Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage.com
![](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/148213162.jpg.jpg)
news
The Week In Music: The Stones Roll Into Middle Age
British rock group celebrates 50th anniversary of their first concert
It was 50 years ago yesterday, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. Sorry, wrong band reference. Nevertheless, July 12 marked the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones' first gig at London's Marquee Club, where a lineup consisting of Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Brian Jones, pianist Ian Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor, and an apparently long-forgotten drummer played blues standards to launch one of the longest-running rock band careers ever. Jagger, Richards, guitarist Ronnie Wood, and drummer Charlie Watts convened to celebrate the occasion in fine fashion in London on Thursday. Richards also revealed the band is rehearsing for an as-yet-to-be-determined celebration tour. Meanwhile, in honor of the Stones officially turning middle age, following is a list of some of the band's titles that won or were nominated for GRAMMYs, or were inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. Let us know your favorite Stones track or album in the comments section below.
Beggars Banquet, GRAMMY Hall Of Fame
Exile On Main St., GRAMMY Hall Of Fame
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," GRAMMY Hall Of Fame
Let It Bleed, GRAMMY Hall Of Fame
Some Girls, Album Of The Year nominee, 1978
Sticky Fingers, GRAMMY Hall Of Fame
Voodoo Lounge, Best Rock Album, 1994
It seems Jagger is also celebrating 4,000 sexual conquests over his career, though those kinds of figures often come with some skepticism, and sometimes large alimony checks.
It's been parodied or covered by everyone from the Harvard baseball team and a poolside Katy Perry to an animated President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Now, someone we'd really like to call has gotten into the act. Sesame Street's Cookie Monster has turned Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" into a lament on his own obsessive/compulsive fixation: cookies. "Me look at you and me tell/You may have Snickerdoodle/Me trade my soul for a bite," sings the perennially cookie-brained Muppets character on "Share It Maybe." Will this be the parody to end all "Call Me Maybe" parodies? Call us doubtful.
As the popular saying goes, bigger is better. But is that true when it comes to drumsticks? (The musical kind, not poultry.) According to residents of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl's hometown of Warren, Ohio, it is true. The town recently unveiled 900-pound drumsticks to honor Ohio native Grohl, who got his first big career break as the drummer for Nirvana. The sticks even pay tribute to Grohl's matching feather tattoos that are etched on his forearms. Showing his appreciation, Grohl took to Twitter, posting a photo with the following message: "To the wonderful city of Warren, from the bottom of my heart I'd like to thank you all so much … For the childhood memories. For my family. For my very own alley. For the worlds largest drumsticks! " His own alley? Yes, the musician even has an alley named after him. We're guessing Grohl's exclusive line of monkey wrenches will be next.
It looks as if he is ready to walk another way. After just two seasons, Steven Tyler has tendered his resignation as a judge on "American Idol" so that he may concentrate more fully on his day job. "I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I'm back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band," said Tyler in a statement. "The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious a**." Aerosmith put their collective boot forward this week with the video debut of "Legendary Child," the new single from their new album, Music From Another Dimension, which is due in November. The band is also currently on tour in the United States with special guests Cheap Trick. As for "American Idol," the show could be getting a Glambert-styled makeover, according to a Billboard report.
Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" is tops on the Billboard Hot 100 and Katy Perry's "Wide Awake" is No. 1 on the iTunes singles chart.
Any news we've missed? Comment below.
For the latest GRAMMY news, visit us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
![Krist Novoselic and Kurt Cobain in Seattle on September 16, 1991.](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/78-79 CPN-Charles Peterson.jpg)
Photo: Charles Peterson
feature
Behind The Scenes With Nirvana Photog Charles Peterson: 6 Images From His New Book
In 'Charles Peterson’s Nirvana,' the Sub Pop photographer chronicles the career of Kurt Cobain and his Seattle band — from their indie days to stardom. Speaking to GRAMMY.com, Peterson shares behind-the-scenes stories about some of his favorite shots.
