Dave Grohl Tells Jon Stewart Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ Album Was ‘Almost Like a Scam’

During an interview with Jon Stewart, surviving Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic admitted the low budget recording of 'Nevermind' was somewhat of a fairy tale come true. The group, along with producer Butch Vig, sat down with Stewart to discuss the 20th anniversary of the iconic album on Saturday night (Sept. 24) in a special "Town Hall" broadcast on SiriusXM satellite radio.

“It didn't really seem like this would happen,” Grohl said. "It was almost like a scam." Even by 1991 standards, the $600 a day studio and $70 a night hotel room the band shared was parsimonious. (Editor's note: "Frugal to the point of stinginess.") Vig's accommodations were only slightly classier, costing $90 a night.

The band struggled with their mainstream success after 'Nevermind' exploded into one of the most important records of the decade. Novoselic told Stewart that they considered themselves products of the counterculture, and didn't want to be known as sell-outs. Grohl joked that the band realized they'd forever lost their underground appeal when "people that just looked normal" began showing up for concerts.

Kurt Cobain was never comfortable in the spotlight. The group openly discussed their former lead singer, ultimately confessing that they still miss him dearly. “I wish Kurt was here,” Novoselic said. “There's a big hole here.” It was Cobain who dreamed up the iconic album cover. Grohl said the singer had watched a late-night TV special on underwater birthing, and became obsessed with images of children in water.

The SirusXM Town Hall will be rebroadcast at 3PM ET on Monday (Sept. 26), and noon on Tuesday (27) as part of Nevermind Radio, a temporary channel dedicated to the album's release.

Ultimate Classic Rock and Universal Music Enterprises are celebrating by giving you a chance to win one of 10 copies of the 2 CD deluxe edition of the 'Nevermind' album. All you need to do is sign up below!