Kurt Cobain's Milestones
Birth
Kurt Donald Cobain was born in Aberdeen, Washington, to Wendy Elizabeth Fradenburg and Donald Leland Cobain.
Early childhood
Grew up in Aberdeen, showing early artistic tendencies and sensitivity, described as a happy child before his parents' troubles.
Parents divorced
Parents divorced when Kurt was 9 years old, deeply affecting him and contributing to his later emotional struggles.
Lived with various relatives
Moved between relatives' homes after his parents' divorce, including his father, grandparents, and family friends.
First guitar
Received his first guitar on his 14th birthday and began teaching himself to play, influenced by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
High school years
Attended Aberdeen High School, where he was often bullied and felt like an outsider, developing his artistic and musical interests.
Dropped out of high school
Dropped out of Aberdeen High School just weeks before graduation, disappointing his family.
First band formation
Formed his first band with Krist Novoselic, experimenting with different names and musical styles.
Fecal Matter demo
Recorded his first demo tape with a band called Fecal Matter, showcasing his early songwriting.
Nirvana formed
Officially formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic, beginning the band that would define grunge music.
First Nirvana recording
Recorded Nirvana's first single 'Love Buzz' / 'Big Cheese' for Sub Pop Records.
Bleach album
Released Nirvana's debut album 'Bleach' on Sub Pop Records for just $606, gaining underground success.
Met Courtney Love
Met Courtney Love of Hole at a nightclub, beginning their tumultuous relationship.
Dave Grohl joins
Dave Grohl joined Nirvana as drummer, completing the classic lineup that would achieve worldwide fame.
Signed to DGC Records
Signed to major label DGC Records (Geffen), setting the stage for mainstream breakthrough.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Released 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' which became an anthem for Generation X and Nirvana's biggest hit.
Nevermind released
Released 'Nevermind,' which became a cultural phenomenon and brought grunge to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Drug addiction struggles
Battled severe heroin addiction, which affected his health, relationships, and musical career.
Married Courtney Love
Married Courtney Love in Hawaii, amid growing media attention and controversy.
Frances Bean born
Daughter Frances Bean Cobain was born, bringing joy but also additional pressure to Kurt's life.
In Utero released
Released 'In Utero,' Nirvana's final studio album, which was darker and more abrasive than 'Nevermind.'
MTV Unplugged
Performed MTV Unplugged in New York, showcasing a different side of Nirvana with acoustic arrangements.
Intervention attempts
Family and friends staged interventions to help him overcome drug addiction, but he remained resistant to treatment.
Escaped rehab
Left a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles after just a few days, returning to Seattle.
Final note written
Wrote his suicide note, addressing it to his childhood imaginary friend 'Boddah' and expressing his struggles.
Death
Found dead at his home in Seattle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 27, joining the '27 Club.'
MTV Unplugged in New York released
MTV Unplugged in New York was released posthumously, becoming one of Nirvana's most acclaimed albums.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Courtney Love and Frances Bean accepting for Kurt.