Nirvana's Reading 1992 Gig Could Have Been a Disaster
In a few weeks Nirvana will release the Reading Festival concert. It was filmed in 1992 by Japanese television and has only been available in low-fi / resolution bootleg. We watched the show late last year and it rocked so much we come to the conclusion that it should be officially released.
Krist Novoselic played bass in Nirvana, and is a regular contributor to Reverb. His column on music and politics runs every Tuesday on the Daily Weekly.
Reading 1992 was a triumph for the band, but it could have been a disaster. We were headlining a huge festival and the appearance was preceded with many rumors that we weren't going to make it - or if we did, we'd blow it.
We were aware of this. So we made a joke. Music journalist Everett True pushed Kurt out on stage in wheelchair. I tried to say a few words as part of the joke - but somehow got all frozen. Not even the beer could loosen me up. Oh yes - the whole gag was funny. Yess Funnee? HAW HAW - Oh those feelings inside!
Anyway, the gag worked only because the band rocked intensely for the whole show. It was like what would happen at a Nirvana rehearsal. We'd show up with all these problems under the surface, but once we started playing it transported us to a place that felt right. Rock as therapy!
Reading has a lot of musical warts, but instead of doctoring the playing in the studio, we left it alone. What you hear is what you get. Nathaniel Kunkel did great work on the mix. It's a blast to listen in 5.1.
I think the show was such a success because of the audience. They gave so much that it was easy to swat it back. The best moment is the crowd sing-a-long to "Lithium."
I'm happy to have moments like Reading to look back on in my Nirvana memories!
51 comment(s)
NV Misfit says:
I'm going to be one of the first people to buy this! Thanks so much for sharing and for all the great music.I only wish I could have seen you guys perform live,but I didn't really know about Nirvana until after Kurt passed away.I'll never get tired of watching Nirvana play live.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 1:16PM
kaitlyn says:
Thanks so much for officially releasing this Krist. I will be one of the first in like to buy it! :)
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 1:30PM
kaitlyn says:
line* haha
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 1:31PM
Haley says:
Ah awesome! I can't wait. You rule my life.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 1:49PM
Simon says:
Sat here watching live ! tonight ! soldout ! and as I read this article lithium from Reading was playing ........spooky, can't wait for the DVD :-)
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 3:40PM
Nathan James Page says:
I was at that gig, exactly half of my lifetime ago... Shite, is it really that long ago? I was at Reading '91 too, Nirvana were the first band on the main stage, not too many people new about them and within a year they were the biggest band on the World, headlining the main stage. Good times, I saw Pavement that year too and have bought tickets today to see them play ATP... Excited doesn't come close!
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 6:14PM
Blake says:
I already pre-ordered my copy - I am so grateful that this has been released. Thanks so much for giving us the chance to see this in the way it should be. I never saw the bootleg version and I missed Reading Festival '92 by a year. It would have been my only chance to have seen Nirvana, but due to my personal circumstances at the time, I never got to go. And that's one of the many reasons that I am so pleased and appreciative that this has become available for us those who went and want to remember and those who never got to go. Thank you.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 8:53PM
Jonathan says:
I'm so excited for this! I wish I knew someone with a 5.1 sound system though.
Any idea where that guitar is today that Kurt is playing @ Reading? (the Fender Jaguar)
I'd love to see it on display somewhere.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 9 2009 @ 11:45PM
Stefan says:
Svaka čast što ste odlučili da ovakav koncert "izbacite" u prodaju.
Već je naručen, tako da, jedva čekam.
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 10 2009 @ 3:27AM
josh says:
finally they release this, thank you Krist
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 10 2009 @ 11:03AM
Buddy Payne says:
Krist,
do you think you'll play Reading again?
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 10 2009 @ 1:29PM
Mark says:
"I'm happy to have moments like Reading to look back on in my Nirvana memories!" And we're lucky that you're open to sharing them.
