Kurt Cobain: Reflecting on the grunge icon’s legacy 30 years on

WEB DESK: It has been precisely three decades since the world bid farewell to one of the greatest grunge and rock musicians of our time – Kurt Cobain.

April 5 marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of the iconic front vocalist and co-founder of “Nirvana,” leaving a void in the music industry that has never truly been filled.

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Known for his anti-establishment persona, Kurt co-founded the grunge band in 1987. Besides being the main front vocalist, he was also the band’s main lyricist.

He was highly influential in courting the alt-scene teenagers of the 90s, and helped steer the rock genre in completely different direction.

Cobain would burst on the mainstream with the band’s second studio album “Nevermind” in 1991. The album contained probably the most iconic song of 90s and the band’s most popular track “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

The song exploded on the world and was even parodied by Weird Al.

Cobain was arguably at the stratosphere at this point. Teen girls adored him, young men and boys wanted to be him. He had come to define an entire generation, going so far as to be called representative of entire Generation X.

And yet in his personal life, he was grappling with heroin addiction and severe depression. Despite being married to fellow grunge musician and front vocalist of alt-rock band “Hole”, Courtney Love, and the birth of his daughter later.

The grunge rock star, who had become emblematic of an entire decade, found himself in a harrowing struggle. He was desperately trying to stay afloat amidst the relentless onslaught of his inner demons.

The strain of his drug-fueled marriage to Courtney, combined with relentless media scrutiny akin to vultures circlinggave Cobain no respite; during the time the rock star probably needed it the most.

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On April 5, 1994, Cobain would end his own life with the help of a firearm. He left behind his wife and their daughter, Frances Cobain, who was less than two years old then.

Frances, now 31 years old now, holds the rights to her father’s name and image.

In days leading up to the end of his life, Cobain was described by fellow band-mates as being heavily withdrawn and quiet. Cobain reportedly complained about his stomach hurting nonstop and only taking opiates helped him cope.

In Michael Azerrad’s “Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana”, Cobain reportedly complained about the debilitating stomachache.

“Halfway through the European tour” the book says “I remember saying I’ll never go on tour again until I have this fixed. […] I was so tired of it.”

In his parting note, Cobain entreated his wife to “keep going” for their daughter for “her life, which will be so much happier without me”. He wished to reunite with his family “at the alter”.

Cobain battled with mental health issues throughout his life, admitting in his final note that his daughter reminded him “too much of what I used to be, full of love and joy”, thinking “everyone is good and will do no harm”. However, he couldn’t deal with his demons for long.

“I have it good, very good, and I’m grateful, but since the age of seven, I’ve become hateful towards all humans in general. Only because it seems so easy for people to get along that have empathy. Only because I love and feel sorry for people too much I guess”.

Cobain’s untimely demise at the age of 27 marked the end of his struggle with inner demons. However, his enduring legacy persists through his daughter and his music, which transcends borders, cultures, language.