Ringo Starr Reflects on Kurt Cobain: He Had So Much Emotion

2019-11-04

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana – Story by Charles Ken, photo by Ken Settle

Ringo Starr and Dave Grohl recently spoke with each other about everything from the legacy of Nirvana to what it was like losing key members in their bands

Ringo Starr and Dave Grohl interview each other for the latest edition of Rolling Stone‘s “Musicians on Musicians” series. During the chat, the two talk about everything from Ringo’s thoughts on Nirvana to what it was like for both musicians to lose the frontmen in their bands.

“Absolutely great, and the man himself [Kurt Cobain] had so much emotion,” Starr said in the chat. “That’s what I loved. I’m an emotional guy. No one can doubt Nirvana, ever.”

Taking about Nirvana and Cobain brought Starr to reflect on the moment he heard that John Lennon had passed away.

“I was getting a phone call from my step kids in L.A. saying, ‘Something’s happened to John,'” Starr said. “And then they called and said, ‘John’s dead.’ And I didn’t know what to do. And I still well up [with tears] that some bastard shot him.”

Grohl chimed in and recalled what it was like the few times he has performed Nirvana songs following Cobain’s passing.

“It’s a funny feeling, because it feels like you’re back together with your friends from the band, but there’s just something missing,” Grohl said.

He added, “It was such a trip for just the three of us to be playing again; it fits,” meaning bass player Krist Novoselic and guitarist Pat Smear. “It’s so easy. A couple of downbeats, and it sounds like Nirvana when Krist and I play together. Nobody else makes that sound.”

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Charles Ken

Meet the expert - Charles Ken is a graduate of Michigan State University where he studied writing and history. He's a longtime music buff and covers classic rock for Audio Ink Radio. Contact him at ken@audioinkradio.com.