Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Courtney Love
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Courtney Love made an impact.
Courtney Love is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actress prominent in the alternative and grunge scenes. She formed the band Hole in 1989, achieving fame for her vocals, guitar work, and confrontational lyrics. Her marriage to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain in 1992 brought intense media scrutiny, particularly after his death in 1994. Despite the personal challenges, Love and Hole gained prominence through raw live performances and impactful music.
1976: Included a solid-state 1976 Randall Commander.
Her setup has included Fender tube gear, Matchless, Ampeg, Silvertone and a solid-state 1976 Randall Commander.
1984: Briefly fronted Faith No More
In 1984, Courtney Love briefly fronted Faith No More for their first TV appearance, singing with a Siouxsie Sioux-style vocal.
June 1985: Move to San Francisco and formation of The Pagan Babies
In June 1985, Courtney Love moved to San Francisco with Kat Bjelland to form the group The Pagan Babies, recruiting Jennifer Finch and Janis Tanaka.
1985: Enrollment at San Francisco Art Institute
In 1985, Courtney Love enrolled at the San Francisco Art Institute to study film.
1986: Appearance in 'Sid and Nancy'
In 1986, Courtney Love appeared in a supporting role in the Alex Cox film Sid and Nancy.
1987: Appearance in 'Straight to Hell'
In 1987, Courtney Love appeared in a supporting role in the Alex Cox film Straight to Hell.
1988: Learning guitar and relocation to Los Angeles
At the end of 1988, Courtney Love taught herself to play guitar and relocated to Los Angeles.
1988: Appearance in Ramones music video
In 1988, Courtney Love appeared in the Ramones music video for "I Wanna Be Sedated".
1988: O-88 Concert
In 1988, Courtney Love performed at the O-88 concert with Butthole Surfers, Cows & Bastards, Run Westy Run, and Babes in Toyland at the Orpheum.
1988: Move to Anchorage, Alaska
In 1988, displeased with her "celebutante" fame, Courtney Love abandoned her acting career and relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, to "gather her thoughts".
November 1989: Hole's First Show
In November 1989, Hole played their first show at Raji's, a rock club located in central Hollywood. This marked an early milestone in the band's career.
1989: Playing a Rickenbacker 425
Between 1989 and 1991, Courtney Love primarily played a Rickenbacker 425 because she "preferred the 3/4 neck".
1989: Formation of the band Hole
In 1989, Courtney Love formed the alternative rock band Hole, where she served as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist.
April 1990: Release of "Retard Girl"
In April 1990, Hole released their debut single, "Retard Girl," through the Long Beach indie label Sympathy for the Record Industry. The song gained airplay on local rock station KROQ by Rodney Bingenheimer.
November 1990: Hole Opens for Sonic Youth
In November 1990, Hole opened for Sonic Youth at the Whisky a Go Go during their promotional tour for Goo. This event facilitated a meeting between Love and Kim Gordon, which later led to Gordon producing Hole's first album.
September 1991: Release of 'Pretty on the Inside'
In September 1991, Hole released their first studio album, 'Pretty on the Inside', on Caroline Records. The album, produced by Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, showcased an abrasive sound and disturbing, graphic lyrics.
October 1991: Spin's review of Hole's first album
In October 1991, Spin's review of Hole's first album noted Love's layering of harsh and abrasive riffs buried more sophisticated musical arrangements.
1991: Destruction of Rickenbacker 425 Onstage
In 1991, Courtney Love destroyed her Rickenbacker 425 guitar onstage at a concert opening for the Smashing Pumpkins.
1991: Release of 'Pretty on the Inside'
In 1991, Hole released their debut album, Pretty on the Inside, which received critical acclaim from underground rock press. The album was produced by Kim Gordon.
1991: Importance of Lyrics in Songwriting
In a 1991 interview with Everett True, Courtney Love emphasized the importance of lyrics in her songwriting, stating that lyrics have to look good on the page, and include beautiful imagery next to fucked up imagery, because that's how she view things. She aims to write about a female point of view that's never been given space.
1991: Release of "Dicknail"
In early 1991, Hole released their second single, "Dicknail", through Sub Pop Records, continuing their early development as a band.
April 1993: Release of "Beautiful Son"
In April 1993, during her pregnancy, Hole released their fourth single, "Beautiful Son". This came after recording a cover of "Over the Edge" for a Wipers tribute album.
September 8, 1993: Love and Cobain Perform at Rock Against Rape Benefit
On September 8, 1993, Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain performed together at the Rock Against Rape benefit in Hollywood. They played acoustic duets of "Pennyroyal Tea" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night," marking their only public performance as a duo. Love also performed electric versions of "Doll Parts" and "Miss World."
