History of Courtney Love in Timeline
Courtney Love is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actress known for her significant impact on the alternative and grunge music scenes since the 1990s. She gained fame as the frontwoman of the band Hole, captivating audiences with her raw performances and provocative lyrics. Her marriage to Nirvana's Kurt Cobain further thrust her into the public eye. Love's enduring influence earned her recognition as a top influential figure in alternative culture by NME in 2020.
1941: Birth of Hank Harrison
Hank Harrison, Courtney Love's father, was born in 1941.
1944: Birth of Linda Carroll
Courtney Love's mother, Linda Carroll, was born in 1944.
1956: Publication of "Chocolates for Breakfast"
The novel "Chocolates for Breakfast" by Pamela Moore, which inspired Courtney Love's name, was published in 1956.
1963: Meeting of Courtney Love's Parents
Courtney Love's parents, Linda Carroll and Hank Harrison, met at a party for Dizzy Gillespie in 1963.
July 9, 1964: Birth of Courtney Love
Courtney Michelle Harrison, later known as Courtney Love, was born on July 9, 1964, at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco.
1965: Courtney Love's Fender Jazzmaster on Display
Courtney Love's vintage 1965 Fender Jazzmaster, an iconic instrument in her career, was acquired by the Hard Rock Cafe and is now on display in New York City.
1967: Early Musical Influence: Leonard Cohen
As a child, Courtney Love's first personal record was Leonard Cohen's "Songs of Leonard Cohen" (1967), which she got from her mother. She connected with Cohen's lyrical and morbid style.
1970: Divorce and Relocation to Oregon
Courtney Love's parents divorced in 1970, and her mother relocated with her to Marcola, Oregon.
1972: Relocation to New Zealand
Courtney Love's family relocated to Nelson, New Zealand, following her mother's remarriage to David Menely in 1972.
1973: Return to Portland
Courtney Love was sent back to Portland, Oregon, in 1973 to live with her former stepfather and other family friends.
1976: Use of Vintage Randall Commander Amplifier
Courtney Love's musical setup included a variety of equipment, including a solid-state 1976 Randall Commander amplifier.
1979: Placement in Foster Care
Courtney Love spent time in foster care throughout late 1979.
1980: Legal Emancipation
Courtney Love became legally emancipated in 1980 and remained estranged from her mother.
1981: Travels and Education in Dublin
In 1981, Courtney Love used a trust fund to travel to Dublin, where her father lived. She audited theology courses at Trinity College and later received honorary patronage from the University Philosophical Society in 2010.
July 1982: Return to the United States and Brief Stint with Faith No More
Courtney Love returned to the United States in July 1982. She briefly joined Faith No More as a singer but was later fired. She then worked abroad as an erotic dancer.
1984: Early Musical Ventures and Meeting Kat Bjelland
Courtney Love fronted Faith No More for a TV appearance and formed the band Sugar Babylon with friends. After meeting Kat Bjelland, they formed the group the Pagan Babies.
June 1985: Formation of The Pagan Babies and Move to San Francisco
Courtney Love formed the band The Pagan Babies with Kat Bjelland in 1984, and they moved to San Francisco in June 1985. The band played shows and recorded a demo before disbanding.
1985: Acting Debut and Studying Film
In 1985, Courtney Love decided to pursue acting. She enrolled at the San Francisco Art Institute, studying film and appearing in George Kuchar's short film "Club Vatican." She also auditioned for and landed a minor role in the film "Sid and Nancy."
1986: Filming "Sid and Nancy" and Working in New York City
Courtney Love filmed "Sid and Nancy" in New York City in 1986. Afterward, she worked at a Times Square peep show and lived at the ABC No Rio social center and Pyramid Club in the East Village.
1986: Film Debut in "Sid and Nancy"
Courtney Love made her acting debut in 1986 with a supporting role in the Alex Cox film "Sid and Nancy".
1987: Starring in "Straight to Hell"
Courtney Love starred in Alex Cox's film "Straight to Hell" in 1987, which also featured Joe Strummer, Dennis Hopper, and Grace Jones. Although poorly received, the film gained her recognition from Andy Warhol, who featured her on his show "Andy Warhol's Fifteen Minutes."
1987: Appearance in "Straight to Hell"
In 1987, Courtney Love appeared in a supporting role in another Alex Cox film, "Straight to Hell".
1988: Appearance in Ramones Music Video
Courtney Love made a cameo appearance as a bride in the Ramones' music video for "I Wanna Be Sedated" in 1988.
1988: Concert in Minneapolis and Move to Los Angeles
Courtney Love participated in a concert called O-88 in Minneapolis with bands like Butthole Surfers, Babes in Toyland, and Run Westy Run. After the concert, she decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue fame.
1988: Leaving Acting and Relocating to Alaska
Disillusioned with her acting career, Courtney Love stopped acting in 1988. She briefly worked as a stripper in Oregon before relocating to Anchorage, Alaska for three months to reflect and work at a strip club.
1988: Learning Guitar and Forming Hole
In late 1988, Courtney Love taught herself to play guitar and moved to Los Angeles. She formed the band Hole, recruiting guitarist Eric Erlandson, bassist Lisa Roberts, and drummer Caroline Rue.
July 23, 1989: Marriage to James Moreland
Courtney Love married Leaving Trains vocalist James Moreland on July 23, 1989, in Las Vegas. The marriage was annulled within the same year.
November 1989: Hole's First Show
Hole played their first show in November 1989 at Raji's, a rock club in Hollywood.
1989: Possible First Meeting with Kurt Cobain (According to Michael Azerrad)
Music journalist Michael Azerrad places Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain's initial meeting in 1989 at the Satyricon nightclub in Portland, Oregon.
