45 Inspiring Kurt Cobain Quotes That Will Strike a Chord in You

Last Updated on March 5, 2024

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If you grew up in the 90s, odds are, you’re familiar with bands like Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and of course, Nirvana. Considered as one of the pillars of grunge and alternative rock, Nirvana – especially their frontman Kurt Cobain – made waves with their angst-filled lyrics, heavy guitar sounds, and authenticity.

Kurt Cobain: Early Years

Born on February 20, 1967 in Aberdeen, Washington, Kurt Donald Cobain was the son of Wendy Elizabeth and Donald Leland Cobain. He has a younger sister, Kimberly, who won’t be born until 1970. Cobain grew up surrounded by music and music lovers – his uncle, Chuck Fradenburg, used to be in a band, and his artistic pursuits were encouraged by his grandmother.

Cobain exhibited talent for music as early as two years old, when he would sing. By four, he can play the piano and he also wrote a simple song. However, his bright, excitable demeanor changed when his parents divorced when he was nine. From then on, his mother described his personality as ‘defiant and withdrawn’.

Aside from music, Cobain also showed a knack for drawing. In fact, it was through art and electronics classes that he met Roger ‘Buzz’ Osborne, who would be the singer and guitarist of the Melvins. Osborne was the one who introduced him to the world of punk rock.

Although his loved ones would later say that the first concert he ever attended was Sammy Hagar and Quarterflash, Cobain’s journals revealed that it was a free performance of the Melvins that he considered to be his first ever concert.

Music and Career

Cobain was always musically-inclined. One of the first bands he got into in 1985 was a ‘joke band’ they named Fecal Matter. He played together with Dale Crover and Greg Hokanson. They played original content as well as covers (especially songs from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Ramones), until they disbanded a year later.

He met Krist Novoselic, a fellow punk rock fan, while hanging out at the Melvins’ practice space. Cobain eventually convinced Novoselic to form a band with him after letting him listen to a home demo by Fecal Matter. After going through a string of drummers, the band finally met Chad Channing. This was the beginnings of Nirvana.

Their first album, Bleach (1989), didn’t get plenty of attention. Cobain fired Channing and replaced him with Dave Grohl. With Grohl as the drummer, they recorded their second album and major-label debut, Nevermind (1991). Their single, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ quickly went mainstream and the rest, they say, was history.

Nirvana would later produce more hits, including: Heart-Shaped Box, Come as You Are, All Apologies, About a Girl, Aneurysm, Love Buzz, and Drain You.

Personal Life and Death

While he became successful with his music, Cobain struggled with his personal life. He dated a bit until he reconnected with Courtney Love, then lead vocalist of the alt rock band, Hole. They wed in 1992 and had a daughter, Frances Bean, that same year.

Their relationship however, was unsteady to begin with. Throughout the remainder of his life, Cobain and Love will have disputes and arguments, all while he fought against substance dependence. In 1993, during a tour in Europe, Cobain overdosed and fell into a coma. But he wasn’t the same even after they went home.

On April 5, 1994, at 27 years old, Kurt Cobain dies after leaving a long suicide note. His body was found days later by electrician, Gary Smith. Reports say that his body contained heroin and Valium.

Great Kurt Cobain Quotes

Considered as one of the best and most influential musicians and songwriters of our time, Kurt Cobain has left behind not only a legacy, but also his story of struggle. You don’t need to be a 90s baby to appreciate good music. Whether you’re a fan or not, may you find a silver lining in these Kurt Cobain quotes.

Posted by:Cris Antonio

Cris Antonio is a freelance Copywriter, Editor, and Speaker. If she’s not writing or editing, she helps business owners and young adults build their presence on the Web. Aside from writing, Cris also enjoys baking, collecting toys, and reading German novels. Follow her adventures on Twitter @CrisWrites.

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