Today marks the 23rd anniversary of Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain’s suicide. On this day 23 years ago, the world was shaken by the news of his death. Although he struggled with the pressures of fame, Cobain’s lasting impression on the world will not be forgotten. His influence on the world and the world of music was second to none, and he shifted the flow of popular music and culture before and after his death.
On this sad day, we want to celebrate his life. Take a look at these incredible and rare photos of Kurt Cobain – 23 photos to mark 23 years…
The Son
He always liked to push boundaries and himself – as seen here as a baby trying to drive his father’s car! This photo was captured in October 1967, at just nine months old in Aberdeen, Washington, where he grew up.
The Father
As well as being an incredible musician, Kurt Cobain was also a loving father to his daughter, Frances Bean. This photo was taken during her first birthday party at their house in Lake City, in 1993. This moment with his daughter caught him off guard, but captured the love he had for her.
The Musician
When it came down to it, Kurt Cobain was all about the music. He was incredibly creative from a young age, and was interested in art, music, and writing. He was passionate about everything he did, and this came through in his music.
The Husband
Kurt Cobain loved the simple things in life – and didn’t want to complicate things, which is why his wedding was both simple and beautiful. Cobain and Courtney Love married in 1992, just after The Pacific Rim Nirvana Tour came to an end. They married in Hawaii, with no fuss, no celebrities, no security and no paparazzi.
Chilling out
Courtney Love has previously stated that this photo of Kurt Cobain lounging in their bed is her most favorite picture of him. It was taken in 1993 in their house in North Seattle. Even musicians need to take a break now and then…
Kurt and his Quick
Despite his growing fame and intense popularity, Kurt Cobain had low self-esteem which often affected his health. He stated that he drank strawberry Quick while on the road because it settled his stomach when he was feeling ill and nervous.
Selfie Time
Throughout his professional career, Kurt hated having his picture taken by paparazzi – both on the stage and off the stage. This photograph was taken in 1992 at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, and was one of the few photos that Cobain actually liked. He even kept it in his own personal scrapbook.
DNA
This photo is a rare photo of Cobain with his daughter. On December 12th, 2016, Frances Bean Cobain posted this photo onto her Instagram page. Her caption read, ‘DNA.’ She is now the spitting image of her father.
International Pop Festival
Cobain cared about his roots. When Nirvana became famous, he offered to play the International Pop Underground festival in Olympia, Washington. However, he was turned away. He was incredibly hurt by this rejection as it was where he grew up.