The inside story of Nirvana - in pictures

A Cobain-designed poster promoting the band’s first official show under the name Nirvana. The gig, with support from Lush, took place at the Community World theatre, Tacoma (about 30 miles south of Seattle) on 19 March, 1988 Photograph: Experience Music Project

Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Kurt Cobain on the road in Idaho, heading for a Canadian tour, 6 March 1991
Photograph: Shelli Hyrkas

The body of Kurt Cobain's first guitar (a Univox Hi-Flier) that he destroyed on stage Photograph: Experience Music Project

A note from Kurt Cobain to Tam Ohrmund, circa 1988. Ohrmund was acting as Nirvana’s quasi-manager at the time Photograph: Experience Music Project

Grohl, Cobain and Novoselic boarding an aeroplane in Australia
February 1992 Photograph: Shelli Hyrkas

Nirvana's 1989 contract with Sub Pop. At the time Sub Pop had no formal agreement with any of its artists, but signed a contract with Nirvana at the band's insistence. It was to prove fortuitous for the label; when Geffen signed Nirvana the money saved Sub Pop from bankruptcy Photograph: Experience Music Project

The short-sleeve sweater worn by Kurt Cobain on the cover of Spin magazine’s January 1992 edition (the headline read: ‘Nirvana: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’) Photograph: Experience Music Project

Nirvana’s first demo recording, with the tracklisting hand‑written by engineer Jack Endino. The 10 tracks were recorded at Seattle’s Reciprocal studios on 23 January, 1988 Photograph: Experience Music Project

Nirvana's hand written lyrics for Spank Thru, Hairspray Queen and Aeros Zeppelin Photograph: Experience Music Project

Black Fender Stratocaster body fragment, smashed by Kurt Cobain during the recording of Endless, Nameless during the Nevermind sessions, April 1991 Photograph: Experience Music Project