Justin Bieber wore a Nirvana t-shirt to the American Music Awards, and people were very certain it had Kurt Cobain rolling over in his grave.
And while Bieber is all apologies these days, he’s not sorry for repping Nirvana.
Now, Bieber’s stylist, Karla Welch, has answered all the burning questions about his ensemble of the evening, addressing suspicions that Bieber had never actually heard Nirvana before. She also revealed that the tee is a customized vintage Nirvana shirt by label Fear of God, which also helped create Kanye West’s Yeezus merch, and the shirts don’t come cheap.
“Of course he’s a fan of Nirvana. I think it’s so funny that all these people are up in arms,” said Welch, who also pointed out this isn’t the first time her client has been spotted in a Nirvana tee out and about.
“I’m sure Kurt Cobain would be like — I mean I can’t speak for him, obviously — but I don’t think he was so snotty or that he would diss anyone who appreciated his music,” she continued. “I think he understood that that is like the antithesis of music appreciation. It’s so funny. But you know, fans are fans!”
Bieber’s shirt was one of a kind, but a different Fear of God Nirvana tee is going for $1,495 — which is still $500 less than it costs to take a selfie with Bieber.
That’s still not terribly expensive in the grand scheme of Nirvana apparel, though. Cobain’s iconic MTV Unplugged cardigan went for $137,500 at auction earlier this month.
Fear of God gives other bands love, too — this Metallica tank top went for $600:
Part of why they’re so expensive is simply just because vintage rock tees don’t always come cheap. In an interview with Esquire back in January, designer Jerry Lorenzo spoke about paying $400 for a Slayer tee:
“When I’m shopping, I’m just shopping for what makes me happy, and looking for things no one else has, and is consistent with what I like. So, yeah, paying $400 for a T-shirt that I know no one else has is totally worth it.”
Lorenzo should probably make her over and customize a vintage Bieber shirt from 2011’s Never Say Never tour for Courtney Love, who doesn’t get why people got mad, either.
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Source: Mashable