When photographer Charles Peterson first saw Nirvana at a small Seattle club in 1988, he was so underwhelmed he didn’t bother taking a single picture of them.
The band shared a bill with local act Blood Circus, who, Peterson says, "put on quite a grungy show; lots of hair going everywhere and guitars flying." When Nirvana came on, "they had the lighting guy dim the light really low and Kurt [Cobain] just stood there and stared at his feet. The music came off as kind of heavy, really difficult to play. I just didn’t get it." At one point Peterson even turned to Sub Pop Records co-founder Jonathan Poneman and asked him, "Jon, are you sure about these guys?"
Sub Pop was sure about Nirvana, and would later sign them. And as the label’s in-house photographer, Peterson (who was in his mid-20s at the time) documented the band’s career for the next five years — from their indie days to international stardom. In his latest book, Charles Peterson’s Nirvana, from Minor Matters Books, Peterson has winnowed down his impressive catalog of an estimated 3,000 shots to a well-curated 90.
Released on Feb. 20, Cobain’s birthday, Charles Peterson’s Nirvana features shots from his first session with the band, lounging in the wilds of Bainbridge Island, Washington ("They did have that kind of hippie aspect to them") to his last, a promotional shoot for In Utero ("They all, Kurt especially, just seemed a little tired"). While the book tells the band's story, it's less of a history and more reflective of Peterson's own experience.
As Peterson recalls, Minor Matters Founder Michelle Dunn Marsh defined the book’s direction, believing Peterson's "artistic sensibility and how it moves the viewer and portrays the power of the music" set his work apart from the thousands of other images taken of Nirvana.
Peterson spoke with GRAMMY.com about the stories behind five images in the book. "And like I say in the introduction, go put on a Nirvana record before you look at this book, and you really get that idea of immersion in the music," the photographer advises.
All images © Charles Peterson/Minor Matters Books
Kurt Cobain, University of Washington, Seattle, Jan. 6, 1990
Peterson Got Up Close & On Stage With Nirvana
Peterson had ready access to the band in their pre-Nevermind years. "It was great, in these early days, to be able to just crawl around on the stage, go do whatever I wanted to," he says. "It does bring an intimacy that you lose later on when you’re stuck in a position like the pit or off behind a PA or something."
In his early days of photographing Nirvana, Peterson had free range of movement and often stood behind the band or close at their side. The musicians had also become a lot more active on stage compared to when Peterson first saw them.
Krist Novoselic, University of Washington, Seattle, Jan. 6, 1990
"I don't know what it was, if it was having Chad [Channing] as their drummer or the addition of Jason Everman for a while [on guitar]; maybe that allowed Kurt to worry a little bit less about hitting the chords perfectly so that he could jump around and go face down on the stage and roll around and do all that," Peterson says. "Even so, he’s not holding the audience’s attention. They’re not looking at Kurt; they’re all looking at something over there, which must be somebody stage diving or something.
"It’s all those little details that you pick up on that are great; there’s a piece of crumpled paper in front, and another photographer up in the back," Peterson notes. "And again, in the Krist shot, he's looking at me yet everyone else is looking away. There’s all this other stuff going on that you don’t even have to pay attention to the band. There’s feet in the air here. A lot of Converse in the photos!"
Crowd shot, Motor Sports International Garage, Seattle, Sept. 22, 1990
Nirvana's Audience Was Just As Important — And Interesting
Peterson always focused his lens on the audience as much as the bands. "I love this one because you’ve got a Nirvana shirt there. One person is looking at me; nobody else is. Bare chests. A lot of sweaty, sweaty hair," he says of the above photo, taken at a makeshift venue that was actually a parking garage.
"Seattle crowds, we’re some of the best. And it just didn’t seem right to isolate the power of the bands from the effect that they were having on the audiences," Peterson reflects. "I found that the photos had just that much more power if you could anchor the band in their time and space with the audience, and see what that reaction is between the two, versus it just being the beauty shot of the singer."
