Kurt Cobain 30th anniversary gig: Nirvana’s music is practically in my DNA at this stage

For Pete Mac, the founder member of Cork band Paradox, hearing Kurt Cobain’s music changed everything for him,

“I discovered Nirvana when I was about 10-years-old after hearing ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’,” he said.

“At the time, my music radar was basically what my older brothers were listening to, bands like Guns ‘n’ Roses and Iron Maiden.

“I initially liked the heavy guitars and attitudes, but I didn’t really relate that much.

“But when I first heard Nirvana and Kurt’s voice, I knew I had found my own music and voice.

“The first album I ever owned was Nevermind actually, I purchased it on cassette the first chance I could get and I’ve collected so many old bootlegs over the years.

“I still have a lot of the tapes that you used to be able to buy with the photocopied sleeve!

“Two years later, in 1994, I watched the news in disbelief as the presenter announced his death — that same year I picked up the guitar and started playing and writing music. I don’t think I would have started playing music if it wasn’t for Nirvana.”

Unfortunately for Pete — and so many other Nirvana fans — he never got the chance to see them play live.

“I played those cassettes into the ground, and did my best to keep track of the band’s progress through the various rock music magazines in Easons, there was no internet or social media back then,” he said.

“I remember reading in the newspaper, in 1992, that Nirvana were to play the Point Depot, in Dublin. I would have given anything to go but, at the age of 10, that was not possible.”

Nirvana not only inspired Pete to play music, but he also credits them with how he plays it.

He added: “The way Kurt played guitar was my teaching process growing up. I’ve known these songs for years, their tuning, style, and Kurt’s way of freestyling a guitar solo. One of the main things I’ve always liked about Nirvana and Kurt’s playing was that their music and songs were relatively simple.

“It wasn’t so much about technical ability and more to do with the energy they brought across. They had such an impact on a huge scale, they were Punk Rock for sure — and in so many ways.”

Pete and some musician friends decided to mark the 20th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death in 2014.

“We organised a once-off show at the Crane Lane, playing a full set of Nirvana. We were joined by West Cork band Screenreader, fronted by musician Brian Casey.

“We didn’t really expect anything other than a good night and a celebration of Nirvana’s music.

“That show was a complete full house, with people standing outside trying to get in. The atmosphere was electric and a testament to the music of Nirvana, with the enthusiastic crowd singing back every song.

“That led to a second show in DeBarra’s Folk Club, Clonakilty — another full house.

“We followed that up with a show in Galway, at the Róisín Dubh. The following year, on his anniversary, we decided to play another few shows again.

“It’s just great fun, but we’ve always tried not to overdo it.

“I think once a year is enough. We’re Paradox and the anniversary shows are simply a celebration of a generational band and artist.

“The success of the Nirvana shows were simply a celebration of the band’s music.

“We never had any intention to become a tribute band, it has snowballed and still so much fun to play.

“Nirvana’s music is practically in my DNA at this stage!”

Over the years, Pete has met people at the Paradox/Nirvana nights who had seen the original band, and he finds it particularly stimulating.

“We played a show in 2016, in Kildare, and three guys in the crowd were at the Point Depot gig.

“We chatted about what that gig was like, really indepth, I had a huge interest since I’ve never had the chance to see the band.

“We also played the Sir Henry’s Nirvana anniversary gig in 2017 and the organiser, Siobhan Bardsley, was actually at Nirvana’s gig in Cork.

“She mentioned how it was a bittersweet moment when we played ‘Teen Spirit’, and it brought her right back to the Sir Henry’s gig in 1991.

“We try to focus on the music of Nirvana and Kurt’s legacy, instead of his death. When we play these shows, however, it’s always a huge celebration and the emotion and atmosphere in the crowd is very positive.”

Pete sees a clear distinction between what he and Paradox do as a tribute to the music of Nirvana and being a “Nirvana tribute band”.

“We’re by no means a proper official tribute band. I’ve nothing against tribute bands, but it would be a sad day for me if it became ‘work’ to play the music of Nirvana.

“I recently went to see a Nirvana tribute playing the full set from ‘Unplugged In New York’.

“While they did an amazing job recreating everything, including some of the banter between songs, I couldn’t imagine Paradox doing that. I like to bring a bit of our own energy and experience into the set.

“We have always been an original band. When we formed, we were hugely influenced by Nirvana and everything coming out of Seattle. Over the years, our music has changed and been influenced by many different artists and bands, like Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley. Our underlying influence has always been the music of Nirvana.”

• Paradox commemorates the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain with a gig in The Crane Lane, on Saturday, April 6, at 9.30pm, and in De Barras in Clonakilty, April 13, at 9pm, where they will be joined by Screenreader.