Nirvana - Live at Reading (Live) (2009)

Nirvana - Live at Reading (Live) (2009)

Tracklist, Album Covers and Info

"Breed" – 2:57

"Drain You" – 3:54

"Aneurysm" (Cobain, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic) – 4:34

"School" – 3:12

"Sliver" – 2:13

"In Bloom" – 4:33

"Come as You Are" – 3:34

"Lithium" – 4:23

"About a Girl" – 3:09

"tourette's" – 1:51

"Polly" – 2:48

"Lounge Act" – 3:04

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Cobain, Grohl, Novoselic) – 4:44 (DVD version includes Boston's "More Than a Feeling" intro – 5:30)

"On a Plain" – 3:00

"Negative Creep" – 2:54

"Been a Son" – 3:23

"All Apologies" – 3:25

"Blew" – 5:23

Encore

"Dumb" – 2:34

"Stay Away" – 3:41

"Spank Thru" – 3:05

"Love Buzz" (Robbie van Leeuwen) – 4:56 (DVD version only, Shocking Blue cover)

"The Money Will Roll Right In" (Tom Flynn, Chris Wilson) – 2:13 (Fang cover)

"D-7" (Greg Sage) – 3:43 (Wipers cover)

"Territorial Pissings" (Cobain, Chet Powers) – 4:30

Nirvana Band Members / Musicians

Kurt Cobain – vocals, guitar

Krist Novoselic – bass guitar, backing vocals on "The Money Will Roll Right In"

Dave Grohl – drums, backing vocals

Antony Hodgkinson – dancer

Nirvana – executive producers

Michael Meisel – producer

John Silva – producer

Jeff Fura – DVD producer

Nathaniel Kunkel – 5.1 surround and stereo mixes

Bob Ludwig – audio mastering at Gateway Mastering

Concert originally filmed by Fujisankei Communications International

CCI Digital West – DVD production facility

Kelly McFadden – menu design

Matt Ferguson – authoring

Jared J. White – editorial

Vartan – art direction

Ryan Rogers at Oddopolis – design

Charles Peterson – photography

Monique McGuffin Newman – production manager

Adam Starr – product manager

Live at Reading is a live CD/DVD by American rock band Nirvana, released on November 2, 2009. It features the band's headlining performance at the Reading Festival in Reading, England, on August 30, 1992. Bootlegged for years, the new issues present the performance for the first time mastered and color corrected.

Live at Reading marks the first time that Chet Powers received songwriting credit on a Nirvana release for the use of his lyrics from the song "Get Together" as the intro for "Territorial Pissings".

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Nirvana Full Discography

Nirvana – Live at Reading (Live) (2009): Iconic Grunge Captured

Nirvana, the legendary American rock band that defined the grunge movement of the 1990s, delivered some of the most iconic live performances in rock history. Their 2009 release, Live at Reading, captures the band at their peak during the 1992 Reading Festival, immortalizing Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl in one of their most celebrated live sets.

A Brief Biography of Nirvana

Formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987, Nirvana consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and, from 1990, Dave Grohl (drums). The band rose to international fame with their 1991 album Nevermind, featuring the anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Nirvana’s music combined punk rock rawness, melodic sensibility, and introspective lyrics, giving voice to Generation X and the Seattle grunge movement. Their sound was characterized by dynamic contrasts between quiet verses and explosive choruses, often referred to as the “loud-quiet-loud” style.

Despite their relatively short career, Nirvana’s influence on alternative rock is immense, and they are often regarded as one of the most important bands in rock history.

Live at Reading (Live) (2009) – Album Overview

Released in 2009, Live at Reading is a double live album and concert video that captures Nirvana’s performance at the Reading Festival in England, August 30, 1992. This concert is widely considered one of the greatest live rock performances ever, showcasing the band’s raw energy, tight musicianship, and Kurt Cobain’s charismatic stage presence.

Key Tracks:

• “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – A performance of their signature hit that ignited the crowd.

• “Come As You Are” – Showcasing Nirvana’s melodic depth in contrast to their heavier tracks.

• “Lithium” – A fan favorite featuring powerful dynamic shifts and Cobain’s intense vocals.

• “All Apologies” – Performed with emotional resonance and raw authenticity.

• “Breed” & “Territorial Pissings” – High-energy punk-infused tracks demonstrating Nirvana’s grunge roots.

The concert also includes rare covers, like David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World”, highlighting Nirvana’s influences and versatility.

Nirvana Discography Context

• 1989 – Bleach – Debut album, raw and heavy with punk influences

• 1991 – Nevermind – Global breakthrough, grunge anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit

• 1993 – In Utero – Darker, more abrasive sound, critically acclaimed

• 2002 – From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah – Posthumous live compilation

• 2009 – Live at Reading – Iconic live performance, capturing the band at their peak

While Nirvana’s studio albums are legendary, live performances like Live at Reading reveal the intensity, improvisation, and energy that made the band unforgettable on stage.

Concert Highlights

The Reading Festival performance is considered historic for several reasons:

• The band played one of their longest live sets, over 90 minutes, including hits, deep cuts, and covers.

• The audience, estimated at 65,000 people, responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, creating an electric festival atmosphere.

• Cobain’s stage presence was charismatic yet unpredictable, perfectly capturing the spirit of grunge rebellion.

• The performance included rare renditions of tracks like Aneurysm and School, delighting hardcore fans.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• The 2009 release was issued both as a CD/DVD combo and digital download, giving fans full audio and visual access to the concert.

• Kurt Cobain smashed guitars during the performance, a signature move highlighting his punk-rock energy and frustration with fame.

• The cover of “The Man Who Sold the World” became one of Nirvana’s most recognized live interpretations.

• This Reading performance occurred during the tour for Nevermind, when the band was at the height of their fame.

• Many critics and fans consider this show the definitive Nirvana live performance, often ranking it among the greatest rock concerts ever.

The Legacy of Live at Reading

Live at Reading (2009) immortalizes Nirvana as a live force of the early 1990s, capturing the raw energy, authenticity, and emotional depth that defined the band. For fans of grunge, alternative rock, or live music history, this album is essential listening, providing a front-row experience of Nirvana at their prime.

Even decades later, Live at Reading remains a benchmark for live rock albums, demonstrating how a band can combine raw power, melodic sensibility, and stage charisma into an unforgettable performance. 🎸🔥