Peterson says there was both a symbiotic and cathartic relationship between Nirvana and their fans. "People would be like, ‘Oh my God, look at those audiences in Seattle!’" The photos distill the essence of that relationship. "The bands are great, the personalities in the bands are great…that idea that it’s a complete scene, that the participation of the audience is just as important as the participation of the bands."
Peterson recalls standing next to the PA at stage right during this show.
"What I would do is, with one hand, lean out holding the camera upside down over the audience. And then I would have my flash in the other hand, so that the light gave a nice kind of mottling to it. Not looking through the viewfinder, just photographing. I do a lot of that," he says. "The camera takes the picture whether you’re looking through the viewfinder or not."
Kurt Cobain, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 8, 1991
Peterson Sensed This "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Shot Was Something Special
Peterson knew immediately that something special had occurred when he took this picture. "I remember pushing the shutter on this shot and going, What just happened? But then the show moves on."
A few days later, Peterson was in his darkroom developing the film and finally saw the impact of the moment he captured. He printed the image and a proof sheet, and gave them to Nirvana’s Seattle publicist Susie Tennant, who shared them with Cobain. The picture is on the back of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" single.
The photo became one of Peterson’s most widely reproduced images. "I think what makes a photo iconic is that the photo reads easily and at the same time is larger than life and dramatic," he says. "And despite the fact that it reads easily to the eye, there’s a lot of other stuff, hidden stuff going on that you need to think about.
"It’s also a photo that you can sort of transport to any time and place. It doesn’t necessarily have to be locked in with this particular show or anything. It really goes beyond that and then that ends up standing the test of time."
Krist Novoselic and Kurt Cobain, Beehive Music & Video, Seattle, September 16, 1991
By '91 Nirvana Inspired Mosh Pits Everywhere, Even In Stores
Peterson calls this in-store appearance, a week before Nevermind was released, as "a watershed moment."
"This was the last time I saw them play on a floor, which to me makes for great photos because you’re right there at the same level as them. It really is in your face," he says. "What was totally surprising was the subsequent mosh pit in the store, with people being hoisted on shoulders."
There were also signs of how things were about to change for the band, Peterson recalls. "Kurt was besieged by autograph seekers outside the store. It was the first time I think that really happened to him. He was definitely overwhelmed by it."
Peterson had some challenges in the darkroom when developing this film, which led to a "weird graininess" that differs from many of his other images. "At the time I was like, ‘Oh God!’ But I think it has a unique look that you just don't get with digital now, unless you really manipulate it."
Kurt Cobain, Reading Festival, Reading, UK, August 30, 1992
Kurt Cobain Cared About His Peers
By the time of this show, Nirvana were a bonafide international sensation. The band were plagued by stories of drug use and rumors about an impending break-up, while Courtney Love had just given birth to her and Cobain's daughter. All of which attracted huge media interest in this performance.
"I was a little shocked when I went into the press tent; I had never been to a festival like this before and there were 96 photographers listed on the dry board!" Peterson reflects. "Photographers that were shooting from the pit in the front of the stage, they would bring them out and give them five minutes each."
That was not going to work for Peterson.
"And all of a sudden, Nick Cave finished and there was this huge rush to the stage. And [Nirvana’s UK publicist] Anton Brookes grabs me by the wrist and he’s like, ‘Dude, come with me!’ And we all start running up onto the stage, up the ramp. I was taking a few snaps and then everybody settled into their place. There was Eric Erlandson [from Hole] next to me, and to the right was Mark Arm [from Mudhoney] and some members of L7," Peterson says. "I didn’t have an official stage pass or anything like that, but as long as I was with those guys, it was all cool. That was my spot, so I didn’t dare move from it.
"This photo was a really, really special moment. Kurt, in between songs, he just looked over at us, and mouthed something like, ‘How are you guys doing?’ And we’re like, ‘We’re fine.’ And then we started waving like back at him, like, ‘Go play, dude! Don’t worry about us,’" Peterson remembers.