October 1993: Hole Records 'Live Through This'
In October 1993, Hole recorded their second album, Live Through This, in Atlanta. The album featured a new lineup with Kristen Pfaff on bass and Patty Schemel on drums.
1993: Love and Cobain perform at Rock Against Rape benefit
In 1993, Courtney Love and her husband Kurt Cobain performed an acoustic set together at the Rock Against Rape benefit in Los Angeles to raise awareness and provide resources for victims of sexual abuse.
1993: Robert Hilburn comments on Love's stage presence
In 1993, music journalist Robert Hilburn commented that Courtney Love's stage banter felt natural and like she was sharing her immediate feelings.
August 26, 1994: Hole's Performance at Reading Festival
On August 26, 1994, Hole performed at the Reading Festival, marking Courtney Love's first public appearance after Kurt Cobain's death. The performance was described as macabre, frightening, and inspirational, with Love's disheveled appearance and the band's near-chaotic performance creating a tense atmosphere.
1994: Love comments on her psychosexual influence on rock music
In 1994, Courtney Love commented on her potential psychosexual influence on rock music, explaining that the 'kinderwhore' look was born out of irony and not out of a need to be desirable.
1994: Release of 'Live Through This'
In 1994, Hole released their second album, Live Through This, which was met with critical accolades and achieved multi-platinum sales.
April 1995: 'Live Through This' Certified Platinum
In April 1995, 'Live Through This' was certified platinum and received numerous accolades. The success, combined with Cobain's suicide, brought increased publicity to Courtney Love, including being featured on Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People in 1995.
1995: Return to acting
In 1995, Courtney Love returned to acting, earning a Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance in The People vs. Larry Flynt.
1996: Love stars in 'The People vs. Larry Flynt'
In 1996, Courtney Love's performance as Althea Leasure in Miloš Forman's The People vs. Larry Flynt established her as a mainstream actress.
1996: Return to Acting and Film Roles
In 1996, after Hole's world tour, Courtney Love returned to acting, taking small roles in "Basquiat" and "Feeling Minnesota", followed by a starring role as Althea in "The People vs. Larry Flynt". She underwent rehabilitation to quit heroin, with her performance receiving critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
1997: Release of Compilation Albums
In late 1997, Hole released the compilations 'My Body, the Hand Grenade' and 'The First Session', both of which featured previously recorded material, adding to their discography.
September 1998: Release of 'Celebrity Skin'
In September 1998, Hole released their third studio album, 'Celebrity Skin', featuring a power pop sound. The album was influenced by Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, and My Bloody Valentine. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan co-wrote several songs, and the album was well-received.
1998: Vista Venus guitar designed by Love in 1998
Fender's Vista Venus, designed by Courtney Love in 1998, was partially inspired by Rickenbacker guitars as well as her Mercury.
1998: Hole identified as a pop band
In 1998, Courtney Love stated that Hole had "always been a pop band. We always had a subtext of pop. I always talked about it, if you go back ... what'll sound like some weird Sonic Youth tuning back then to you was sounding like the Raspberries to me, in my demented pop framework."
1998: 'Celebrity Skin' nominated for three Grammy Awards
In 1998, Hole's third album, Celebrity Skin, was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
1999: Appearance in 'Man on the Moon'
In 1999, Courtney Love appeared in the big-budget picture Man on the Moon.
1999: Orville H. Gibson Award and Film Roles
In 1999, Courtney Love received an Orville H. Gibson award for Best Female Rock Guitarist. Additionally, she starred in the Andy Kaufman biopic 'Man on the Moon' and was cast in 'Ghosts of Mars', but backed out due to an injury.
1999: Departure from Beautiful Monsters Tour
In 1999, Hole toured with Marilyn Manson on the Beautiful Monsters Tour but dropped out after nine performances due to disagreements over production costs. Hole also cited Manson and Korn's treatment of teenage female audience members as a reason for leaving the tour.
1999: Description of the Vista Venus Guitar
In early 1999, Love described the Squier Vista Venus guitar, which she designed with Fender, as having a warm and pop sound and being simple to use with just one pickup switch. The Vista Venus had a single-coil and a humbucker pickup and was available in 6-string and 12-string versions.
2000: Role in 'Beat'
In 2000, Courtney Love played the role of Joan Vollmer, William S. Burroughs's wife, in the film 'Beat' alongside Kiefer Sutherland, expanding her acting career.
2000: Love advocates for record industry reform
In 2000, Courtney Love publicly advocated for reform of the record industry in a personal letter published by Salon. She discussed her views on online music sharing and artist rights.
