Latest news with #SmellsLikeTeenSpirit
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
New rage room comes to Newport and we tried it out
'The Combat Zone' located in the Kingsway Centre offers a range of fun activities including airsoft, axe throwing, Nerf battles, and a rage room, and being an Argus staff member I headed straight to that rage room! Slots for the rage room were a total of 15 minutes each. We were then decked head to toe in red boiler suites and given leather gloves and protective facemasks. What happened next was absolute chaos. Weapons of destruction at Newport's new rage room (The Combat Zone) (Image: NQ) We were encouraged in a space of 15 minutes to break as many items as possible as fast as we could. Objects available to break ranged from glass bottles and tiles to household items like a flat screen TV, wooden cabinet, and even a washing machine (the flatscreen TV was our personal favourite). Staff at the rage room egged us on 'have you tried smashing it like that?' and 'remember that TV isn't your friend', which made us even more determined to embrace the chaos. A range of 'weapons' were available including metal and wooden baseball bats and hammers. Our Argus volunteer hitting a TV at Newport's new rage room (The Combat Zone) (Image: NQ) Alongside staff encouragement we were also given the option of connecting to the room's Bluetooth speakers. Rage room enthusiasts could pick whatever song they'd like to smash things to. We quite enjoyed cracking a few bottles against the wall to Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' The experience itself cost £50 and in our eyes was worth it. A grand opening took place on Saturday May 26. Newport locals and husband and wife duo Claire and Gary Taylor 44 and 47 are the masterminds behind 'The Combat Zone.' The Combat Zone owners Claire Taylor and Gary Taylor (Image: NQ) Speaking of their first day Claire said: 'We'll we were very nervous this morning but really happy now. 'It's been absolutely amazing we've had so many people coming in that hadn't booked and brilliant interest excellent feedback so a really good morning.' Gary said: 'For me it's got to be the rage room people are going bonkers for it, and to be fair there seems to be a lot of angry people out there." Claire added: 'Come down see what we are about it's something completely new for Newport something like Newport's never seen before.'
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
People are only just realising what the name of iconic band Nirvana actually means
One band that continues to captivate fans nearly four decades on is Nirvana. Originating in Washington in 1987, the American rock group was established by frontman Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. The band cycled through several drummers, most notably Chad Channing, before the iconic Dave Grohl took over the drums in 1990. Nirvana carved a niche in alternative rock and came to be seen as the emblematic face of Generation X. Although they were only active for a brief period of a few years, their influence endures, leaving an indelible mark on the rock genre and inspiring countless artists. Back in the late '80s, Nirvana began building their reputation within the Seattle grunge movement. After signing with independent label Sub Pop, they released their debut album, Bleach, which cultivated a style marked by strong shifts in dynamics—often alternating between serene verses and bombastic, raucous choruses. Their big break came after signing with major label DGC Records in 1990, when they achieved instant mainstream acclaim with "Smells Like Teen Spirit", the lead single from their second album, Nevermind, reports the Mirror US. Despite their fleeting presence on the rock scene, they remain one of the best-selling bands in history. Nirvana's fusion of catchy pop hooks with layers of dissonance, combined with lyrical explorations of societal marginalisation and personal angst, won them a dedicated global following. After extensive tours and the release of their 1992 compilation album 'Incesticide' and EP 'Hormoaning', the band released a third studio album titled 'In Utero' in 1993. The album rocketed to the top of both US and UK album charts and received praise from critics. However, following Cobain's death in 1994, the band ceased making music. Grohl is now renowned for leading the Foo Fighters. Yet, even after all these years, there are fans unaware of the true meaning behind Nirvana's name. The subject gained attention on Reddit when someone posed the query: "What does Nirvana mean to you?" One individual admitted, posting: "I'm going to be honest, they don't cure my depression or instantly lift my spirits. Their music is good, sends a powerful message, and I like them for it. Simple." Another expressed, saying: "Nirvana symbolizes freedom to me. Not being afraid to go against the grain and do what you want. The passion in their music also makes me love it so much, so much feeling and energy in many of their songs." Reflecting on their impact, a fan commented: "The way that they made it cool to be uncool is really awesome to me, I finally felt like there was music that represented how I felt. Nirvana and grunge as a