"It was like he wanted to check in with his peeps on the side of the stage. It’s one of my favorite photos."
A potential volume two of Nirvana photos is being considered, as is a retrospective of Peterson’s work, which includes photos of Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, TAD, Mother Love Bone, Beat Happening, and a multitude of others. But Nirvana invariably tops the list.
"You can talk and write reams about the dramas and the ins and outs. But it’s the power of the music that keeps people coming back," he says of the band. "And the fact that it’s not rooted in a time and place; you can make the music be whatever you want it to be. I mean, half the time you don’t know what Kurt’s singing about or even what the words are, but you can shout your own words along to it if you want. It’s the music that really is that lasting, lasting legacy."
![Foo Fighters GRAMMY Rewind Hero](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Grammy Rewind_FooFIghters_Hero_1920x1080.jpg)
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage
video
GRAMMY Rewind: Foo Fighters Win A GRAMMY For "Walk," The Song They Recorded In Dave Grohl's Garage
Relive one of the Foo Fighters' two wins for "Walk" at the 2012 GRAMMYs, where they ended up taking home five golden gramophones altogether.
The 2012 GRAMMYs were a huge night for the Foo Fighters. Walking in as six-time winners already, the rock band nearly doubled their GRAMMY count with five more golden gramophones that night.
Their two wins for Wasting Light single "Walk," Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song, may have been the most exciting for Dave Grohl and co. Not because it's their biggest hit, but because it's perhaps their grungiest — literally.
"This was a special record for our band," Grohl said as the band accepted their Best Rock Performance GRAMMY. "Rather than go to the best studio down the street in Hollywood, rather than using all the fanciest computers you can buy, we made this one in my garage with microphones and a tape machine."
Grohl went on to praise producer Butch Vig; the making of "Walk" and the acceptance speech reunited the pair, who hadn't worked together since Nirvana.
"To me, this award means a lot because it shows that the human element of making music is what's most important," Grohl explained. "Singing into a microphone, learning to play an instrument and learning to do your craft is the most important thing. It's not about being perfect … It's about what goes on in [your heart] and what goes on in [your head]."
Press play on the video above to watch Foo Fighters' complete acceptance speech for Best Rock Performance at the 2012 GRAMMY Awards, and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.
Foo Fighters Essential Songs: 10 Tracks That Show The Band's Eternal Rock Spirit
![Jacob Collier](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/JacobCollier-GettyImages-1500695240.jpg)
Photo: Mike Lewis Photography/Redferns via Getty Images
list
New Music Friday: Listen To New Music From RIIZE, Norah Jones & Dave Grohl, Mr. Eazi & More
As we hurtle into spooky season, listen to these spooky tracks from Mr. Eazi, RIIZE, Norah Jones & Dave Grohl and more.
As Halloween approaches, this New Music Friday offers a potion of nostalgia, emotions and fresh sounds.
From RIIZE — K-pop's rising stars, who are mesmerizing listeners with their pop hit "Talk Saxy" — to Norah Jones & Dave Grohl uniting for an unexpected collaboration with "Razor," many different genres are being represented today.
Keeping old times alive, Taylor Swift released her highly-anticipated Taylor’s Version of 1989, and Duck Sauce is bringing back their 2011 "Barbra Streisand" sound with their new dance single, "LALALA."
Listen to these seven new tracks and albums that will gear you up for spooky season 2023.
RIIZE - "Talk Saxy"
K-pop’s rising stars, RIIZE, are making a vibrant musical return with their new single, "Talk Saxy," a hypnotic dance track that adds a level of depth to their sound even including a catchy saxophone riff. The lyrics focus on attraction to a stranger, and wanting to get their attention.
"Talk to me exactly what you feel / Hide nothing, show me all and everything / It’s okay, let your heart do what it wants / Get it straight to the point / Talk Saxy," RIIZE croons on the chorus.
This track follows their debut single "Get a Guitar," which launched their announcement that they’d signed with RCA Records. RIIZE is the first boy band group to hail from SM Entertainment since Kpop group NCT. RIIZE members, Shotaro and Sungchan, are notably from NCT, and departed from the K-pop group this year.
