When independent label Sub Pop and underground punk influence collided back in Seattle in the 1980s, the local (and soon-to-be global) music scene was forever changed. Bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, and Pearl Jam released industry-altering records that forever rocked the culture. Of course, it’s impossible to talk about the full influence of the grunge scene without talking about the man who documented some of its most memorable moments on film: photographer Lance Mercer.

Known for his striking photos that make his viewers really feel what it was like to be at a show, Lance is a legend to all grunge artists—but especially Seattleites. Born and raised in Seattle, Lance went to his first punk show at 13 and was immediately hooked. By 16, he knew he wanted to photograph bands for a living, so he went on to study commercial photography in college. Within five years, he was invited to tour with Pearl Jam as their official photographer—and went on to photograph several well-known album covers; produce photos for companies like Capitol Records, Columbia Records, and Warner Brothers; and see his work published by the top music magazines in the world.

 

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Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate all Lance has contributed to the grunge scene. We’ll be displaying some of Lance’s most iconic prints in our Seattle Experience Center in Bellevue—photos that have redefined music photography in and of itself. And you can listen to the likes of Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and other grunge greats on best-in-class audio products that will make you feel like you were at The Crocodile three decades ago, too.