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 10 2009 @ 2:46PM
Melissa says:
Thanks so much for this. Nirvana always has and always will mean so much to me. :)
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 10 2009 @ 3:03PM
Hunter says:
Thank you Krist!! I will be getting this. Hopefully some In Utero tour stuff becomes available soon. Please, please, please!!!
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 10 2009 @ 3:18PM
zebach says:
Yeah, This one is gonna rock! Thanks Krist.
Posted On: Sunday, Oct. 11 2009 @ 10:58PM
Cristian Cienfuegos says:
That awesome Krist!! please, let me say Krist that im a big big fan of Nirvana!, im a little sad because when a was starting to hear nirvana i was so poor and didnt have the opportunity to see you playing, and the first concert I ever saw was the Reading Festival! maan you really rock!! don't get me wrong, but, a lot of nirvana concert can be found on youtube, but I always look at amazon or something where i can find a nirvana concert on dvd, but is so dificult, there is no much items.
I wish you could make a dvd or bluray of this concert or the mtv live and loud!
Man, youre awesome (this is like a dream that i could be talking directly to kris!!)
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 12 2009 @ 7:49AM
mark says:
Nirvana Live at Reading will be available November 3 in CD/DVD, CD-only, and DVD-only formats courtesy of Universal; a double-LP version comes out a couple weeks later, on November 17.
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 12 2009 @ 11:28AM
mark says:
What I really wanna know, is how do I get my grubby hands on an advanced promotional copy?!! hee hee. Lithium is gonna be like a religious experience, ha.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 5:36AM
mark says:
Yeah! where do i get my hands on an advanced promotional copy?
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 10:00AM
Toya says:
I can't wait to get the DVD! Thanks for all of the great music! You rock!!
Been a fan since 1991!!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 7:50PM
Steve says:
Day one purchase for sure. I hope the releases don't stop here. Another show in particular I think deserves to be released as well is the MTV Live and Loud. I would love to see that complete unedited show.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 8:55PM
astarr68 says:
check out the video for SCHOOL from the Reading DVD on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwvpaXXG34A
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 14 2009 @ 12:06PM
mark neal says:
You can pre order Nirvana Bleach vinyl from subpop now!
http://www.subpop.com/releases/nirvana/full_lengths/bleach_deluxe_edition
Cant wait to get this, gonna be sick!
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 14 2009 @ 5:04PM
zebach says:
Thanks, once again. -This is gonna ROCK!!! I'll donate to the cause.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 16 2009 @ 5:45AM
Ryan says:
LOVE nirvana. you 3 will live forever. :)
most of all i love the band's spirit. live fast
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 16 2009 @ 8:20AM
Anonymous says:
thanks from Poland Krist!!!!!!!!!
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 19 2009 @ 7:30AM
mariusz says:
NIRVANA THE BEST.
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 19 2009 @ 7:32AM
Ivana says:
Croatia loves you!!!
But you probably know that...;-)
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 21 2009 @ 5:11AM
eric says:
12/13/93 Seattle,WA @ "Pier 48" was a standard show from the In Utero tour. MTV decided to film PART of the Seattle show for their new years special "Live and Loud". What footage exists has been aired om television.... many times! The entire show was not completely professionaly filmed. There are a few complete audience videos floating around in bad quality. AND a complete camcorder version shot by Eric of "Hole". Therefore, I dont think the entire show could be released! Other "complete" Nirvana shows on pro-video that could possibly be released are 10/30/92 Argentina. It was kind of a mess so I doubt it will ever be released. 1/23/93 Rio brazil. Aired a few times in Brazil... 10/19/91 Rome,Italy 10/31/9 Seattle Paramount Theatre, Any show of the August 1991 mini tour with Sonic Youth shot by Dave M. as well as many others!
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 21 2009 @ 7:30AM
Rod Keys says:
eric says: "The entire show was not completely professionaly filmed."
It's really hard to believe that MTV would not shoot the concert in it's totality. It just don't seem logical. I guess that only an official answer by MTV would confirm or deny this rumor.