Norah Jones & Dave Grohl, "Razor"
Dave Grohl, the frontman of Foo Fighters, graced jazz-pop singer Norah Jones’ podcast with special musical performances, including a cover of "Razor," a rare gem from the Foo Fighters 2005 In Your Honor album.
The track features a calm beat with a tranquil melody and guitar strings and piano, blending their strengths seamlessly. This track follows their collaboration on the In Your Honor track "'Virginia Moon."
During this podcast, Jones announced the release of a Black Friday Exclusive LP Record dropping on Nov. 24. Featuring a collection of podcast episodes with fellow musicians, this looks to be a real treat for fans of Jones and/or her estimable guests.
Jacob Collier feat. Michael McDonald and Lawrence - "Wherever I Go"
Jazz musician Jacob Collier has dropped the song "Wherever I Go," a look into his forthcoming album, Djesse Vol. 4. A track inspired by idols from his childhood including the Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder and more, he’s made a standout collaboration with Michael McDonald and Lawrence to craft a memorable record.
The two-minute track, which includes a strong bassline and soulful vocals, paints an illustration of loneliness from their lover.
The four-part journey of Djesse has gained him five GRAMMY awards and 11 nominations. With Djesse Vol. 4, collaborations such as "Little Blue" with Brandi Carlile to Ty Dolla $ign and Kirk Franklin are showcasing Collier’s versatility and knack for genre syntheses.. He also announced a 2024 North American tour with musicians Kemba and Emily King, celebrating the release of this album.
Mr Eazi - The Evil Genius
Afrobeats sensation Mr. Eazi has unveiled his debut album The Evil Genius. The 16-track record shows Eazi’s ability to blend his rhythms from his hometown Nigeria, with hypnotic grooves from Ghana where he spent most of his years.
The Evil Genius takes listeners through his roots, family, love and loneliness in three acts. His skill in blending different styles of music like Gospel and Ghanian styles, makes him the global phenomenon he is. Eazi chose 13 African artists from eight countries to collaborate on this album, bringing together different parts of Africa.
Enhancing the music album, he has introduced a global art exhibition in Ghana, which features work from young artists across Africa.
Tiësto with Tears for Fears, NIIKO X SWAE, GUDFELLA - "Rule The World (Everybody)"
American DJ & singer Tiësto dropped a fresh new track with Tears For Fears, NIIKO X SWAE and GUDFELLA for a reimagining of the 1985 "Everybody Wants To Rule The World." This heart-racing banger has blended stylistic worlds to imbue a classic song with an even catchier, dance-flavored beat.
NIIKO X SWAE originally released an unofficial remix on Soundcloud, which then went viral on social media.. "Rule The World (Everybody)" could certainly become a new party anthem to put on your ‘Halloweekend’ playlist.
Maria José Llergo - ULTRABELLEZA
Spanish singer María José Llergo released her newest album ULTRABELLEZA, following her 2020 Sanación. The album features songs that transverse between genres like "NOVIX," which features a intricate, Latin rhythm and "Superpoder," a star-studded pop song.
"Flamenco is like the blues," she said in a NY Times interview. Liergo discusses how she incorporated Flamenco, a Spanish art form, into her album in hopes of keeping her cultural traditions rooted in the lyrics that "tell stories of survival — it’s always been a way for the most oppressed to escape."
Duck Sauce - "LALALA"
The hitmakers behind 2010 classics "Barbra Streisand" and "Big Bad Wolf" are back with another dubsmash single called, "LALALA." This duo has made another infectious dance track, which makes listeners transports them to the wildest party of their dreams. "LALALA" feels reminiscent of their past collaborations together, keeping up the nostalgia theme on this special Friday.
The GRAMMY-nominated producers behind Duck Sauce, Armand Van Helden and A-Trak, have recently joined Defected Records’ D4 D4NCE imprint. Keep checking GRAMMY.com on Fridays for a sampler platter of new sounds!
