Dave Grohl reacts to ‘Nevermind’ lawsuit: “He’s got a ‘Nevermind’ tattoo. I don’t”
"I feel the same way most people do in that I have to disagree. That’s all I’ll say.”
By Jen Thomas
Foo Fighters and Nirvana’s Dave Grohl has talked about the ongoing lawsuit between the man who appeared on the cover of the ‘Nevermind’ artwork when he was a baby.
Spencer Elden is suing Nirvana and people connected to them, claiming the image of him in a swimming pool as a child is an example of child pornography and sexual exploitation.
He has sued Kurt Cobain’s estate and the surviving members of Nirvana.
Grohl previously referenced the ongoing action when he said he has many ideas of how they can alter the iconic cover in the future.
The drummer has now talked about Spencer’s case in a new interview with Vulture, but remained largely vague about the issue.
Grohl said: “I don’t know that I can speak on it because I haven’t spent too much time thinking about it. I feel the same way most people do in that I have to disagree. That’s all I’ll say.”
He was then asked how he feels about the fact Spencer did photoshoots where he recreated the cover as an adult.
Grohl replied: “Listen, he’s got a ‘Nevermind’ tattoo. I don’t.”
It’s the 30th anniversary of the album, and an anniversary reissue is due to be released on November 12.
Elden wants his image censored on any reissue.
His lawyer, Maggie Mabie told The Associated Press: “If there is a 30th anniversary re-release, he wants for the entire world not to see his genitals.”
Elden’s lawsuit alleges the band “intentionally commercially marketed Spencer’s child pornography and leveraged the shocking nature of his image to promote themselves and their music at his expense.”
It’s claimed he suffered “lifelong damages” because of the imagery, and Elden is seeking at least $150,000 from more than a dozen named defendants.
At the time of writing, pre-orders for the various deluxe editions due to be released in November are available on Nirvana’s website. The cover art still features the uncensored version of Elden’s image.
Fender also announced a special reissued guitar based on Kurt’s design would be released for the 30th anniversary.