Bonhams to offer Nirvana concert footage that includes never-before-seen material, with full U.S. copyright, during its Unplugged & Unforgettable: Music Auction sale, running online from today September 16th through to 25th. Capturing the band promoting their debut studio album Bleach, in which they play 13 songs, including staples “About a Girl,” “Negative Creep,” and “Blew,” this unreleased, fresh-to-market video and audio footage comes to auction after having been stored and untouched for 35 years and is estimated at $100,000 – 150,000.
Through a two-camera set up, shot by two UC San Diego film students, the raw master footage captures over 45 minutes of Kurt Cobain (Guitar and vocals), Krist Novoselic (Bassist), and Chad Channing (Drums) during the live and wild performance on February 17, 1990, at Iguanas, in Tijuana, Mexico. During the electrifying show, as seen in the footage, Kurt Cobain, dressed in an iconic plaid flannel, is seen speaking to the audience, diving into the crowd seven times, and smashing two guitars.
“We at Bonhams are honoured to bring such rare and extraordinary footage to market for the very first time,” commented Claire Tole-Moir, Bonhams Head of Popular Culture. “It’s a privilege to engage with material that captures such an iconic moment in music history, especially from a band as legendary as Nirvana. Not only is this footage a testament to the band’s raw energy and influence, but also a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of live performance.”
Also included with the raw master footage are a professionally edited concert video, digitised masters, a selection of still images, as well as original memorabilia including a white vinyl pressing of Bleach, an original tour poster, and additional items.
Unplugged & Unforgettable Music Auction 16th – 25th Sep 2025 Bohmas Online, Los Angeles
