Nirvana released Nevermind on 24 September 1991, turning the band into an international success and bringing Seattle’s grunge scene to a global audience. Its blend of heavy rock, pop accessibility and Kurt Cobain’s raw, personal songwriting helped displace glam and hair metal while influencing mainstream music. Cobain became known as the reluctant “voice of a generation”, despite repeatedly rejecting that role.

The album initially sold rapidly in the Pacific Northwest before “Smells Like Teen Spirit” drove wider success across the United States. It was certified Gold, then Platinum by November, and has since reached 13-times Platinum status for 13 million US sales. Nevermind also encouraged interest in bands including Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, while introducing many listeners to punk rock and socially conscious alternative music.