Master Recordings by Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Nirvana and More Were Destroyed in 2008 Fire

Master recordings by artists spanning decades and genres, including Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Nirvana, were reportedly destroyed in 2008 when a fire ripped through the Universal Studios backlot — though their doomed fate has been kept under wraps until now.
The blaze made headlines in June 2008, as it destroyed parts of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, as well as several sets used for filming and a large warehouse that stored videotapes and film reels.
PEOPLE reported at t