Nirvana’s hit 1991 album ‘Nevermind’ has been in the headlines recently due to the now grown-up baby on the cover deciding to sue the band. Nirvana’s second studio album changed the alternative music scene forever and catapulted the band into a worldwide success. Considered one of the most influential bands of all time, Nirvana has inspired legions of people to form their own bands and make music.
But what about if other influential and successful bands had performed the songs on the album? Talented Youtuber and musician Steve Walsh has created a video showcasing every song on the album performed by 12 different bands. From Iron Maiden to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Walsh has taken Nirvana’s grunge sound and transformed it into heavy metal, indie, emo, funk, and pop-rock.
Walsh seamlessly alters his voice from the snarling sneer of Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine to the baritone vocals of David Bowie. Not only this, but he changes the simplistic power-chords utilized by Nirvana to galloping heavy metal riffs and soft acoustic strumming. This creative reimaging of one of the most influential rock albums exhibits how varied the sound of every band included is. Walsh’s creativity and breadth of talent as a guitarist and vocalist is seriously to be admired.
From Those Who Inspired To Those Who Were Inspired
Walsh’s take on Nevermind incorporates Iron Maiden, Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, NOFX, Reel Big Fish, Pantera, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie.
Interestingly, some of the artists included by Walsh were inspired by Nirvana, such as indie-rock band Weezer. Other bands in the video were themselves inspirations for Nirvana, such as Led Zepplin and Ozzy Osbourne.
Out of all the tracks, some of the most notable and catchiest reimagines are Come As You Are in the style of Weezer, Lithium in the style of Green Day, and Polly in the style of Ozzy Osbourne.
Walsh has managed to not only pay homage to Nirvana’s biggest album, which was released 30 years ago this year but also display the talents of various artists. Every musician included has both shaped countless peoples’ music taste and incited other bands to start producing music.