Image: Kurt Cobain
Today marks 30 years since Kurt Cobain, one of the most iconic figures in music history, passed away. We take a moment to remember the life of the musician and his influential time with Nirvana.
It has been 30 years since Kurt Cobain, the frontman of the Grunge band Nirvana, died at the young age of 27. On the anniversary of his death, we reflect on his years of life.
The Time Before Nirvana
Kurt Donald Cobain was born on February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington. Although he initially led a carefree life, the first major change came with his parents' separation when he was nine years old. Many burdens from this period accompanied the later musician until the end of his life. His musical career did not take long to commence, as he received his first guitar from an uncle at the age of 14. This sparked the dream of a rock star life and joint sessions with other musicians from the Seattle area. His first band was not Nirvana but Fecal Matter, which, however, did not last long. Nonetheless, this period laid the foundation for the raw grunge sound of his future. Tracks like “Downer” and “About A Girl,” which would later be released by Nirvana, were already created during this time. The project dissolved the following year, before Cobain founded the band Nirvana at the age of 20. It was 1987, and his schoolmate Krist Novoselic joined as the second founding member on bass. The drum position saw no permanent fixture for a while until Dave Grohl, now the singer of the Foo Fighters, joined in 1990.
Years Of Success
Nirvana's debut album, Bleach, was released in 1989 and has sold over 2.5 million copies to date. However, the true breakthrough came with the world-famous album Nevermind in 1991, which has now reached sales of over 30 million and has been awarded multiple platinum certifications, even diamond in the USA. The album's songs are immortal, especially “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are.” In 1993, Nirvana released their third and final album: In Utero.
During this period, Kurt Cobain experienced both highs of enthusiasm and extreme mental strains and drug problems. In 1992, he married his wife Courtney Love and had a daughter named Frances Bean.
The Legacy Of A Legend
Despite various attempts at rehabilitation, Kurt Cobain was unable to cease his drug use. His health condition led him to use drugs for pain relief. A stay in Rome was meant to help the singer recover, but an overdose of a sleeping pill combined with alcohol led to his hospitalization in a critical condition. Contrary to his own statements, it was assumed to be an attempted suicide. The previously played concert in Munich would be Nirvana's last; subsequent tour dates were postponed to ensure Cobain's recovery.
Kurt Cobain was persuaded by close confidants to start rehabilitation in Los Angeles once more. However, he did not stay long at the facility and left after two days to fly back to Seattle. There, he disappeared after a short time until the tragedy was discovered. Cobain had taken his own life using a shotgun and was found by an electrician in a greenhouse above the garage of his house.
While the band Nirvana ended in 1994, Kurt Cobain's music continues to live on to this day.
If you are seeking help in the UK, you can reach out to the following support service:
The National Suicide Prevention Helpline is open from 6pm until midnight: 0800 689 5652
Or visit their website: www.spuk.org.uk
If you are seeking help in the USA, you can reach out to the following support service:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is open 24/7 and free: 988
Or visit their website: 988lifeline.org
If you are seeking help in Australia, you can reach out to the following support service:
The Lifeline Australia is open 24/7 under: 13 11 14
Or visit their website: www.lifeline.org.au
