40 Facts About Kurt Cobain

Early Life and Family

Kurt Cobain's journey began in Aberdeen, Washington, where his early experiences shaped his future. Here are some key moments from his childhood and family life.

1. Kurt Cobain was born to Donald and Wendy Cobain. His parents divorced when he was nine years old, profoundly affecting him and influencing his music.
2. Cobain started singing at the age of two and by four, he had written a song about a trip to the park. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future as a songwriter and musician.
3. Kurt has a sister, Kimberly, who is three years younger. Born on April 24, 1970, Kimberly has spoken publicly about her brother's struggles and the impact his death had on their family.

Rebellious Youth

Kurt's teenage years were marked by rebellion and a search for identity. These experiences contributed to his unique persona.

4. Cobain was arrested a couple of times as a teenager. The first arrest was for spraying graffiti on the wall of a bank in 1985, including the phrase: “Ain'T goT no how waTchamacalliT.” The second arrest was for walking across a roof while intoxicated in May 1986.
5. Before his rise to fame, Cobain worked as a swimming instructor for pre-school kids. This gig might have inspired the cover of Nirvana's album "Nevermind," which features a baby swimming towards a dollar bill.
6. Kurt's first gig was a hair metal band called Sammy Hagar and his band Quarterflash at the Seattle Center Coliseum in March 1983. Although he later claimed his first concert was by The Melvins or Black Flag, several friends confirm that it was indeed a hair metal band.

Musical Influences and Early Bands

Kurt's musical journey was influenced by various artists and bands, shaping his unique sound.

7. As a young teenager, Kurt loved the Steven Spielberg film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He could recite the dialogue off by heart and even copied Richard Dreyfuss's obsessive mashed potato sculpting from the film.
8. Nirvana originally had several awful band names, including Pen Cap Chew, Ted Ed Fred, Skid Row (later picked up by a New Jersey rock band), and the charmingly-titled Fecal Matter. Thankfully, they settled on Nirvana.
9. According to his journals, while the first punk album he bought was The Clash's Sandinista, he preferred the music of John Lydon and the Sex Pistols. This preference reflects his affinity for raw, rebellious music.

Rise to Fame

Kurt's rise to fame with Nirvana was meteoric, marked by iconic performances and groundbreaking music.

10. In 1993, Kurt Cobain performed a gig after overdosing on heroin earlier that day. Despite turning blue, he recovered and went on to play the show and do a magazine photo shoot.
11. Kurt's favorite book was "Perfume" by Patrick Süskind, subtitled "The Story Of A Murderer." This historical novel inspired Cobain to write the song "Scentless Apprentice," which appears on Nirvana's album "In Utero".
12. In 1993, Kurt claimed that the follow-up to "In Utero" would be "pretty ethereal, acoustic, like R.E.M.'s last album." He had struck up a friendship with Michael Stipe, and this collaboration would have resulted in a more acoustic album.

Personal Life and Relationships

Kurt's personal life was as tumultuous as his career, marked by intense relationships and personal struggles.

13. Kurt Cobain was married to singer Courtney Love. The couple had a volatile relationship but shared a passion for music, with Love fronting the band Hole.
14. Cobain was heavily involved in the songwriting process for Nirvana. He wrote the majority of the band’s songs, often drawing from personal experiences and emotions.
15. The term "grunge" was commonly associated with Nirvana’s music. Their sound, characterized by its raw and gritty nature, became synonymous with the grunge movement of the 1990s.

Advocacy and Influence

Kurt used his platform to advocate for social issues and influenced countless artists.

16. Kurt Cobain was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He openly expressed support for the community, using his platform to promote equality and acceptance.
17. Nirvana’s album "In Utero" received critical acclaim. The band’s third and final studio album showcased a darker and more introspective side of Cobain’s songwriting.
18. Kurt Cobain was known for his distinctive vocal style. His raspy and emotive vocals became instantly recognizable and helped define Nirvana’s sound.

Legacy and Impact

Kurt's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans and musicians worldwide.

