Kurt Cobain once said “I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.” And killed himself, a few months later.
A man of few words, Kurt was not only a gifted musician but an avid reader, whose dexterity with words produced songs and lyrics, that transcends space and time.
Supporting feminism to the core, “Lithium” singer was disgusted with violence against women and hated the toxic masculinity deep-rooted in the American establishment.
Forming Nirvana in 1987 along with his childhood friend Krist Novoselic, Kurt shot to fame when “Smells Like Teen Spirit” rampaged through the global charts in September 1991.
Owning nothing but a stripped down guitar, his lyrics were always high on self respect, feminism and sexism.
An enigmatic artist outraged by vested America’s addiction to institutional rape, “Rape Me” singer never minced words, often lambasting Hollywood’s casting couch in his songs.
A left leaning introvert who seldom locked eyes with anyone, Kurt Cobain transformed into a musical monster, whenever he held a guitar in his hands.
Here are some lesser known facts on this artistic genius:
1. Fetus and Fecal Matter
Whenever Kurt wasn’t possessed by drugs or alcohol, he used to be fascinated by the human anatomy and was indeed a collector of many creepy things, including vaginae and fetuses.
Becoming a regular customer at a medical supplies store in the Mall of America in Seattle, Washington, he allegedly bought a few vaginae and fetuses on the pretext of science exhibition.
In 1985, his obsession with fetuses motivated him to start a band called Fecal Matter, along with drummer Greg Hokanson and Dale Cover.
2. He was Addicted to Drugs
Kurt had a traumatic childhood and took to drugs at a very young age to seek solace and comfort.
Heroin was the only thing that put him to sleep, many a nights, with a bleeding heart and a burning stomach.
One time he was found in a toilet with a syringe in his hand, and he was turning blue, but he was able to speak, and he even did an interview when he was that high.
3. Homeless
During the recording of Nevermind the album that sold millions of copies and changed the rock music scenario, Kurt was homeless.
He would spend his day in the studio recording, and at night, he would sleep in his car.
4. He Messed Up Joining The Navy
Kurt wasn’t a man of many talents, but he once wanted to join the navy.
His dad tried to make a better man out of him and persuaded him to join the army.
Kurt completed the whole process, and the only remaining thing was to meet the recruitment officer.
He, however, blew the meeting by getting high, and he missed it.
5. He Was in the School Wrestling Team
When he was in school, his dad forced him to join the wrestling team.
His father was a wrestling enthusiast, but Kurt wasn’t into it. He hated the wrestling team, and he refused to take part in it at all.
6. Predicted His Own Suicide
This is one of the most disturbing facts about the artist so far.
For a long time, Kurt Cobain enjoyed making Super-8 films.
In one of the movies, there is a scene where Kurt commits suicide with a shotgun nonetheless. Did he predict his fate?
7. Public Nausea
Not sure if he would freak out or what used to happen but for a long time, Kurt used to throw up before each show.
It’s like it had become his signature move or maybe he was so anxious that he ended up, throwing up.
8. He Was Torn Apart by His Parents’ Divorce
In 1976, a young Kurt Cobain’s parents divorced, and this was a hard time for him.
In his bedroom, he scribbled on the wall that he hates his mom and he hates his dad and dad hates his mom, and his mom hates his dad.
It was tough for him, and he was humiliated by his parents for that.
9. Dropped Out of School
This isn’t a surprise to many artists as they think they don’t need formal schooling to become successful.
Kurt dropped off high school because he was anti-social and so withdrawn he almost felt like he was insane.
10. Worked as a Janitor
This is hilarious and scary.
After dropping out of school, Kurt became a janitor in the same high school.
He didn’t drop out to pursue his career or anything, but to make quick bucks, so that he could high.
11. He Wasn’t Confident with His Body
Kurt weighed approximately 120 pounds, and despite what he ate or drank, he couldn’t add weight.
He never used to go to the gym, but he would wear layers of clothes to cover up his frame figure.
12. Arrested for Domestic Violence
Though the details of this incident are pretty unclear, Kurt was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault over his wife Courtney who said there was nothing like that.
Kurt was released out of jail on a $950 bail. Not guilty really?
13. He Tried to Kill Himself Several Times Before
According to Courtney, Kurt was never a happy man. He had tried to kill himself three times before he succeeded with the shotgun.
He overdosed more than five times, and he once locked himself up in a closet with guns and medication.
14. Thrown Out by His Mother
He was living with his mother who gave him an ultimatum of either getting a job or moving out.
After sometime, she packed his clothes herself, and he moved out.
After he was kicked out by his mother, he crushed on his friends’ couches, and he got fed up.
He moved to crush under a bridge when he had no other options.
15. Food Fighter
Kurt was never a big fan of public attention, and he would start silly food fights to get the attention off of him.
During Nirvana’s record release party, the whole band was thrown out for starting a food fight!
Kurt started it, and the other members joined in, the restaurant manager had no other option but to boot the entire band out of the park.
16. The Shotgun Story
When he committed suicide, his body stayed undiscovered for a few days.
He shot himself in the face, his body was unrecognizable, and a shotgun was found across his chest.
