Explore the never-before-seen archive of music mogul Stephen Pavlovic who brought groundbreaking bands like Nirvana to Australia with the upcoming exhibition ‘Unpopular’. Spotlighting the alternative music scene of the 90s, the exhibition will feature alt-rock mainstays like Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters and Sonic Youth among others.
Unpopular, Powerhouse
Pavlovic began promoting music tours, events and concerts in the 90s before launching the iconic Summersault Festival in Australia. He has since toured with some of the most influential bands of the decade including Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, Nirvana and more. Unpopular dwells deep into Pavlovic’s archives with an insight into these music industry giants like never before. Expect backstage photographs, posters, unseen video footage, unheard music demos, live audio recordings and graphic art. Visitors will also be privy to tour itineraries, setlists, personal handwritten letters and postcards.
Nirvana fans especially are in for a treat. The exhibition features live footage of the band’s first performance in Australia and Kurt Cobain’s Martin Guitar. That’s the same guitar Cobain played for his 1993 MTV Unplugged performance in New York and also holds the record for the most expensive guitar in the world.
Plus listen to oral histories and interviews between Pavlovic and music greats like Dave Grohl, Ian MacKaye, Ad-Rock and Kim Gordon. The musicians will also touch upon their time touring Australia over the years.
A total of 200 items will be on display giving music lovers a unique opportunity to see noteworthy memorabilia of their favourite bands and musicians up close. Unpopular also promises an audio-visual experience with set and costume designer Alice Babidge at the helm. Plus expect new works created by artist Lillian O’Neil and artist/filmmaker Julian Klincewicz.
The exhibition is free to visit so if you’re a 90s kid or just someone who has good taste in music, add this one to your calendar.