Photo by P.B. Rage via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Listen: Nirvana Live in New Orleans (1993)

Alternative rock pioneer Kurt Cobain would have turned 50 today. The Nirvana frontman, who is rightfully credited with introducing grunge music to the mainstream, was just 27 when he committed suicide in 1994.

Nirvana’s brief stint with superstardom began with the release of their groundbreaking, smash hit album Nevermind in September 1991. For two-and-a-half years the group dominated rock radio, with many calling Cobain the voice of his generation (though the man himself was not particularly fond of this designation). Nirvana only made one stop in New Orleans during that time—a December 3, 1993 concert at the UNO Lakefront Arena—but fortunately there’s a decent audience recording of the show floating around online.

All but the night’s first two songs can be heard on the recording, which provides a fascinating taste of the band’s live sound. The band’s raw style came through quite nicely on their albums, but apparently it was even more pronounced in concert.

Nirvana in New Orleans. December 3, 1993 Setlist

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter*, Drain You*, Breed, Serve The Servants, Come As You Are, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Sliver, Dumb, In Bloom, About A Girl, Lithium, Pennyroyal Tea, School, Polly, Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle, Milk It, Rape Me, Territorial Pissings, Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam, The Man Who Sold The World, All Apologies, Scentless Apprentice, Heart-Shaped Box,  Blew

*Not included on recoring