19. Nirvana’s music continues to influence musicians to this day. Bands like Foo Fighters, Muse, and Weezer have credited Nirvana as a significant influence.
20. Kurt Cobain was a talented visual artist. He created many drawings and paintings throughout his life.
21. Nirvana’s final studio album was "In Utero," released in 1993. This album further solidified the band’s status as one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Iconic Moments

Kurt's career was filled with memorable moments that left a lasting impression on fans and the music industry.

22. Kurt Cobain was known for his punk rock fashion sense. His style, characterized by worn-out flannel shirts and ripped jeans, became iconic and a symbol of the grunge movement.
23. Nirvana won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1995. Their compilation album "MTV Unplugged in New York" garnered critical acclaim and recognition from the music industry.
24. Kurt Cobain tragically took his own life on April 5, 1994, leaving a lasting impact on the music world.

Honors and Tributes

Kurt's contributions to music have been recognized and honored in various ways.

25. Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. The band’s influence and contribution to the music industry were recognized with this prestigious honor.
26. Kurt Cobain’s first band before Nirvana was called Fecal Matter. This band was formed in 1985 and featured Cobain on guitar and vocals.
27. Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love first met in early 1989 at a Dharma Bums gig, with Nirvana performing as the opening act.

Behind the Scenes

Kurt's life behind the scenes reveals more about his personality and creative process.

28. Nirvana’s final studio album, "In Utero," was produced by Steve Albini. Albini’s production style emphasized raw, live recordings, which suited Cobain’s vision for the album.
29. Before forming Nirvana, Cobain had auditioned to be in the Melvins but was rejected.
30. While still a teenager, Cobain lived at a friend’s house for eight months and slept on the sofa.

Unique Hobbies and Interests

Kurt had several unique hobbies and interests that showcased his multifaceted personality.

31. When Nirvana was on the rise, Metallica sent them a fax that read: “We really dig Nirvana. Nevermind is the best album of the year. Let’s get together soon, Metallica. PS, Lars hates the band.”
32. For many years, Cobain enjoyed making Super-8 films. One of these movies contains a scene in which Cobain commits suicide.
33. In his free time, Cobain liked to buy big hunks of meat from the grocery store and then go out into the woods to shoot at them with a variety of guns.

Struggles and Challenges

Kurt faced numerous struggles and challenges throughout his life, both personally and professionally.

34. For a time, Cobain would often throw up before each show. This pre-show ritual highlights the intense pressure and anxiety he faced as a performer.
35. In June 1976, shortly after his parents divorced, a young Cobain scribbled onto his bedroom wall, “I hate Mom, I hate Dad, Dad hates Mom, Mom hates Dad, it simply makes you want to be sad.”
36. One of Cobain’s friends, Carrie Montgomery, once said that he “made women want to nurture and protect him. He was a paradox in that way, because he also could be brutally and intensely strong, yet at the same time, he could appear fragile and delicate.”

Final Years and Reflections

Kurt's final years were marked by introspection and a search for meaning.

37. Cobain came close to joining the Navy, even meeting with a recruitment officer at one point to discuss enrolling.
38. A line from one of Cobain’s journals reads: “I have met many minds able to store and translate a pregnantly large amount of information, yet they havent an ounce of talent for wisdom or the appreciation of passion.”
39. Cobain recorded his first songs in December 1982 at his Aunt Mari’s house. These early recordings involved a guitar, bass, and drums.
40. After performing “Territorial Pissings” on Saturday Night Live, Cobain and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic began French-kissing. SNL refused to air the footage on reruns.

Kurt Cobain's Lasting Impact

Kurt Cobain's life and music continue to resonate deeply with fans around the world. His raw talent, unique voice, and rebellious spirit helped shape the grunge movement and left an indelible mark on rock music. Despite his struggles with addiction and mental health, Cobain's artistry remains a beacon of authenticity and emotion. From his early days in Aberdeen to his rise as Nirvana's frontman, Cobain's journey was filled with both triumphs and tribulations. His influence extends beyond music, touching fashion, art, and social justice. Though his life ended tragically, Cobain's legacy lives on through his powerful songs and the impact he had on countless artists and fans. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame and the enduring power of genuine expression. Kurt Cobain will always be remembered as a true icon of his generation.