Welcome to the 58th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we rebel through the eyes of Kurt Cobain - Nirvana’s lead singer and MTV’s worst nightmare.
Kurt Cobain was an American songwriter and lead singer for rock band ‘Nirvana’. Constantly rejecting the norms of society, Cobain found little success until the establishment of Nirvana in 1987. Alongside Krist Novoselic (bassist) and Aaron Burckhard (drummer), the three stepped foot into the Seattle grunge scene with a blatant disregard for anything and anyone that stood in their way.
The ensemble gained traction after release of their hit album ‘Nevermind’ (1991), and made it a priority to maintain their authentic, anti-establishment persona. Stepping to massive, industry dominant kingpin, Cobain rarely shied from expressing himself no matter the repercussions.
Most iconically seen in Top of The Pop’s “Smells like Teen Spirit” performance, the band made a mockery of their single after a discrepancy in performance policies. The British program insisted on playing pre-recorded vocals in the background of the live issue and was met with a comedic “impressionist” version instead. Refusing to play any chords, the band instead danced sporadically as Kurt Cobain sang in the tune of Steven Morrisy from The Smiths.
Again, during MTV’s Music Video Awards (1992), Nirvana was once again denied their request to play ‘Rape Me’, but of course continued to tease the first notes at the beginning of their performance. Almost pulling the plug, Nirvana proved their ability, and instead played ‘Lithium’ as scheduled.
Curt refused to comply not only on stage, but in interviews, photoshoots and even lifestyle choices. He hated Hollywood’s facade and acted unapologetically in the faces of the elite. Kurt Cobain wore a dress on the cover of The Face Magazine (1993) to fight misogynistic norms, repped a graphic tee that read “Corporate Magazines Suck” on the face of The Rolling Stones, and turned from his riches out of distaste.
Drowning in addiction, Kurt Cobain committed sucide in 1994, Rest in Peace.
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