Kurt Cobain's Legacy Lives On: Tribute Artist Honored to Carry the Torch

A Unique Tribute to a Grunge Icon

Paul Wandtke, the vocalist and guitarist for Smells Like Nirvana, is not your typical tribute artist. Unlike many who simply mimic the music of a legendary band, Wandtke brings his own flair and creativity to the stage. Before stepping into the shoes of the late Kurt Cobain, the 39-year-old musician fronts his own band, Dead Original. This group plays music influenced by Nirvana but also explores a broader range of alternative rock.

Wandtke explains that performing with Dead Original offers a different dynamic compared to being part of a tribute band. "It's a different show," he says. "Sometimes, we get pigeonholed and trapped into doing Nirvana only, and I love Nirvana, but it kind of sucks because some people think we're just pretenders. When we do an original set, people go, 'Wow, they're musicians, they're just being themselves on stage, and they did their best playing Nirvana.' It's different than just being a tribute only band."

Despite his passion for his own music, Wandtke continues to pay homage to Nirvana, acknowledging the impact the band had on the musical landscape of the early '90s. "I feel humbled and blessed to be able to do this," he says. "I just feel like the Nirvana tribute band can be even bigger. I'm practicing left-handed, too. It's not even for financial reasons. It's like a calling, and just doing this is so cool, and I like connecting with other Nirvana fans."

From Prince to Petty: The Tribute Band Scene

In addition to Smells Like Nirvana, there are several other tribute bands making waves in Northeast Ohio this summer. These include tributes to artists like Prince and Petty, offering fans a chance to experience the music of these icons live.

Formed in 2014, Smells Like Nirvana has gained a significant following, with over 221,000 Facebook followers. The band travels across the country, performing at venues ranging from small gigs to large events before crowds of several thousand. Their upcoming performances include a show at The Delaware in New Philadelphia on September 18, followed by a concert at Winchester Tavern in Lakewood on September 19. Additional tour dates will take them through Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Georgia.

Tickets for the local concert can be purchased for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show at thedelawarelive.com. Travis Arrendale, the live sound engineer and talent buyer at The Delaware, is excited about hosting the Nirvana tribute. "We booked Smells Like Nirvana because music fans like hearing something they're familiar with, and Nirvana is a band that not many people got to experience live, especially in Tuscarawas County."

Becoming Cobain: A Personal Connection

Wandtke's portrayal of Kurt Cobain is both musically and stylistically accurate. He wears torn jeans and flannel shirts, often sporting a striped green shirt reminiscent of the one made famous in the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video. His shaggy blond hair and energetic performance style capture the essence of Cobain.

"I'm just being myself," Wandtke says of fronting Smells Like Nirvana, which also includes Mike Petrasek on bass and Joe Babiak on drums. "I have similar depression and mood swings and stuff, and that's how I just kind of have the same demeanor in that regard, I guess."

The age range of attendees at the tribute shows spans from 7 to 50 and older. "It's special to me because it's so cool," Wandtke says. "There's been grown ass men coming to the merch table crying and saying, 'Dude, I saw Nirvana in '91, and thank you so much.'"

A Diverse Musical Background

Wandtke has an eclectic musical background, with hard rock chops that have taken him across the globe. "I was like playing dive bars since middle school," he says. "I'm a drummer first and foremost. I got my start playing on cruise ships in my early 20s. I've been in over 40 countries doing that. I played (drums) in the musical, 'Rock of Ages.'"

He has also been a member of the rock band Trivium and a touring drummer for Kill Hannah, which opened for the Smashing Pumpkins. Trivium's shows included a European tour and a slot in Slipknot's "Knotfest" Festival. Wandtke is currently a member of the rock band Bedlem.

A Deep Connection to Nirvana

Wandtke has been a fan of Nirvana since childhood. "Even when I was 7 years old, I fell in love with Nirvana," he says. "For me, musically, nothing felt as close to home as Nirvana. It's kind of like your first love in high school − that love's always there, and I just never give up on it. I always wanted to kind of be a frontman in that vein."

"I just naturally gravitated to Nirvana because they looked like me," Wandtke adds. "They weren't wearing crazy makeup. I think it's honesty. Kurt was honest, and his music relates. Kids suffer from mood swings (and they have) parents who are alcoholics, and kids deal with not fitting in. Kurt was very relatable in that regard."

Overcoming Negativity

Wandtke is well aware of the critics who look down on tribute bands. "You have to fight the negativity," he says. "Otherwise, it will ruin your day. A lot of times, too, I try to fight the hater. I say, 'You know, The Beatles and Queen started out as cover bands.'"

Dead Original often converts some of these critics. "Half the time, they flip and say, 'I'm sorry ... your music's cool,' or other times, they'll keep talking (crap) and I block them." Wandtke acknowledges that it used to bother him, but he has learned coping mechanisms over time.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a night of great music and nostalgia, don't miss the Smells Like Nirvana tribute band at The Delaware music venue and restaurant. The event will take place on September 18 at 8 p.m., with tickets available for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show at thedelawarelive.com.