Music News

Creepy (and Exploitive) Kurt Cobain Souvenirs for Sale

Kurt Cobain’s last earthly address was 171 Lake Washington Boulevard East in Seattle.  Right next the house is a tiny bit of green space called Viretta Park which sports a couple of benches. From the moment he died, that park and those benches became a bucket list destination for hardcore Nirvana fans.

Many visitors took the opportunity to scrawl messages over on the wood slats of those benches.

Kurt Cobain bench copy

The original slats became so marked and scratched up that they had to be replaced in 2008.  And rather than ship then to a landfill, they’re being sold.

Hamilton’s Antique & Estate Auctions in charge of everything.  The description reads:

2 pc. Graffiti signed, unofficial memorial park benches for Kurt Cobain, from Viretta Park, which was a tribute to the late Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the Seattle bank Nirvana. These slats were saved from the landfill on 8-22-08 & rebuilt on similar bench pipes for display. These iconic benches have numerous messages by loving fans & tourists alike. These benches were/are featured in several Seattle magazines & guides. The pipe benches are still located in the park, however they have new wood in place. This is truly a rare find in music.

As I write this, the bidding is up to $230.  Fill yer boots.

(Via AV Club)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39311 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

Let us know what you think!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.