Often cited as the bootleg that kickstarted the modern bootleg era. Its historical significance and the quality of the unreleased material have made original pressings highly sought after. While specific high sale figures are hard to nail down, early editions in good condition can fetch significant sums in the hundreds to thousands of dollars.Often cited as the bootleg that kickstarted the modern bootleg era. Its historical significance and the quality of the unreleased material have made original pressings highly sought after. While specific high sale figures are hard to nail down, early editions in good condition can fetch significant sums in the hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Often cited as the bootleg that kickstarted the modern bootleg era. Its historical significance and the quality of the unreleased material have made original pressings highly sought after. While specific high sale figures are hard to nail down, early editions in good condition can fetch significant sums in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. | Getty Images/Discogs

A starters guide to bootlegs in 2025: from what they are to 13 of the most lucrative releases

Benjamin Jackson
By Benjamin Jackson

Culture and tickets writer

Published 8th May 2025, 15:32 BST

What are bootlegs and what are the most coveted historical releases on the format?

So, you've finally completed your official collection of a band or artist, including all their EPs and singles. What's next?

Well, you could begin your journey into collecting bootlegs from some of the most recognized artists in music history. But you might be asking yourself, what exactly is a bootleg?

Simply put, a bootleg is an unofficial recording, often of live performances, studio outtakes, or demos, that hasn't been authorized for commercial release by the artist or their record label.

These recordings often circulate amongst fans, offering rare and unique glimpses into an artist's work beyond their official discography. (And I, for one, was an ardent collector of Nirvana bootlegs back in the day, before the With The Lights Out box set kind of put that journey to rest. For now, at least.)

From random demos that never saw the light of day to the tried-and-tested live concert recording, whether from the soundboard or a fan holding up a recording device, it's a weird and wonderful world to start collecting if you're wondering, "What next?"

We've explored 13 of the more famous/infamous bootlegs that have surfaced on Discogs over time, from what's considered the godfather of the format to albums released on a format due to the overwhelming success of limited runs.

Are any of these secretly hiding away in your collection, waiting to be rediscovered?

Before the official release of the With The Lights Out, many of the tracks circulated on lower-quality bootlegs. While the official release might have diminished the value of some, very early bootleg compilations of these sessions can still hold value for dedicated Nirvana collectors - especially, from personal experience, those original pressings of Outcesticide by Blue Moon Records.

13. Nirvana - the Outcesticide series (1993 - 1996)

Before the official release of the With The Lights Out, many of the tracks circulated on lower-quality bootlegs. While the official release might have diminished the value of some, very early bootleg compilations of these sessions can still hold value for dedicated Nirvana collectors - especially, from personal experience, those original pressings of Outcesticide by Blue Moon Records. | Getty Images/Provided

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