps. Some recall benevolent indifference to just another support band; others remember brilliance.

Both Nirvana and their well-established label-mates Sonic Youth were playing Cork and the Top Hat in Dun Laoghaire as a warm-up for the Reading Festival and other European dates.