March 2001: Love Forms Bastard
In March 2001, Courtney Love formed Bastard, a "punk rock femme supergroup" with Patty Schemel, Louise Post, and Gina Crosley, aiming to create a record and leave behind their "grunge shit".
September 2001: Post and Crosley Leave Bastard
In September 2001, Louise Post and Gina Crosley left Bastard, citing "unhealthy and unprofessional working conditions".
2001: Outstanding Actress Award for 'Julie Johnson'
In 2001, Courtney Love returned to film opposite Lili Taylor in 'Julie Johnson', winning an Outstanding Actress award at L.A.'s Outfest for her role in the film.
May 2002: Hole Announces Breakup
In May 2002, Hole announced their breakup amidst ongoing litigation with Universal Music Group over their record contract.
2002: Appearance in 'Trapped'
In 2002, Courtney Love appeared in the big-budget picture Trapped.
July 2003: Love Signs Contract with Virgin Records
In July 2003, Courtney Love signed a contract with Virgin Records after the breakup of Hole, and began recording her debut solo album, America's Sweetheart, in France.
February 2004: Release of America's Sweetheart
In February 2004, Virgin Records released Courtney Love's album, America's Sweetheart, which received mixed reviews and sold fewer than 100,000 copies. Love later expressed regret over the record.
2004: Co-writes Princess Ai
In 2004, Courtney Love co-wrote the semi-autobiographical manga, Princess Ai, with Stu Levy, illustrated by Misaho Kujiradou and Ai Yazawa.
2004: Release of 'America's Sweetheart'
In 2004, Courtney Love released her first solo album, America's Sweetheart.
2005: Writing "Loser Dust" in Rehab
During her time in rehab in 2005, Courtney Love wrote several songs, including an anti-cocaine song titled "Loser Dust".
2006: Publication of Dirty Blonde and Recording of New Album
In 2006, Courtney Love published her memoir, Dirty Blonde, and began recording her second solo album, How Dirty Girls Get Clean, collaborating with Linda Perry and Billy Corgan.
2006: Release of memoir 'Dirty Blonde'
In 2006, Courtney Love wrote and released a memoir titled Dirty Blonde.
2006: Lyrics reflective of past relationships
Lyrics from Nobody's Daughter were reflective of Courtney Love's past relationships and her struggle for sobriety, with the majority of its lyrics written while she was in rehab in 2006.
2007: Release of "Samantha" Audio Clips
In 2007, incomplete audio clips of Courtney Love's song "Samantha", originating from an interview with NPR, were distributed on the internet.
June 2009: Plan to Reunite Hole Announced
In June 2009, NME published an article detailing Courtney Love's plan to reunite Hole and release a new album, Nobody's Daughter, sparking controversy with former guitarist Eric Erlandson.
2009: Introduction of Gavin Friday at Carnegie Hall
In 2009, Courtney Love introduced Gavin Friday, the frontman of Virgin Prunes, at a Carnegie Hall event and performed a song with him.
March 2010: Release of "Skinny Little Bitch"
In March 2010, "Skinny Little Bitch" was released to promote the album Nobody's Daughter. The album received mixed reviews.
April 27, 2010: Release of Nobody's Daughter as a Hole Album
On April 27, 2010, Nobody's Daughter was released worldwide as a Hole album, despite contractual issues with Eric Erlandson. The album featured material written for Love's unfinished solo album.
2010: Playing a Rickenbacker 360 Onstage
During tours after the release of Nobody's Daughter (post-2010), Courtney Love has played a Rickenbacker 360 onstage.
2010: Love's one-liners compared to Comedy Store material
In 2010, Courtney Love's onstage one-liners were compared to material worthy of the Comedy Store, highlighting her comedic stage presence.
2010: Release of 'Nobody's Daughter'
In 2010, the album Nobody's Daughter was released as a Hole album but without the former Hole lineup.
May 2011: Love donates Cobain's vinyl records for auction
In May 2011, Courtney Love donated six of her late husband Kurt Cobain's personal vinyl records for auction at Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation event, which supports victims of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence.
2011: Participation in Hit So Hard Documentary
In 2011, Courtney Love participated in Hit So Hard, a documentary chronicling bandmate Patty Schemel's time in Hole.
May 2012: Debut of "And She's Not Even Pretty" Art Collection
In May 2012, Courtney Love debuted her art collection titled "And She's Not Even Pretty" at Fred Torres Collaborations in New York, featuring over 40 drawings and paintings.
2012: Love participates in "An Evening with Women" event
In 2012, Courtney Love participated with Linda Perry, Aimee Mann, and Wanda Sykes in the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center's "An Evening with Women" event, which helps provide food, shelter, and services for homeless youth, seniors, and others.
