He has the word “nevermind” tattooed on his chest. As a young man, he re-created the pool scene on numerous occasions, including for the album’s 10th, 15th, and 25th anniversaries. His lawyer did not immediately respond to Artnet News’s request for comment, nor did representatives for the band.Įlden, now 30 and an artist himself, has had a complicated relationship with the Nirvana cover, among the most recognizable in all of popular music. The defendant is seeking damages, attorney fees, and a jury trial. Courtesy of Geffen Records.Īmong those named in the suit are two surviving former members of Nirvana, drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic the overseers of deceased frontman Kurt Cobain’s estate, including Courtney Love the photographer who took the image, Kirk Weddle as well as several record companies associated with the album. The album cover, shot by Kirk Weddle, features Spencer Elden. Up until now, no comment on the issue was made by the band or reps for Cobain's estate, but Grohl has addressed it in a new interview with the Sunday Times.Nirvana’s 1991 album, Nevermind. He is suing the band's surviving members, Kurt Cobain's estate and others for damages of around $150,000 each, according to documents filed in August. Legal documents also allege Elden could not consent to the use of his image on the album artwork as he was only 4 months old at the time, and that his legal guardians didn’t consent on his behalf.

He says the image is child pornography, claiming the band promised to cover his genitals with a sticker for the album cover but never did. Spencer Elden, now 30, claims he's the naked baby pictured on the cover and is suing the band for child sexual exploitation. The 1991 album cover, which features a naked baby swimming underwater, is one of the most recognisable pieces of cover art in music history – but it looks like that will soon change. Nirvana member Dave Grohl says the band has plans to change its infamous cover album artwork for Nevermind thirty years after its release due to a lawsuit. A 30th anniversary re-release will be altered, according to the musician.

Nirvana nevermind cover change