Chicago-based music superfan Aadam Jacobs has amassed an archive of over 10,000 concert recordings dating back to the 1980s. Now, with help from volunteers at the Internet Archive, a nonprofit digital library, thousands of these rare gems are being digitised and made available online.

Among the collection are previously unheard performances by influential artists such as Sonic Youth, R.E.M., Phish, Liz Phair, Pavement and Neutral Milk Hotel. Even some Nirvana recordings from 1989, before their breakout success with 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', can be found.

While Jacobs used basic equipment to record his concerts, the volunteer audio engineers have meticulously restored these tapes, ensuring listeners can enjoy them in clear sound quality. Brian Emerick, one of the volunteers, drives to Jacobs' house monthly to pick up more boxes of tapes and convert them into digital files for preservation.

This project not only preserves a significant part of musical history but also demonstrates the power of technology in rescuing potentially lost artefacts. It's an exciting time for music enthusiasts, allowing them access to rare performances without degradation or loss over time.