Nirvana Singer Kurt Cobain Would Have Turned 50 Years Old Today

2017-02-20

Story by Anne Erickson

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana would have turned 50 years old today

Today would have been Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s 50th birthday. It’s difficult to believe, right? The late musician was born on February 20, 1967 in Aberdeen, Washington, and went on to form one of the biggest rock bands in the world. It’s difficult to picture Cobain as a 50-year-old. He’ll always be remembered as a youthful, unique figure in popular music and culture, and he’s missed.

Cobain started Nirvana in 1987 with bass player Krist Novoselic. The group, which is considered the catalyst for bringing “grunge” music to the mainstream, unleashed their debut album, “Bleach,” in 1989. Two years later, Nirvana released their seminal sophomore album, “Nevermind,” with Dave Grohl on drums. “Nevermind” proved to be their breakthrough. The album was also a major force in changing the trajectory of popular music from slippery, bombastic hair metal to bare-bones, alternative rock. Nirvana’s final studio album, “In Utero,” arrived in 1993.

Then, on April 8, 1994, Cobain was found dead at his Seattle residence. Although his death was found to be a suicide, conspiracy theories abound even today. Cobain’s wife, Courtney Love, is still alive, as is his daughter, Frances Bean Cobain.

Nirvana’s music has only gained popularity over the decades. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Novoselic and Grohl performed together at the induction ceremony with female singers taking on Cobain’s vocals, including Joan Jett, Lorde and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. Nirvana’s drummer from 1988 to 1990 was not a part of the ceremony, which raised some eyebrows, since he toured extensively with the band on their “Bleach” tour. Happy birthday, Kurt.


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Anne Erickson
Posted by Anne Erickson | Alternative, Grunge, Music, Rock, Rock News

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