Nirvana was a famous rock band from the 1990s, and Kurt Cobain was its lead singer. They changed music a lot and are still loved today. But there are many stories about them, and it’s hard to tell which ones are true and which ones are not. This article will look at 11 Facts & Myths About Nirvana and Kurt Cobain, and then 10 myths or false stories about them. By the end, you’ll know more about what’s true and what’s just a story.
11 Interesting Facts About Nirvana
1. Unexpected Savior of Sub Pop Records
Nirvana’s success, particularly with their single “In Bloom” from “Nevermind,” played a critical role in saving their first record label, Sub Pop, from bankruptcy. This was a turning point for the label, thanks to a deal made with Geffen Records.
2. The Original Concept for “Lithium” Video
Initially, the music video for “Lithium” was envisioned as an animated story about a character named Prego and some magical eggs. Due to the lengthy animation process, the idea was scrapped for live performance footage instead.
3. John Lennon’s Influence on “Nevermind”
Kurt Cobain was hesitant to double-track his vocals for “Nevermind.” Producer Butch Vig persuaded him by mentioning that John Lennon, whom Cobain admired, used the same technique. This convinced Cobain, though he later expressed dissatisfaction with the album’s mainstream sound.
4. Topping Charts and Dethroning the King of Pop
In a significant cultural shift, Nirvana’s “Nevermind” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 1992, overtaking Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous.” This marked a victory for alternative rock over mainstream pop.
5. Controversy Over the “Nevermind” Album Cover
The iconic “Nevermind” album cover, featuring a baby swimming underwater, led to legal actions years later. Spencer Elden, the baby on the cover, sued for alleged sexual exploitation.
6. Drumming Collaborations on “Nevermind”
While Dave Grohl is well-known as Nirvana’s drummer during the “Nevermind” era, the album also features contributions from their previous drummer, Chad Channing.
7. Kurt Cobain’s Early Encounter with Tragedy
In middle school, Cobain and a friend stumbled upon the body of a student who had committed suicide. This haunting experience possibly influenced his artistic expressions and personal struggles later in life.
8. Misinterpretation of “Rape Me”
The song “Rape Me” was often misunderstood due to its provocative title and lyrics. In reality, it was intended as an anti-rape anthem, highlighting Cobain’s use of punk rock satire to address serious issues.
9. Party Gone Wrong
During the release party for “Nevermind,” Nirvana members were thrown out due to a wild food fight, illustrating the band’s unpredictable and rebellious nature.
10. The Struggle with Stomach Problems
Kurt Cobain suffered from chronic stomach pain, which unfortunately led him to increase his heroin usage as a form of self-medication.
11. Cobain’s Imaginary Friend, Boddah
As a child, Cobain had an imaginary friend named Boddah. He later claimed that Boddah was responsible for his wrongdoings, reflecting his complex inner world.
Nirvana’s journey, marked by groundbreaking music and tumultuous experiences, continues to resonate deeply with fans and the music industry alike.
11 Myths About Nirvana & Kurt Cobain
Myth 1: Nevermind’s Original Title
The myth is that “Nevermind” was always the intended album title. In reality, Kurt Cobain initially planned to call it “Sheep.” He even sketched an advertisement for it in his journal, reflecting a cynical view of conformity.
Myth 2: Recording Timeframe of Nevermind
It’s often believed that “Nevermind” was recorded in 1991. However, the album’s genesis started a year earlier in 1990 with producer Butch Vig. Some tracks from these earlier sessions were later re-recorded for “Nevermind.”
Myth 3: Dave Grohl as the Sole Drummer on Nevermind
Many assume Dave Grohl was the only drummer on “Nevermind.” In fact, Chad Channing, the band’s drummer during the “Bleach” era, played on the track “Polly.” This was one song that remained unchanged from the original Smart Studio sessions.
Myth 4: Inspiration Behind ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’
The popular belief is that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was written about a deodorant. The truth is more nuanced. The song’s title was inspired by a line of graffiti written by Kurt’s friend, Kathleen Hanna. Kurt wasn’t aware of the deodorant’s existence until after the album’s release.
Myth 5: Demo Recording of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’
There’s a notion that Nirvana made a demo cassette of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to demonstrate its potential as a hit. The song was initially recorded on a boombox during a rehearsal because the band was forgetting their songs. Butch Vig realized its hit potential upon hearing it.
Myth 6: Nevermind’s Drug References
A common myth is that “Nevermind” is an album primarily about drugs. While drug references appear in some songs, the album’s inspiration was more diverse, encompassing Cobain’s personal relationships, friends, and experiences.
Myth 7: Original Concept for Nevermind’s Cover
Many believe the underwater baby was Kurt’s first idea for the “Nevermind” cover. The initial concept was a graphic image of underwater birthing, but this idea was rejected due to its explicit nature. The iconic baby image was the backup plan.
Myth 8: Cobain’s Immediate Wealth Post-Nevermind
It’s often thought that Kurt Cobain became wealthy overnight following “Nevermind’s” success. In reality, he didn’t see significant income from the album immediately. He was actually evicted and slept in his car after recording the album, before its massive success kicked in.
Myth 9: ‘Death to Birth’ as a Nirvana Song
There’s a myth that “Death to Birth” is a Nirvana song. It was actually written by Michael Pitt for the movie “Last Days,” which is a fictionalized account of Cobain’s final days. This myth reflects the confusion between Cobain’s real life and his portrayal in media.
Myth 10: Cobain’s Happy Childhood
A common belief is that Kurt Cobain had a troubled childhood from the beginning. While he faced difficulties, particularly after his parents’ divorce when he was nine, his early years were relatively happy. This myth underscores the complexity of Cobain’s life and the impact of his parents’ split on him.
Myth 11: Cobain’s Consistent Anti-Star Persona
It’s often said that Cobain was always against the idea of fame. However, Cobain was full of contradictions. He was known for refusing luxurious treatments like limos, yet he also actively promoted his band, Nirvana, by personally ensuring their singles were played on radio stations. This myth highlights the duality in Cobain’s attitude towards fame and success.