Nirvana, The Breeders, Half Japanese Bender Arena Washington DC

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/nirvana/1993/bender-arena-washington-dc-6bd67e8a.html

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-breeders/1993/bender-arena-washington-dc-73801691.html

 

On a cool day in November 1993, My friends and I met up at American University in the afternoon of the concert.  We always tried to arrive early for general admission concerts as we wanted to get as close to the front as possible.  After many hours of waiting and many bathroom breaks, the door opened, and we made a mad rush for the front of the stage.  We made it and were front and mostly center.  To paint a picture, this arena had virtually no airflow or ventilation.  Hotter than Hades is probably generous.  So as the place filled more people started to push to get closer.  

The night prior to the concert I spent the night at my best friend Kevin's house we were watching Headbangers Ball on MTV (yes they actually played videos back then).  This awesome video came on by a band called The Breeders.  We immediately loved it and then realized they were the band opening for Nirvana the next night! 

Half Japanese played and the roadies started to setup for The Breeders set.  By this time, we were all sweating and thirsty as all get out.  The band came on and from the first note we were blown away.   Just hearing the unique vocals traded by Kim and Kelley Deal sent chills down my spine.  They played a blistering set anchored by the drums of Jim Macpherson and Bass stylings of the wonderful Josephine Wiggs.  As their set progressed, they played “cannonball” to a great response.  Their cover of “Happiness is a warm gun” was another highlight for me.  The set ended and I noticed I was not feeling well.  My friend looked at me and was like are you ok?  I passed out.  If it weren’t for the massive crowd and the railing in front of me I would have fallen straight on the ground.  A huge bouncer came over and lifted me out of the crowd and carried me backstage.  I was confused and kind of distraught.  Nirvana was at that time my favorite band and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to see them.

When I got to the back, I was attended to by the most awesome paramedic.  He travelled with the band on tour and assured me things would be ok and he would get me back out there.  “Don’t worry, they won’t be on for a while”.  He got me water and a snack and closely monitored my vitals.  He was so calming in a scary, stressful time.  When he was confident, I was stable, he gave me more water to take back out with me and told me to watch from the bleachers.  I figured that this was a good compromise, and I would get to see Nirvana!

As I walked back to the floor, I was stopped by a dude that looked super familiar.  He had nails that were painted black which I thought looked pretty cool.  “Hey man, are you ok? I was watching The Breeders set and saw them take you out after”.  I responded that the paramedic took excellent care of me, and I was doing much better and thanked him for checking up on me.  Security decided it was time for me to move on (no backstage pass) so I said bye.  As I turn to leave, I see Kurt Cobain about 15 feet away getting ready to go on the stage.  Realized there was no chance I was going to get anywhere near him so I went to the floor to find some friends. 

Nirvana hit the stage and the place went WILD.  I look up and see the guy who checked on me was in fact Pat Smear formally of the wonderful punk band The Germs and later an integral member of the Foo Fighters. 

Nirvana’s set was amazing from start to finish.  Literally my favorite concert ever (many to choose from so that says a lot)! They did a career spanning set with many covers to honor some of their favorite musicians.  “School”, “Breed”, “Sliver”, and “Serve the servants” were highlights for me.  Was amazing to be part of pretty much a mass singalong from start to finish.  By the end of the set all the instruments were smashed to pieces and the crowd was in a frenzy.  Sobering that just a few months later, Kurt was gone.  Forever in debt to have seen them perform live. 

This is a photo of my ticket signed (at a later gig) by Kim Deal of the Breeders.  Also note: 20 bucks for this show.  I would love to hear what your favorite shows you have attended in the comments!