2013: Collaboration on "Rat A Tat"
In 2013, Courtney Love co-wrote and contributed vocals on "Rat A Tat" from Fall Out Boy's album Save Rock and Roll, and appeared in the song's music video.
2013: Solo Tour and Advertisement Campaign
In 2013, after dropping the Hole name and performing as a solo artist, Courtney Love appeared in Yves Saint Laurent advertisements and completed a solo tour of North America, performing songs from her and Hole's back catalogue.
April 22, 2014: Debut of "You Know My Name"
On April 22, 2014, Courtney Love debuted the song "You Know My Name" on BBC Radio 6 to promote her tour of the United Kingdom.
May 1, 2014: Comments on Hole Reunion
On May 1, 2014, Courtney Love commented further on the possibility of Hole reuniting, saying she's not going to commit to it happening, because they want an element of surprise.
May 4, 2014: Release of Double A-Side Single
On May 4, 2014, Courtney Love released the song "You Know My Name" as a double A-side single with the song "Wedding Day" on her own label Cherry Forever Records via Kobalt Label Services.
2014: Television Roles and Soundtrack Inclusion
In 2014, Courtney Love had supporting roles in several television series, including Sons of Anarchy, Revenge, and Empire as Elle Dallas. Her track "Walk Out on Me" was featured on the Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1 album, which reached number 1 on the Billboard 200. The song was praised for Love's voice and its raw emotional delivery.
2014: Release of solo singles and return to acting
In 2014, Courtney Love released two solo singles and returned to acting in the network series Sons of Anarchy.
2014: Love describes herself as a "shit guitar player"
In 2014, Courtney Love stated she was no longer a dependable rhythm guitar player, despite being able to write songs.
January 2015: Starring in "Kansas City Choir Boy"
In January 2015, Courtney Love starred in the New York City stage production, Kansas City Choir Boy, a "pop opera" with Todd Almond. Her stage presence and unique vocal style were praised by critics.
June 2015: Opening for Lana Del Rey and Releasing "Miss Narcissist"
In June 2015, Courtney Love performed as the opening act for Lana Del Rey's Endless Summer Tour and debuted her single "Miss Narcissist", released on Wavves' independent label Ghost Ramp.
January 2016: Release of "Love, Courtney" clothing line
In January 2016, Courtney Love released a clothing line called "Love, Courtney" in collaboration with Sophia Amoruso, featuring 18 pieces reflecting her personal style.
November 2016: Filming A Midsummer's Nightmare Pilot
In November 2016, Courtney Love began filming the pilot for A Midsummer's Nightmare, a Shakespeare anthology series adapted for Lifetime.
June 2017: Premiere of "Menendez: Blood Brothers"
In June 2017, Courtney Love starred as Kitty Menendez in Menendez: Blood Brothers, a biopic television film about Lyle and Erik Menendez, which premiered on Lifetime.
March 2018: Appearance in Marilyn Manson's "Tattooed in Reverse" Music Video
In March 2018, Courtney Love appeared in the music video for Marilyn Manson's "Tattooed in Reverse".
August 18, 2019: Solo Performance at Yola Día Festival
On August 18, 2019, Courtney Love performed a solo set at the Yola Día festival in Los Angeles, which also featured Cat Power and Lykke Li.
November 21, 2019: Recording "Mother" for "The Turning" Soundtrack
On November 21, 2019, Courtney Love recorded the song "Mother", written and produced by Lawrence Rothman, for the soundtrack of the horror film The Turning (2020).
2021: Love launches From Her To Eternity initiative
In 2021, Courtney Love and Julie Panebianco launched From Her To Eternity, an initiative to collect and categorize music materials focusing on women's contributions to popular music.
August 2022: Completion of Memoir "The Girl with the Most Cake"
In August 2022, Courtney Love announced the completion of her memoir, The Girl with the Most Cake, after nearly ten years of writing.
2022: Unreleased Film Role
As of 2022, James Franco's film The Long Home, in which Courtney Love had a supporting role, remains unreleased.
2023: From Her to Eternity exhibition displayed in Chicago
Throughout Summer 2023, From Her to Eternity: The Women Who Photograph Music exhibition was displayed in Chicago's South Loop. The name is a tribute to Anita Lane, who co-wrote the song “From Her To Eternity”.
November 15, 2024: Release of "Song to the Siren" featuring Courtney Love
On November 15, 2024, the song "Song to the Siren" by rapper 070 Shake, featuring Courtney Love as a guest vocalist, was released as part of the album Petrichor.
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