"Heart-Shaped Box" is a song by the American grunge band Nirvana, written by vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain. It appears as the third track on the band's third and final studio album, In Utero, released by DGC Records in September 1993. It was one of two songs on In Utero remixed by Scott Litt prior to the album's release, due to the band's dissatisfaction with the original mixing by producer Steve Albini. The Litt remix also featured additional vocal harmonies and guitar by Cobain, which were the only elements on the album's 12 main tracks not recorded during the original sessions with Albini in February 1993.
UK picture sleeve
Courtney Love performing with Hole in 1995. Cobain's relationship with Love, whom he married in February 1992, is believed to have inspired the lyrics of "Heart-Shaped Box".
Anton Corbijn, director of the "Heart-Shaped Box" music video, pictured in 2012.
Nirvana was an American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Founded by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic, the band went through a succession of drummers, most notably Chad Channing, before recruiting Dave Grohl in 1990. Nirvana's success popularized alternative rock, and they were often referenced as the figurehead band of Generation X. Despite a short mainstream career spanning only three years, their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock culture.
Nirvana performing live at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. Kurt Cobain is in the foreground and Krist Novoselic is in the background.
Grohl performing with Scream in 1989
Announcement from the band encouraging people to participate in the making of the music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
Nirvana added an extra guitarist, Pat Smear, for the In Utero tour.