Paul McCartney And Nirvana?
The Internet was buzzing this morning with the news that Nirvana, the legendary 90s grunge band, was reuniting to play a benefit for the victims of Hurricane Sandy tonight. Nirvana broke up in 1994 after Kurt Cobain, the band’s lead singer and guitarist, took his own life. Now, to replace Cobain, the band’s former drummer, Dave Grohl, recruited Paul McCartney.
As the scene was described to the Guardian:
A spokesman confirmed that Grohl recently asked McCartney to come along to “jam with some mates”.The former Beatle suggested they “just make something up” and found himself playing with Grohl on drums, bassist Novoselic and guitarist Pat Smear, who toured with Nirvana for the last six months of the band’s career. Kurt Cobain took his own life in April 1994.McCartney said: “I didn’t really know who they were. They are saying how good it is to be back together. I said: ‘Whoa? You guys haven’t played together for all that time?’ ”And somebody whispered to me: ‘That’s Nirvana. You’re Kurt.’ I couldn’t believe it.”
This is perhaps as adroit a manipulation of the press as possible. By being able to spring the combination of McCartney and Nirvana on the public the very day of concert has sparked a media frenzy that is certain to drive millions of curious viewers watch. The press loves surprise breaking news almost as much as music fans love the Beatles and Nirvana. As reporters try to scout out more details about McCartney’s secret rehearsals with Nirvana, the Twitter hashtag #nirvanabeatlessongs has taken off and excitement has built for the benefit concert tonight at Madison Square Garden.
This last-minute surprise is a naked publicity stunt but it still works. After all, Paul McCartney is joining Nirvana for a night! It may be crude and manipulative but who cares?
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