In my opinion, I think that in the network files from that particular show we could find the parts that are missing professionaly filmed.
If one day the concert would be released on DVD, it should be interesting to feature the rehearsals that are on Yutube just like the UINY DVD, as well as the interviews for MTV from that same period.
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 21 2009 @ 12:03PM
John Ceperich says:
Sometimes you just have to sit back, fold your hands behind your head and say "Ah the life of an artist."
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 1:09PM
Sung Hyeop, Hwang says:
Hi, Krist!!! this is fan from south korea. in korea, Nirvana is still remembered by many young people. I have listened to band's music for more than 15 years(that was around 1995 when I first listen to Nirvana in Radio airplay-at that time I was little kid). many young people(so many!!!) want to know Nirvana and their acting. therefore, I think upcoming reading CD is really important for many people to introduce. anyway south korea's young loves you and Nirvana, Dave also Kirt. and we always remember band's friendship!!!
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 3:13PM
Sung Hyeop, Hwang says:
oh my god...
sorry krist and other fans!! I have big mistake on your homepage.
Kurt!!! re-write....
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 3:16PM
Roger Vergara says:
Thanks Krist, this is for you:
http://www.rtve.es/mediateca/videos/20090203/kurt-cobain-entrevista-oasis-antes-del-ultimo-concierto-gira/467126.shtml
Greetings!
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 4:06PM
Denisse says:
Hi Kris, man, you´re awesome this is like a dream come true that i could be talking almost directly to you. Really you must think... these people exaggerate to past so much time since Nirvana, but isn´t for me i´m fan since 15 years ago, and never, never tired to listen and see NIRVANA.
Please forgive my english, i´m from Chile and my language is Spanish.
I love when read this articule and felt the emotion of your words on having spoken about your recollections... "Oh those feelings inside!" i hope i could say this about any memory sometime in the way you did. Lucky, lucky you To have known this sweet, wonderfull and delicate person, and more been his close friend and suport.
The other day i saw a few pictures where you and Kurt was sleeping in a floor, other one in that he was sat in your legs and the clasic the mouth kiss, beautifull !!
there is no better person than you for coment everything related with Nirvana and i wish you Fight for keep the Spirit and legacy of nirvana live forever, and with this i mean a "no -commercial attitude" . I mean the video, and any material free for internet, just like Kurt had wanted it...Not to enrich more with Nirvana and with the figure of my lovely Kurt...
Thanks for sharing with us your memories i hope there´s more, Love, peace and kisses for you.
PD: Can I speak you in spanish?
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 5:15PM
Mk says:
Hello Krist.
I have your next project:-
Dave: Vox + geetar
Pat: Geetar
You: Bass
Chad: Drums
(Song selection very important!!!)
World tour (or just the pubs in australia! haha)
Perleeeeaaaaaasseeeee do this!
I truely think you guys deserve to do it! Kurt would have thought it totally cool because it would to some extent dismantle the shrine he has made for himself unwittingly.
AND....
I just know you'd sound GREAT!
cheers matey!
(ps/ don't get in a new singer, it never works. except accadacca and AIC)
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 22 2009 @ 10:20PM
Eric says:
Well, I know for a fact that MTV did not film the entire 12/13/93 "MTV live&loud" Seattle show. They often only filmed 20 minutes of clips or 3-4 songs. The length of "live and loud" and the songs to be filmed were already decided before the concert... (they played a somewhat standard In Utero setlist for the audience) There are various clips of the rehearsals floating around, various edits of the pro shots as well as the complete unedited show shot on a handycam by Eric of HOLE. walks around behind the stage during songs and from side to side. It is in horrible 15th generation like quality. You can clearly see the MTV cameras moving around and ONLY for the aired songs... That is how I know... I have been into this long before you tube... VHS collector.! I use to trade with filmers
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 23 2009 @ 10:51AM
Stephen Perry says:
Not only its the 1 of the best concerts in history of music and nirvana its also the longest setlist u guys done. but yah cant wait!!!!!!!!!
