19^th OCTOBER 2022 - OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM KIRK WEDDLE

On September 5, 2022, a federal judge in California dismissed the lawsuit brought by Spencer Elden against me, Nirvana LLC and Universal Music Group and other parties involved in the Nirvana Nevermind album cover.

On September 6^th, Elden’s lawyers filed yet another appeal. So, I am back in court and sadly the book cannot be released at this time because of this latest appeal.

I know this is disappointing for those of you that pre-ordered the book. We are optimistic that this appeal will fail as did the previous three appeals, and you will get the book that you paid for.

To thank you for your patience throughout this lengthy legal process, we will be adding a free Kurt Cobain print to anyone who has pre-order the book.

Thank you again for your patience.
Peace
Kirk Weddle

Update: October 2023.

On October 18th, a hearing was held in a court in Arizona. Both sides stated their argument in regard to the appeal of the November 2022 case dismissal. The panel of three judges are now deliberating, and we’ve been told to expect them to deliver their verdict on the dismissal in approximately 6 weeks. As soon as we have any further news. we’ll issue another statement.

You can pre-order exclusive signed copies of Nirvana: Never Mind the Photos by Kirk Weddle ahead of its release. We hope to have more news soon regarding when we will be able to ship orders.

Modern Rocks Gallery is the only place that will have copies of the book physically signed in by Kirk Weddle, other outlets will have copies with a signed bookplate sticker inside the front sleeve.

• 150 color and black & white photos throughout. Many unseen

Nirvana: Never Mind the Photos will be the first time the photographs will be published as a whole. The book showcases these extraordinary shots, examining just how difficult photographing an underwater baby turned out to be, nevertheless photographing an underwater band. These images of Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic capture the band as they dive in and submerge themselves into the rock icon stratosphere.

When lists are made and articles are written about rock and roll's greatest album covers – there's a consistent name at the top: Nevermind by Nirvana; Nirvana's breakthrough 1991 record that cemented the band's legacy into legend. The image of the baby floating towards a dollar bill on a fish-hook is instantly recognizable as iconic. Now – for the first time in book form – the photographer behind the lens shares his memories from that day, along with his nearly 140 outtakes, including promo shots of the band.

Kirk Weddle, an up-and-coming photographer specializing in “submerged humans,” was called by the album's art director Robert Fisher with the brief. Weddle went to work and over the course of a few days produced not only the album's iconic cover, but also a series of images of the band that were not used at the time. They are all reproduced in the book.

The stories from Weddle of the days shooting – first a series of babies, then a series of the band - paint a picture of a band at the brink of superstardom. Tired from touring, they arrived ‘surprised' to discover that they, too, would have to dive into the pool. “It was a cold, overcast day in Los Angeles. It wasn't the ideal swimming situation” remembers Weddle.

With contributions, essays and quotes throughout – including from Steven Walker, owner of Modern Rocks Gallery (USA), journalist Steve Fairclough and album art director Robert Fisher, coupled with Weddle's own commentary – this one-of-a-kind book is an insightful celebration of one of the world's most iconic images.

Click HERE to see the Nirvana: Never Mind the Photos Deluxe Edition, featuring two signed prints and signed certificate of authenticity presented in a special slipcase.