“It’s outstanding and one I’ve long been in search of an example I’d pay $500 to own one.”
Collector Scott Mussell is seeking early Nirvana concert posters including this piece from Fort Worth, TX. Contact him at 515.707.7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com.
Concert poster collector Scott Mussell of www.mussellamericana.com, is on a quest to locate several rare early Nirvana posters advertising gigs in the 'lone star state.' Not long after the band set off on an early tour they did a four-show swing through Texas. “Late in June and at the very beginning of July in 1989 Nirvana performed in San Antonio, Huston, Fort Worth and Dallas” Mussell says. “These were still the early days, many of the shows on this tour were performed in front of less than 100 people. The show on July 30, 1989 at “Alfred’s” in San Antonio was likely a private birthday party and I’m not even sure any posters, flyers or handbills were produced.” What Mussell does know is that at least two posters and a flyer were created for subsequent shows in July. On July 1, 1989 Nirvana played at the Axiom in Huston and a flyer was circulated featuring a man on a coroner’s table with his head in a clamp. The bold text at top reads, “Nirvana” and the bottom part of the table has additional text, “With David Von Ohlekking At The Axiom.” The artist for the flier is unknown. “I’ve only seen it once and I believe it was about 11x17 inches but I don’t have exact dimensions. It’s a stark black and white image and a tough find,” Mussell notes, adding, “I’d pay up to $500 for an example and am interested in finding one in any condition.”
Mussell is offering $750 for this flyer for a Nirvana concert in 1989 at the Axiom in Huston, TX is on Mussell's wanted list. Contact him at srmussell@me.com or 515.707.7250 if you have an example to sell.
The next city on the tour produced another poster coveted by Mussell, Fort Worth, TX (image at top). “The Axis Club" was owned by Kelly Parker who was a commanding presence on the local scene. He brought many amazing acts to Fort Worth. Besides Nirvana, he brought in some big acts like Fugazi and The Lemonheads,” notes Mussell. Parker was the owner of several clubs between 1989-1999 that were influential on the local and national scene including the Axis. Additional text on the poster includes “From Seattle- Nirvana." Mussell added “It’s outstanding and one I’ve long been in search of an example I’d pay $500 to own one."
Mussell is offering a $750 reward for this early Nirvana poster from Dallas, TX.
Another poster Mussell’s offering $500 for is very nearly identical but from the show in Dallas on July 3. This was an “After Hours!” show, or so states the poster, that also announces “Free Beer!” Mussell states “This show had the added wrinkle of a secret password. Legend has it that the show offered free entry to those who knew a secrete password.” The poster features similar hand drawn font indicating it was likely produced by the same individual who accomplished the Fort Worth piece. “Probably someone traveling with the band or even one of the members or anyone else with a similar amount of free time,” Mussell notes. The poster is near the top of his most wanted items for his collection. He is offering $500. If you have an example don’t hesitate to contact him at 515-707-7250 anytime or by email at srmussell@me.com. Besides this poster Mussell is seeking other related posters, flyers, handbills and similar artifacts related Nirvana material especially items from the Bleach and pre-SubPop eras. For more information, visit his website at: www.mussellamericana.com or call anytime at 515.707.7250.