The 31st anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death was a few days ago. I was obsessed with Nirvana growing up and throughout high school. It’s the reason that I started playing guitar. I never really learned his songs because I knew I couldn’t play them as well as he could but I wrote my own because of him.

From what I read in the various biographies about him, he was a deeply troubled but kind soul. He was in constant pain from a bend in his spine that caused him stomach problems throughout his life. Also, a private person that was not ready for the ravages of fame. But we tell people that that’s the price they pay for wanting to do the job.

He also hated people for their stupid and pointless hatred.

“If any of you, in any way, hate homosexuals, people of a 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

“I’m not gay but I wish I was so that I could piss off the homophobes.” -Kurt Cobain

It’s quotes like these that made him a rock star in my eyes. Rock stars are supposed to write great songs and challenge the status quo. People like Bowie, Cash, Springsteen and Dylan calling out injustice when they see it. Kurt did it in his own way. He brought female led bands on tour with him so that they could get more exposure in a scene where they weren’t respected. He wore dresses so often that you would think that he clearly held views similar to Iggy Pop:

“I’m not ashamed to dress as a woman because I don’t think there’s anything shameful about being a woman.”

I see the Nirvana smiley face a lot around and I hope it means that people are listening to his music. I don’t think that’s what’s going on and it’s just become a brand to sell t-shirts. I think the music stands as tall as it did back then. Every album full of amazing riffs and lyrics. I think my favorite song is the one that was never actually released “You Know You’re Right”, which is a crystallization of his song writing.