Global Spin: JINI Is Impatient In Love During This Passionate Performance Of Her Debut Solo Single, "C'mon"
news
New Music Friday: Listen To New Music From Norah Jones & Dave Grohl, Mr. Eazi, RIIXE and more
As we hurtle into spooky season, listen to these spooky tracks from Mr. Eazi, RIIZE, Norah Jones & Dave Grohol and more.
As Halloween approaches, this New Music Friday offers a potion of nostalgia, emotions, and fresh sounds.
From RIIZE — K-pop's rising stars, who are mesmerizing listeners with their pop hit “Talk Saxy” — to Norah Jones & Dave Grohl uniting for an unexpected collaboration with “Razor,” many different genres are being represented today.
Keeping old times alive, Taylor Swift released her highly-anticipated Taylor’s Version of 1989, and Duck Sauce is bringing back their 2011 “Barbra Streisand” sound with their new dance single, “LALALA.”
Listen to these seven new tracks that will gear you up for spooky season 2023.
RIIZE - “Talk Saxy”
Kpop’s rising stars, RIIZE, are making a vibrant musical return with their new single, “Talk Saxy,” a hypnotic dance track that adds a level of depth to their sound even including a catchy saxophone riff. The lyrics focus on attraction to a stranger, and wanting to get their attention.
“Talk to me exactly what you feel / Hide nothing, show me all and everything / It’s okay, let your heart do what it wants / Get it straight to the point / Talk Saxy,” RIIZE croons on the chorus.
This track follows their debut single “Get a Guitar,” which launched their announcement to signing with RCA Records. RIIZE is the first boy band group to hail from SM Entertainment since Kpop group NCT. RIIZE members, Shotaro and Sungchan, are notably from NCT, and departed from the K-pop group this year.
Norah Jones & Dave Grohl, "Razor"
Dave Grohl, the frontman of Foo Fighters, graced jazz-pop singer Norah Jones’ podcast with special musical performances, including a cover of “Razor,” a rare gem from the Foo Fighters 2005 In Your Honor album.
The track features a calm beat with a tranquil melody and guitar strings and piano, blending their strengths seamlessly. This track follows their collaboration on the In Your Honor track “'Virginia Moon.”
During this podcast, Jones announced the release of a Black Friday Exclusive LP Record dropping on Nov. 24. Featuring a collection of podcast episodes with fellow musicians, this looks to be a real treat for fans of Jones and/or her estimable guests.
Jacob Collier feat. Michael McDonald and Lawrence - "Wherever I Go"
Jazz musician Jacob Collier has dropped the song “Wherever I Go,” a look into his forthcoming album, Djesse Vol. 4. A track inspired by idols from his childhood including the Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder and more, he’s made a standout collaboration with Michael McDonald and Lawrence to craft a memorable record.
The two-minute track, which includes a strong bassline and soulful vocals, paints an illustration of loneliness from their lover.
**The four-part journey of Djesse has gained him five GRAMMY awards and 11 nominations. With Djesse Vol. 4, collaborations such as “Little Blue” with Brandi Carlile to Ty Dolla $ign and Kirk Franklin are showcasing Collier’s versatility and knack for genre syntheses.. He also announced a 2024 North American tour with musicians Kemba and Emily King, celebrating the release of this album.**
Mr Eazi's - The Evil Genius
Afrobeat sensation Mr. Eazi has unveiled his debut album The Evil Genius. The 16-track record shows Eazi’s ability to blend his rhythms from his hometown Nigeria, with hypnotic grooves from Ghana where he spent most of his years.
The Evil Genius takes listeners through his roots, family, love and loneliness in three acts. His skill in blending different styles of music like Gospel and Ghanian styles, makes him the global phenomenon he is. Eazi chose 13 African artists from eight countries to collaborate on this album, bringing together different parts of Africa.
Enhancing the music album, he has introduced a global art exhibition in Ghana, which features work from young artists across Africa.