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 23 2009 @ 11:41AM
Anonymous says:
this is a must have for any nirvana fan!i can't wait!its on my birthday list top item!
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 23 2009 @ 3:40PM
lee says:
i'd love to see nirvana at argentina on dvd aswell as at hollywood rock fest, amsterdam and rome
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 24 2009 @ 5:14PM
Joey Doyle says:
You Rock Krist man!
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 26 2009 @ 12:01AM
Gry Svendsen says:
Thank you Krist! Have pre-ordered the box-set...can't wait to get it in my hands and watch/hear it!
Still waiting for the whole Live and Loud to come out. Haha...I'll be waiting for it!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 10:22AM
Thierry Fontaine says:
hey krist,could you check out my nirvana covers and tell me what you think about them?? http:www.myspace.com/thierryfontaine
i also have 1 beatles cover...
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 27 2009 @ 10:51PM
danandcan says:
This is great news for us who never got to see NIRVANA live I will cherish this DVD and hope to afford a T.V with a good enough speakers to do it justice. Thanks for releasing this concert and thanks for the great music from nirvana
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 28 2009 @ 10:33AM
A Kid from Boston, MA says:
Now, I didn't grow up listening to the Seattle sound but I really appreciate all of the work that you, Kurt, and Dave put into your music... your songs are masterpieces and inspire me when I perform... I play the guitar and bass.
Nirvana has changed my life.
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 29 2009 @ 7:48PM
claret badger says:
I remember talking with Krist back stage before they went on - and he asked me if I wanted to go onstage as his "stunt double"
I said no
Oh what is is to be cool and young!
regrets? I have a few . . . .
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 4:24AM
Anders Persson says:
Krist,
Thanks for putting out this show on DVD - it will be great top finally watch/hear in good condition. Now we're only waiting for the 1991 show to get a decent treatment on DVD, and also the Seattle Halloween 1991 show which apparently was professionally filmed. In my opinion the most exciting shows were the ones in 1991, especially the ones just before Nevermind was released. Would also love to get the "1991: Year that punk broke" on a decent DVD-release....
Saw Nirvana in Stockholm in the summer of 1992. It was a good show but the thing that really stuck was the hilarious jokes you guys cracked in between songs, the interview you gave for swedish TV was also very funny (not all of course, but a lot of it)...it's really sad that side of Nirvana really never was given any serious attention :)
Best regards from Stockholm.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 2 2009 @ 4:28PM
Travis Jordan says:
Thank you Krist, and everyone else invloved in the release. I just wish I was a little older in 92, so I could have been old enough to enjoy you guys and see one of your shows! Got another addition to the Nirvana collection! Thanks again
Trav
Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 @ 11:22PM
paddy says:
Thanks Krist for your contribution to my favourite band of all time.Its a pity there aint more current bands like ye who would play from the heart without consideration for materialistic rewards...
P.s i read somewhere else on this site that people dont know bleach....all nirvana albums have been as well known as each other in ireland(known by rock fans,not hiphop or dance fans)...not at the start im sure but definitely since 94 so couldnt understand how it wouldnt be same in US?
Posted On: Friday, Nov. 6 2009 @ 6:40AM
federica says:
Live at Reading...could have been a disaster?...mmm... if so,it would certainly have been merely a wonderful disaster!
I may be wrong,but I think that a pretty positive atmosphere and also a kind of very loose and playful attitude were marking the performance that night.Nirvana was still breathing out energy and art and freedom...it was not the end!It just could be the beginning of a new path...
And then there was the sweet smile on Kurt's face while the obedient crowd cried all together "Courtney we love you!",well,I think that smile is one of the greatest moments of the show...
Posted On: Sunday, Dec. 20 2009 @ 10:16AM
Watch Misfits says:
Can't wait for the second season of Misfits. Easily the best new show of 2009 can't wait to see how the cliffhanger is resolved.
Posted On: Sunday, Jan. 10 2010 @ 5:56AM