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Kur t Cobain
Biography Kurt Cobain was an American singer and songwriter. He was the lead singer and guitarist in his band Nirvana, formed in 1987. Kurt grew up in Aberdeen Washington. He had always been interested in music from a young age. Kurt grew up in a troubled household which influenced his behavior. Kurt decided to drop out of high school right near graduation.
His mother gave him an ultimatum stating that he needed to “work or leave.” Kurt left his mother’s and stayed between friends’ couches. During this time, he began attending rock shows more frequently and creating his own music. Many of his songs’ lyrics were about his struggles growing up and hardships he had including mental health problems. After the release of the band’s biggest album Nevermind, the band became widely popular and quickly famous.
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Kurt struggled with fame and attention, resorting to drug use. As the band continued to release albums throughout the years, Kurt’s addiction problems only got worse as he became more famous which he didn’t necessarily like. Kurt married fellow band singer and guitarist Courtney Love and had a daughter named Frances Cobain. Only one year after she was born, Kurt presumably committed suicide on April fith, 1994.
Contributions Kurt Cobain shaped rock music into what it is today. He and his band are the faces of “grunge” which is a style of rock created and influenced by Nirvana. Kurt often spoke about controversial topics and problems that made some people uncomfortable, but that he was trying to bring attention to. Kurt openly spoke about his sexuality and how he supported the LGBT community. Nirvana performed at a gay rights benefit in Oregon in 1992. Kurt often tested the stereotype of masculinity and wore dresses, describing himself as more feminine. Kurt wrote “God is gay” and “homosexuals rule” on a bank and cars. A few of the songs Kurt wrote were about sexual assault, and he was not afraid to speak about it. During his concerts, he would talk about what some of his songs were about before performing them, and often he would yell into the microphone telling hateful people to leave and that he did not want their support or business.
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One of my favorite things Kurt has yelled is; “If any of you in any way hate homosexuals, people of different color, or women, please do this one favor for us, leave us the fuck alone! Don’t come to our shows and don’t buy our records.” Kurt Cobain is known as one of the most influential rock musicians of all time. Despite his drug abuse and addiction, he inspired so many people and changed the way of music forever.
A Monument for Kurt Cobain I think Kurt Cobain deserves a monument for his influence on music of all genres, and how he helped form music into what it is today. I think he should get a monument for being an activist for gay and women’s rights and anti-racism during a time where it was not as accepting, especially being so big in the public eye and not being afraid to speak up. His life was basically dedicated to music, and even though people have different opinions on him based on his drug use, he still was able to change the world of music in a good way. Even though he is widely popular he is still overlooked. Most people only know him for his guitar playing or just being the lead singer and not many know about the roles he played in trying to make a change in society. His lyrics are also not recognized for what they mean and say, knowing where they came from and what inspired them makes his music so much more unique. He did so much more than just perform.
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The Monument If I were to design his monument I would base it on his most popular photo. It is a black and white photo of Kurt sitting on a stool holding an acoustic guitar in his lap while in the motion of smoking a cigarette. This particular photo of him is the most “statue” like. I would add some flowers at the base of his stool to represent him at peace after passing.
I would place this monument on campus right in front of southside dining hall and skyline gym towards the center of the walkway. That way it would be seen by a lot of people in between classes when they are walking by. The second location I would choose is in Aberdeen Washington where Kurt grew up. I think the local residents would appreciate a monument of him in their hometown.
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Kurt Cobain 1967-1994