A biography explores the meteoric success of Nirvana and the demons of Kurt Cobain

The cult group Nirvana experienced a dizzying rise in the 1990s. With more than 75 million records sold around the world in just a few years. But behind the success, there have been setbacks and drama, including the tragic death of its co-founder, Kurt Cobain, at just 27 years old.

For many, the name Nirvana still resonates. This is because the group, with its particular musical style, was able to seduce while leaving an indelible mark in the collective unconscious of American music. A style from which several other groups were inspired.

By reading their biography, we imagine ourselves falling into a surreal world, invented from scratch.

It all began in Seattle, Washington in 1987, when singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic founded Nirvana after performing briefly together as The Sellouts.

The beginnings are modest. The duo played in unsavory bars and had difficulty finding a producer for their record. With empty pockets, they go on tour in their old van and sleep in dingy hotel rooms with often only one bed. In addition, the public is not there.

It’s an alternative rock group, which combines a new genre, grunge, a style underground which is also inspired by heavy metal.

The arrival of Dave Grohl

After these difficult beginnings came dizzying success, in 1991, with their second album, Nevermind. An opus that Kurt Cobain practically composed and wrote alone, which sold more than 30 million copies. It is one of the best-selling in the world.

It’s quite a contrast for Cobain who, in addition to his difficult beginnings, also had a difficult childhood, even going so far as to live on the street for a few months.

It was in 1990 that Dave Grohl, the famous drummer from Ohio, who also had very modest beginnings, agreed to join the duo by participating in the album Nevermind. Neither the new drummer nor the now famous duo had imagined such success. The fans are euphoric, the stadiums are packed, the money is flowing, and unfortunately, so are the drugs.

Kurt Cobain is a sensation. His excessive consumption of hard drugs then made headlines along with his romance with singer Courtney Love, who would become his wife and with whom he had a daughter.

The rumors gain momentum when Cobain overdoses on heroin in Seattle. After hospitalization, he will return to the stage despite everything.

Then, more rumors took over the media, this time about his suicidal tendencies. He even had the idea of ​​naming an album I Hate Myself and I Want to Die (I hate myself and I want to die). His unhappiness is often present in the lyrics of his songs, as is his anger, his frustrations and his suffering.

Kurt Cobain’s suicide

Cobain made a first suicide attempt on March 4, 1994, during a stay in Italy, by consuming alcohol and anxiolytics. He is saved at the last minute and taken to hospital while he is in a coma. The next day, he returned to the United States for rehab, but the singer continued to say he wanted to end it.

Still, Cobain made several attempts to get sober, staying in various rehab centers. But this last cure was not the right one. He ran away to return home to Seattle and killed himself on April 5, 1994.

His death will mark the end of Nirvana. The success was intense, but brief for the Seattle trio. They only produced three studio albums, Bleach, Nevermind et In Utero. A fourth posthumous album will be released in memory of Cobain, the recording of their concert at MTV Unplugged in New York.

Nirvana nevertheless leaves an important musical legacy. They are considered one of the most influential groups in music history.

For his part, Dave Grohl, shaken, falls into depression. He got back up and founded the group Foo Fighters. It will be a win for the famous drummer turned singer, guitarist and songwriter, who already has nine albums to his credit.

As for the bassist, Krist Novoselic, he initially chose to leave the musical world after the death of Cobain. He then returned to the stage a few times and also collaborated with the Foo Fighters.

All about Nirvana
Collective of authors
Culture Rock Editions
117 pages