In his time, Kurt Cobain made it clear that he wasn’t your typical ‘rockstar.’ While many of the artists he loathed followed the stereotypical rock-and-roll image, Cobain’s rebellious yet deeply principled nature set him apart. His lifestyle—though certainly filled with excess—was matched by a personal dedication to progressive causes, which only heightened his influence on music and culture.
Rather than indulging in the self-glorification of the classic rock or hair metal eras, Cobain used his platform to champion anti-racism, anti-misogyny, and challenge industry norms. His feud with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose became a defining moment, showing Cobain’s unapologetic stance on what he believed in. He wasn’t there to play the rockstar game; Cobain cared only about the music and using his voice for something more meaningful.
His punk ethos not only shaped the sound of Nirvana but also influenced how he navigated the media. Unlike his peers who reveled in the trappings of fame, Cobain wanted to create songs that spoke to the disillusionment of the era. His every word, however, wasn’t just about advocacy—it was also about boldly expressing his musical convictions, often at the expense of the status quo.
One of his most contentious statements came during a 1992 interview with Kurt St. Thomas, where Cobain discussed the band’s drummer, Dave Grohl. At the time, Nirvana was soaring, but Cobain’s comments were provocative in a way few could have anticipated.
He spoke highly of Grohl, calling him “the most well-adjusted boy I’ve ever met,” and went on to deliver one of his most shocking opinions: “He blows away John Bonham.”
Cobain didn’t stop there, further clarifying his point by saying, “He plays drums better than any drummer I’ve ever heard. I mean, he blows away Jon Bonham. If I had the choice of bringing Bonham back to life, or choosing any drummer from any band, it wouldn’t be better than Dave.” It wasn’t just a passing compliment; Cobain genuinely believed Grohl was a drumming force to be reckoned with. Even Krist Novoselic, Nirvana’s bassist, echoed this sentiment, referring to Grohl as the backbone of the band.
Cobain’s high praise for Grohl early in their collaboration was telling. Despite the chaotic rise of Nirvana and their brief existence as a band, Grohl was already establishing himself as a talent to watch. The rest of the world would soon see this too, but in 1992, Cobain knew exactly what he had—an incredible musician who would only grow into a monumental figure in rock music.
