LIVE NIRVANA TOUR RETROSPECTIVE: PACIFIC RIM NEVERMIND TOUR 1992

02/07/92- Selina's, The Coogee Bay Hotel, Sydney, Australia

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Sound: bar1-l.gif (1K)bar1.gif (1K)bar1-l.gif (1K) 8.5
Setlist: bar1-l.gif (1K)bar1.gif (1K)bar1-l.gif (1K) 9
Enthusiasm: bar1-l.gif (1K)bar4.gif (1K)bar1-l.gif (1K) 8
Banter: bar1-l.gif (1K)bar4.gif (1K)bar1-l.gif (1K) 7
History: bar1-l.gif (1K)bar4.gif (1K)bar1-l.gif (1K) 6

OVERALL:

bar1-l.gif (1K)bar1.gif (1K)bar1-l.gif (1K) 77%

"This song is by the Vaselines, Have you heard of them? I'll make you a tape sometime".

Kurt's opening words of the show as the band bring Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam back into the set for the final show of the tour. Almost immediately their noticeable is the improvement of the band's performance the previous night. Kurt's voice while still sounding strained, remains melodic throughout. The band's musicianship is also strong, with Kurt's guitar cutting out during About A Girl being the only downside.

Polly once again is played with subtlety and poise and even Smells Like Teen Spirit is despatched powerfully. The real highlight though comes towards the end of the set as the band seemingly drift into an awesome electric version of Where Did You Sleep Last Night.

From the rumbling bass intro to the distorted feedback laden chorus it is clear that Nirvana has once again made a song their own. Harnessing the heartfelt menacing lyrics of betrayal and disappointment and adding to them with Nirvana's trademark distortion and feedback is truly inspired and makes a worthy reinterpretation of a classic song.

The band follow this with Love Buzz and a 20-minute feedback jam which rounds out the show.

The Verdict

An excellent performance by the band. While it will be mostly remembered for the awesome rendition of Where Did You Sleep Last Night the show is much more than that and features strong performances throughout. Overall not quite as strong as the Canberra show but a fitting finale to a difficult tour.

Review written by Matt Seward 2002