whole has really filled a void in my life that I desperately needed filled." A third shared: "Nostalgia. It's what I heard my older brother listen to as a kid. Also, the music connects with me. I understand the struggles in the lyrics." Meanwhile, another fan also shared: "Nirvana is my favourite band. They sparked my passion for music. Through his lyrics I see Kurt Cobain as a good friend. He's always been there for me, through Nirvana. They helped me through so much s**t I went through and honestly, without their music, I'm not sure where I'd be." Despite millions connecting with their music, it appears there's a more precise explanation of what Nirvana actually signifies. Before his passing, Cobain clarified it in an interview, which recently re-emerged on Facebook. What does Nirvana mean? In a chat with MTV, Cobain once admitted: "It was nine o'clock in the morning, and I was hungover, so I don't know what I said - I don't even remember." When questioned if the name implies "freedom from pain and suffering from the external world", he responded: "That's just the Webster's Dictionary. I mean, that's just straight out of the Webster's Dictionary." The interviewer then asked him if this was his interpretation of punk, and if that's why he selected the name, to which he replied: "Now I remember, yeah, that's why, sure." While the star's response was somewhat vague, he had previously shed some light on the thought process behind the name. According to Far Out, he once revealed: "I wanted a name that was kind of beautiful or nice and pretty instead of a mean, raunchy punk name like the Angry Samoans." The name also seemed particularly apt for Cobain, as it suggested an alignment with his interest in Buddhist teachings, as well as his broader artistic and philosophical tendencies. In Buddhism, "Nirvana" denotes a state of profound freedom and enlightenment. Cobain did express himself to MTV, but many think the frontman was captivated by the word's significant connotations, resonating with ideas of transcending and escaping anguish. The chosen name is considered to encapsulate the band's ethos succinctly, mirroring Cobain's own perspective on life and art. Additionally, the name contributed to the band's enigmatic presence. Set apart from contemporaneous groups, Nirvana's moniker stood out, dissimilar to their peers'. Cobain seemed driven to present his artistic vision distinctively, with a nuance and candour that was scarce in the music scene at that time.
Press and Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Pixies bring noise, nuance and no-nonsense to Aberdeen
Pixies don't do small talk, or encores. They plug in and hammer through 30 songs in just under 90 minutes, with an intensity that still feels slightly dangerous. On Tuesday night, the iconic American band brought their chaotic magic to Hall C at P&J Live in Aberdeen, as part of their UK and European tour. It's a large, stand-alone room within the complex that deserves more attention. The sound's great, and the setup keeps things feeling up close, even in a big room. It's perfect for bands with serious followings who aren't quite in arena territory. Promoters, take note. Pixies essentially invented the loud, quiet, loud dynamic that shaped alternative rock. Kurt Cobain famously admitted Smells Like Teen Spirit was just him trying to write a Pixies song. While their commercial peak has passed, two million Facebook followers and 10 million monthly Spotify streams confirm the band's enduring appeal, and this show proved their bite remains intact. Opening with the surfy fuzz of Monkey Gone to Heaven, they tore through their catalogue. Bone Machine snarled, Gouge Away rattled the ceiling, and frontman Black Francis's howl sliced through Debaser. The audience, a mix of weathered Aberdonians who've followed the band since the '80s and younger converts discovering them live for the first time, initially responded with typical North East restraint. But they soon warmed up, with even the most reserved oil veterans howling 'If man is five!' on cue. There's something wonderfully absurd about watching these rock veterans, now well into their 50s and 60s, still unleashing the same fury they had decades ago. Black Francis barked, bellowed and whispered like a man possessed, while guitarist Joey Santiago carved out that raw, serrated sound. Emma Richardson (formerly of Band of Skulls) handled bass duties with understated confidence. Her locked-in rhythms with drummer David Lovering provided the foundation beneath the chaos. They even squeezed in material from last year's The Night the Zombies Came Out. The newer tracks didn't quite match the visceral punch of the classics, but proved Pixies still have plenty of weirdness left in the tank. They closed with Where Is My Mind, the haunting anthem that's loomed large over indie and grunge playlists for decades, before the house lights came up for the hypnotic Into the White. Earlier in the evening, Midlands duo Big Special opened the show with a politically charged blend of punk, soul and spoken word. One to keep an eye on. They're doing something different, and they mean every word (including the four-letter ones). But this was Pixies' night. A masterclass in how to deliver musical intensity without frills or filler. Nearly four decades into their career, they remain as vital and unsettling as ever. If you enjoyed this story, you may also like: Pixies, Peter Kay and premier league darts: Stellar line-up at P&J Live for 2025
