Makayla White
In July 1993, the streets of New York City buzzed with excitement as Nirvana, one of the biggest bands at the time, arrived for a special photo shoot. The famous British music magazine Melody Maker had arranged the shoot, and photographer Stephen Sweet was tasked with capturing the iconic band. This was not just any photo shoot; it was planned to coincide with the band’s performance at the New Music Seminar, a major music industry event.
The Setting: Liberty Theatre
Stephen Sweet picked up Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl by taxicab and brought them to the Liberty Theatre, an abandoned movie theatre on 42nd Street in Manhattan. The Liberty Theatre, once a grand venue, had fallen into disrepair, and its dilapidated state provided a gritty, urban backdrop that suited the band’s image.
The location choice was strategic. Sweet had scouted several spots around the city, but the Liberty Theatre stood out. Its closed-up facade and the stark, impactful slogans that had replaced the movie titles created a unique and striking visual. One of these slogans was “Men Don’t Protect You Anymore,” part of Jenny Holzer’s ‘Survival’ series. Holzer’s work often featured powerful statements designed to provoke thought and reaction, and this particular message added a layer of depth to the shoot.
The Day of the Shoot
The day began in a chaotic fashion, typical of a busy press day. The hotel lobby where Nirvana was staying was packed with photographers, each vying for their turn with the band. Stephen Sweet, scheduled fifth in line, knew he had to act fast to get the best shots. After negotiating with other photographers, he managed to move up the list, ensuring he had enough time to execute his vision.
Kurt Cobain emerged from his room, looking stressed and uncomfortable. Despite his obvious reluctance, the band agreed to head to 41st Street for the shoot. The journey to the location was tense, with Sweet acutely aware of the limited time they had. He needed to make every minute count.
Once at the Liberty Theatre, Sweet quickly set up his shots. The backdrop of the theatre, with its evocative slogans, provided a perfect contrast to the band’s raw, grunge aesthetic. One of the most notable images from the session featured Kurt Cobain standing in front of the “Men Don’t Protect You Anymore” slogan. This powerful visual captured the essence of both the band and the message, creating an iconic image that would be remembered for years.
During the shoot, the band members seemed to relax a bit. Sweet’s choice of location and the intriguing backdrop piqued their interest. While it is unclear if they fully understood the significance of Holzer’s work at the time, the resulting photos conveyed a sense of urgency and introspection that resonated deeply with fans.
The Night Before: Roseland Ballroom
Interestingly, Stephen Sweet had also photographed Nirvana’s performance at the Roseland Ballroom the previous night. The concert was part of the New Music Seminar and took place on July 23, 1993. The energy of the live performance contrasted sharply with the controlled environment of the photo shoot, yet both settings showcased the band’s dynamic presence.
At Roseland, Nirvana delivered a powerful performance, with Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals and the band’s grunge sound electrifying the audience. Sweet captured moments of intensity and emotion, providing a visual record of a band at the height of their power. These live shots complemented the more posed images from the Liberty Theatre, offering a comprehensive look at the band during this period.
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