As a young man, he re-created the pool scene on numerous occasions, including for the album’s 10th, 15th, and 25th anniversaries. His lawyer did not immediately respond to Artnet News’s request for comment, nor did representatives for the band.Įlden, now 30 and an artist himself, has had a complicated relationship with the Nirvana cover, among the most recognizable in all of popular music. The defendant is seeking damages, attorney fees, and a jury trial.

Courtesy of Geffen Records.Īmong those named in the suit are two surviving former members of Nirvana, drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic the overseers of deceased frontman Kurt Cobain’s estate, including Courtney Love the photographer who took the image, Kirk Weddle as well as several record companies associated with the album. The album cover, shot by Kirk Weddle, features Spencer Elden.

I’m sure we’ll come up with something good,” he told The Sunday Times magazine.Nirvana’s 1991 album, Nevermind. “I have many ideas of how we should alter that cover but we’ll see what happens. Nirvana drummer Grohl – now the frontman of Foo Fighters – has suggested the cover could be “altered” for future reissues, after Spencer requested his genitals be censored in any subsequent releases. In the past, Elden has recreated the cover both as a teenager and an album – while wearing swimming trunks – for the album’s 10th, 20th and 25th anniversaries, and at different times he has described the photo as both “a positive” or something that felt like his “human rights” were revoked. He is seeking actual damages, or liquidated damages amounting to $150,000 from each of the defendants named in the lawsuit, attorneys’ fees and a trial by jury. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team.Įlden has claimed he has “suffered and will continue to suffer lifelong damages” because of the artwork. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.

Nirvana nevermind cover