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Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 13 most valuable musical items sold at auction
From iconic instruments to personal keepsakes, celebrity-owned musical items hold a unique allure for collectors and fans. When these treasured artifacts hit the auction block, they often fetch staggering prices, reflecting their historical significance, artistic merit, and the enduring fascination with the musicians who owned them. These aren't just guitars or old song lyrics; they're tangible links to pivotal moments in music history – echoes of creativity, passion, and the intimate connection between an artist and their craft. Each item tells a story, whispering tales of legendary performances, groundbreaking recordings, and the diverse spectrum of music genres and iconic figures. A guitar from a career-defining gig, handwritten lyrics to a timeless anthem, or even stage-worn clothes can become coveted relics, embodying the spirit and legacy of musical giants - so get ready for some jaw-dropping figures as we explore the 13 most valuable musical items ever sold. 1 . Kurt Cobain's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Fender Mustang This blue Fender Mustang was famously played by Kurt Cobain in the iconic music video for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," a defining anthem of the grunge era sold for $4.5 million in 2022 at Julien's Auctions | Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . George Harrison's Futurama Electric Guitar This electric guitar was one of the first proper electric guitars owned by The Beatles' George Harrison, purchased in 1959, and played a role in the band's early sound. It sold for Sold for $1.27 million in 2024 at Julien's Auctions. | Getty Images/Julien's Auctions Photo Sales 3 . Jerry Garcia's "Wolf" Guitar Selling for $1.9 million in 2017 at Guernsey's, this custom-built guitar, with its unique inlay and electronics, was created by luthier Doug Irwin and became one of Jerry Garcia's primary instruments during his later years with the Grateful Dead. | Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Jacket Sold for $1.8 million in 2011 at Julien's Auctions, the iconic red leather jacket, featuring its distinctive "M" logo, was worn by Michael Jackson in the ground-breaking and hugely influential music video for his 1982 album "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time. | Getty Images Photo Sales
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Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 13 most valuable musical items sold at auction
From iconic instruments to personal keepsakes, celebrity-owned musical items hold a unique allure for collectors and fans. When these treasured artifacts hit the auction block, they often fetch staggering prices, reflecting their historical significance, artistic merit, and the enduring fascination with the musicians who owned them. These aren't just guitars or old song lyrics; they're tangible links to pivotal moments in music history – echoes of creativity, passion, and the intimate connection between an artist and their craft. Each item tells a story, whispering tales of legendary performances, groundbreaking recordings, and the diverse spectrum of music genres and iconic figures. A guitar from a career-defining gig, handwritten lyrics to a timeless anthem, or even stage-worn clothes can become coveted relics, embodying the spirit and legacy of musical giants - so get ready for some jaw-dropping figures as we explore the 13 most valuable musical items ever sold. 1 . Kurt Cobain's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Fender Mustang This blue Fender Mustang was famously played by Kurt Cobain in the iconic music video for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," a defining anthem of the grunge era sold for $4.5 million in 2022 at Julien's Auctions | Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . George Harrison's Futurama Electric Guitar This electric guitar was one of the first proper electric guitars owned by The Beatles' George Harrison, purchased in 1959, and played a role in the band's early sound. It sold for Sold for $1.27 million in 2024 at Julien's Auctions. | Getty Images/Julien's Auctions Photo Sales 3 . Jerry Garcia's "Wolf" Guitar Selling for $1.9 million in 2017 at Guernsey's, this custom-built guitar, with its unique inlay and electronics, was created by luthier Doug Irwin and became one of Jerry Garcia's primary instruments during his later years with the Grateful Dead. | Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Jacket Sold for $1.8 million in 2011 at Julien's Auctions, the iconic red leather jacket, featuring its distinctive "M" logo, was worn by Michael Jackson in the ground-breaking and hugely influential music video for his 1982 album "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time. | Getty Images Photo Sales
