Who Is Kurt Cobain?

Singing for the famous rock band Nirvana, standing up against sexism and homophobia, and making a statement with his outfits, Kurt Cobain inspired generations with his music while struggling with being rebellious and multiple illnesses, eventually leading towards his downfall. The rock singer found it difficult to cope with family issues and depression at a young age, shaping his personality for the future. Cobain, who rebelled against society, became an icon for grunge trends and most known as the lead singer in Nirvana. As the band became more mainstream, Kurt Cobain struggled through drug addiction while accepting his fame and career. He often times took his frustration out by being rebellious, his major flaw leading to his
unfortunate suicide at the early age of twenty-seven.
Kurt Cobain was born on February 20th, 1967 in Aberdeen, Washington.
His uncle, Chuck gave him a guitar when he was young, starting his interest in music early. “Although the instrument was fairly beat up, it inspired Cobain to learn to play and it offered him a respite from his unhappiness at home.” (“Kurt Cobain Biography”) Cobain began to take an interest in British bands including Joy Division, an English rock band, which later gave him inspiration for the theme and tones of Nirvana. Along with the guitar, Kurt Cobain also enjoyed drawing, and playing the piano and drums. “He excelled at drawing, so much so that his talents were even apparent in kindergarten. He also learned to play piano by ear and enjoyed a kiddie drum kit his parents had given him.” (“Kurt Cobain
Biography”)
An unfortunate life and family difficulties between his parents made Kurt Cobain’s childhood rough back in Washington, leading up to his rebellious stage. At age seven, his parents became divorced, leaving Cobain unsettled and lonely. “Cobain said he never felt loved or secure again. He became increasingly difficult, anti-social and withdrawn after his parent's divorce.” (Mick Ronson) This stage of depression carried on throughout his teen years when he first started the use of drugs. Because of his parents divorce and abandonment, Cobain was forced to travel back and forth between different relatives houses. The absence of his parents, and the lack of discipline makes up for the rebellion and illnesses Cobain faced later in life. At one point, Kurt Cobain had no other option but to live under a bridge, homeless, as a child.
Nirvana formed it’s band in 1987 and developed a huge platform of fame and popularity around 1991. “The band sold multi million copies of their songs. Kurt Cobain has made a mark on history. Nirvana had a small yet memorable run.” (“Kurt Cobain”) Cobain met future Nirvana member Krist Novoselic when he was eight, growing up together, in Washington. Their idea of the band sparked from British bands they enjoyed listening to growing up. “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, the band’s most popular single, was a first out of many successes, and earned the members their fame. Cobain became so popular, he was even called one of the best songwriters in his generation. Extreme pressure and sensitivity was put 24- year-old Kurt, not knowing how much fame Nirvana would actually receive. This led to his use of Heroin around the 1990’s, which he claimed was a sense of escape and relief for his stomach problems he developed. “In 1991, the arrival of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” marked the beginning of a dramatic shift of popular rock music away from the dominant genres of the 1980s and toward grunge and alternative rock.” (“Kurt Donald Cobain Biography”) Many people enjoyed the way Nirvana impacted the music industry at that time, changing the tone from dance pop and glam metal, to grunge and rock, creating a new era of music.
Not only was Cobain the lead singer of Nirvana, but he was also an active supporter of gay rights and stood up against homophobia and sexism.
"I'm disgusted by my own and my generation's apathy. I'm disgusted at what we allow to go on, by how spineless, lethargic and guilty we are of not standing up against racism, sexism and all those other 'isms' that the counterculture has been whining about for years while they sit and enforce those same attitudes every night on their televisions and in the magazines." (Kurt Cobain) Cobain’s outspoken words about these issues were seen as rebellious. Some of Cobain’s actions included vandalizing cars and walls with “ain’t got no how watchamacallit”and “God is gay.” Shown on police records, the nineteen year old was later arrested for spray painting trucks in
Aberdeen.
Because of his clothes, lifestyle, and actions, Kurt Cobain was seen as rebellious in the eyes of society. The clothes he wore represented Nirvana and the new trend it brought back, grunge.
The more popularity Nirvana gained, the more Kurt Cobain struggled with his mental health, rebellion, and drug issues. Cobain’s depression and bipolar disorders were affecting him dramatically as well as the people around him. “After five days in the hospital, Cobain was released and returned to Seattle. Love later stated that the incident was Cobain’s first suicide attempt.”(Kurt Donald Cobain Biography”) As time went on, Kurt began to drift apart more from his band members as they began to rise to popularity. After their tour, Cobain returned back to the United States from Europe. He spent most of his time stain away from the public, ignoring most people. He was seen as suicidal because of the numerous times he threatened to kill himself. His wife, Courtney Love, became troubled about his thoughts and depression and decided tha
On April 5th, 1994, Kurt Donald Cobain had his final suicide attempt and died from a shotgun. He was found in his house next to a suicide note, including a mention to his fans and loved ones.