Kurt Cobain's Milestones

Kurt Cobain was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana, whose music defined a generation before his tragic death at age 27.
1967

Birth

Kurt Donald Cobain was born in Aberdeen, Washington, to Wendy Elizabeth Fradenburg and Donald Leland Cobain.

Family February 20, 1967

Early childhood

Grew up in Aberdeen, showing early artistic tendencies and sensitivity, described as a happy child before his parents' troubles.

Family February 20, 1967 - January 1, 1975
1976

Parents divorced

Parents divorced when Kurt was 9 years old, deeply affecting him and contributing to his later emotional struggles.

Family January 1, 1976

Lived with various relatives

Moved between relatives' homes after his parents' divorce, including his father, grandparents, and family friends.

Family January 1, 1976 - January 1, 1982
1981

First guitar

Received his first guitar on his 14th birthday and began teaching himself to play, influenced by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

Achievement January 1, 1981
1982

High school years

Attended Aberdeen High School, where he was often bullied and felt like an outsider, developing his artistic and musical interests.

Education September 1, 1982 - June 1, 1985
1985

Dropped out of high school

Dropped out of Aberdeen High School just weeks before graduation, disappointing his family.

Education January 1, 1985

First band formation

Formed his first band with Krist Novoselic, experimenting with different names and musical styles.

Career January 1, 1985 - January 1, 1987
1986

Fecal Matter demo

Recorded his first demo tape with a band called Fecal Matter, showcasing his early songwriting.

Achievement January 1, 1986
1987

Nirvana formed

Officially formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic, beginning the band that would define grunge music.

Career January 1, 1987
1988

First Nirvana recording

Recorded Nirvana's first single 'Love Buzz' / 'Big Cheese' for Sub Pop Records.

Achievement January 1, 1988
1989

Bleach album

Released Nirvana's debut album 'Bleach' on Sub Pop Records for just $606, gaining underground success.

Achievement June 15, 1989
1990

Met Courtney Love

Met Courtney Love of Hole at a nightclub, beginning their tumultuous relationship.

Relationship January 1, 1990

Dave Grohl joins

Dave Grohl joined Nirvana as drummer, completing the classic lineup that would achieve worldwide fame.

Career September 25, 1990
1991

Signed to DGC Records

Signed to major label DGC Records (Geffen), setting the stage for mainstream breakthrough.

Career January 1, 1991

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Released 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' which became an anthem for Generation X and Nirvana's biggest hit.

Achievement September 10, 1991

Nevermind released

Released 'Nevermind,' which became a cultural phenomenon and brought grunge to mainstream audiences worldwide.

Achievement September 24, 1991
1992

Drug addiction struggles

Battled severe heroin addiction, which affected his health, relationships, and musical career.

Other January 1, 1992 - April 5, 1994

Married Courtney Love

Married Courtney Love in Hawaii, amid growing media attention and controversy.

Relationship February 24, 1992

Frances Bean born

Daughter Frances Bean Cobain was born, bringing joy but also additional pressure to Kurt's life.

Family August 18, 1992
1993

In Utero released

Released 'In Utero,' Nirvana's final studio album, which was darker and more abrasive than 'Nevermind.'

Achievement September 21, 1993

MTV Unplugged

Performed MTV Unplugged in New York, showcasing a different side of Nirvana with acoustic arrangements.

Achievement November 18, 1993
1994

Intervention attempts

Family and friends staged interventions to help him overcome drug addiction, but he remained resistant to treatment.

Other March 1, 1994

Escaped rehab

Left a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles after just a few days, returning to Seattle.

Other April 1, 1994

Final note written

Wrote his suicide note, addressing it to his childhood imaginary friend 'Boddah' and expressing his struggles.

Other April 5, 1994

Death

Found dead at his home in Seattle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 27, joining the '27 Club.'

Other April 5, 1994

MTV Unplugged in New York released

MTV Unplugged in New York was released posthumously, becoming one of Nirvana's most acclaimed albums.

Achievement November 1, 1994
2014

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.

Achievement April 10, 2014