Kurt Cobain: 24 Years On

by Henry Percival

Coming up in the next few weeks will be the anniversary of the death of one of the music world's most talented individuals: Kurt Cobain. April 5th will mark 24 years since the tragic suicide of one of the best artists of all time (in my opinion).

For me personally, Cobain had the best voice of any male artist that I have ever listened to. Cobain is able to hold notes for a long time, which some people might call screaming. His impressive and unique vocal skill had not been heard in the rock genre before and helped to produce the success that Nirvana experienced. On top of that, it fitted well with the various different songs that Nirvana released. The hard rock of Smells Like Teen Spirit would not be the same without Cobain’s voice and neither would the somewhat softer All Apologies. Cobain’s ability to twist a note various ways whilst holding it also was one of the reasons that Nirvana’s songs are as successful as they are. His voice, amongst other factors, was a big influence in the rise of grunge and alternative rock in the nineties. Nirvana were arguably the influential force in the decision to form Nickelback, although they have yet to experience the same heights that Nirvana did.

Cobain is perhaps known for being one of the better known members of the 27 Club. This is a group of artists, actors and musicians who all died at the age of 27. In the club, he is joined by others who were also extremely talented in their respective fields. These others include another favourite of mine, Amy Winehouse as well as one of, if not the, best guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix- as well as being one of the most influential people in the club, Cobain is also surrounded by them too.

On the topic of being influential, Cobain has left a rather impressive legacy. Firstly, 20 years after his death, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Cobain were all inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Nirvana are still as big as they ever were, despite the death of their lead. The two other members have gone on to have more success as well, with Grohl leading popular rock bands The Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age (as well as starring as the Devil in the movie Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny). In 2006, Cobain overtook Elvis as the highest earning deceased person, although Elvis reclaimed top spot the following year. Again, this is showing yet the success and fanhood that Nirvana created, with fans making Cobain the highest earning deceased person, despite only being dead for 12 years compared to Elvis’s 29 years at the time. And finally as previously stated, Cobain (and Nirvana) were a massive influence in the rise of grunge music.

One of the last performances that Cobain and Nirvana gave was live album MTV Unplugged in New York. Recorded at one of Sony’s many studios, Cobain gives a spectacular performance in front of a live studio audience. For anyone who has not listened to or watched the video for the album, then I would strongly recommend that you do. Many people consider this performance as a sort of suicide note, one in which Cobain completely strips down his songs as well as himself. Others however argue that it is simply an incredibly powerful performance. I agree with the latter, but the only person who will ever know is not really in a state to answer the question. Upon his death, MTV released the album. It is the best selling album following his death. It has been certified as 5x platinum, and won a Grammy award for the best alternative album in 1996.

Cobain’s death was a tragic occurrence at the time, and many people simply refused to believe it. Cobain had experienced drug problems for some years prior to his suicide. His suicide was not the first time that he had tried to commit either- he had tried to overdose on drugs and alcohol earlier in 1994. Ultimately however, Cobain was successful. In his note, he says that he ignore all the warnings that he received upon becoming famous, and that he no longer devoted himself to music- one of the only things he truly loved. He talks about how not even playing music made him happy anymore, as nothing did. The depression that he was experiencing was a massive contributing factor to his final act. He envied the life that his daughter was living, as she was so innocent and he did not want her to grow up and turn into him (the depressive state). The actual suicide note Cobain produced was to his childhood make believe friend Boddah. This gives some indication to the mental problems that he was experiencing at the time of his death.

As long as rock music lives on, so will Kurt Cobain. RIP.