1989: Use of Rickenbacker Guitars
From 1989 to 1991, Courtney Love favored playing a Rickenbacker 425, drawn to its 3/4 neck.
1989: Formation of Hole
Courtney Love formed the alternative rock band Hole in 1989 with guitarist Eric Erlandson.
February 12, 1990: First Meeting with Kurt Cobain (According to Charles Cross)
According to Cobain biographer Charles Cross, Courtney Love first met Kurt Cobain on February 12, 1990, at the Satyricon nightclub in Portland, Oregon. The encounter was said to involve Cobain playfully wrestling Love to the floor.
April 1990: Release of "Retard Girl"
Hole released their debut single, "Retard Girl," in April 1990 through Sympathy for the Record Industry.
November 1990: Hole Opens for Sonic Youth
In November 1990, Hole, fronted by Courtney Love, opened for Sonic Youth at the Whisky a Go Go during Sonic Youth's promotional tour for their album "Goo." This encounter marked the beginning of Love's professional relationship with Kim Gordon, who would later produce Hole's debut album.
May 17, 1991: Possible Introduction to Cobain (According to Eric Erlandson)
Love's bandmate in Hole, Eric Erlandson, stated that he and Love were introduced to Kurt Cobain on May 17, 1991, in a parking lot following a concert at the Hollywood Palladium.
September 1991: Release of Hole's Debut Album "Pretty on the Inside"
In September 1991, Hole, with Courtney Love as the frontwoman, released their debut album, "Pretty on the Inside," on Caroline Records. The album, known for its abrasive sound and graphic lyrics, was produced by Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, whom Love had met when Hole opened for them in November 1990.
October 1991: "Spin" Magazine Review of Hole's Debut Album
In its October 1991 review of Hole's debut album, "Spin" magazine highlighted Courtney Love's musical style, noting her ability to layer harsh, abrasive riffs over sophisticated musical arrangements.
1991: Courtney Love's Diverse Musical Tastes and Influences
In 1991, Courtney Love revealed her diverse musical interests, expressing desires to form both a grindcore and a pop band. She discussed feeling the need to align with her "hip peers" who were into indie music, while admitting her own fondness for bands like R.E.M. and The Smiths. She also embraced influences from experimental and punk rock artists, such as Sonic Youth, Swans, Big Black, Diamanda Galás, the Germs, the Stooges, Neil Young, My Bloody Valentine, and PJ Harvey.
1991: Release of "Pretty on the Inside"
Hole, Courtney Love's band, released their debut album, "Pretty on the Inside," in 1991 to critical acclaim from the underground rock press.
1991: Courtney Love on the Importance of Lyrics
During a 1991 interview, Courtney Love stressed the significance of lyrics in songwriting for her. She believed that lyrics should be meaningful and impactful, aiming to create a visual experience with her words.
1991: Destruction of Rickenbacker Guitar Onstage
During a 1991 concert opening for the Smashing Pumpkins, Courtney Love famously destroyed her Rickenbacker guitar onstage.
1991: Release of "Dicknail"
Hole released their second single, "Dicknail," in early 1991 through Sub Pop Records.
February 24, 1992: Marriage to Kurt Cobain
On February 24, 1992, Courtney Love married Kurt Cobain in a ceremony on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Love wore a dress that had belonged to actress Frances Farmer, while Cobain wore pajamas.
September 1992: "Strange Love" Profile in Vanity Fair
Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain were featured in a September 1992 Vanity Fair article titled "Strange Love." The profile, which painted the couple in an unflattering light, particularly regarding their heroin use, became controversial. Love later stated that the article had significant and lasting negative impacts on her marriage and Cobain's mental state.
1992: Love and Cobain Become a Couple
By 1992, following a period of reconnection facilitated by a mutual friend, Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain were officially a couple.
April 1993: Release of "Beautiful Son" Single
In April 1993, Hole, fronted by Courtney Love, released "Beautiful Son" as their fourth single. This occurred during Love's pregnancy with her and Kurt Cobain's only child.
September 8, 1993: Performance at Rock Against Rape Benefit
On September 8, 1993, Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain gave their only joint public performance at the Rock Against Rape benefit concert in Hollywood. They performed acoustic versions of "Pennyroyal Tea" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night."
October 1993: Recording of "Live Through This" Album
Hole, with Courtney Love as lead vocalist, recorded their second album, "Live Through This," in Atlanta in October 1993. This marked a period of lineup changes for the band, with Kristen Pfaff joining as bassist and Patty Schemel as drummer.
1993: Love and Cobain Perform at Rock Against Rape Benefit
Courtney Love and her husband, Kurt Cobain, performed an acoustic set at the Rock Against Rape benefit concert in Los Angeles in 1993, raising awareness and resources for sexual abuse victims.
1993: Critics Notice Love's Unique Stage Banter
Music journalist Robert Hilburn noted in 1993 that Love's stage banter felt natural and like she was sharing her immediate feelings, rather than scripted patter.
April 1994: Death of Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, husband of Courtney Love, died by suicide in April 1994 at their Seattle home. Love was at a rehab facility in Los Angeles at the time. Following his death, Love kept a low public profile while grieving with friends and family.
August 26, 1994: Hole's Performance at Reading Festival
On August 26, 1994, Hole, fronted by Courtney Love, performed at the Reading Festival. This marked Love's first public performance since the death of her husband, Kurt Cobain, a few months prior. The performance was met with strong reactions, with critics and audiences noting Love's raw emotion and the band's intense energy.
December 1994: Hole's Concert in Boston
Hole, led by Courtney Love, performed a concert in Boston in December 1994, which became known for its chaotic energy. Love's onstage behavior, including emotional outbursts and interactions with the audience, sparked controversy.
1994: Love's Recollection of 1994 and 1995
Courtney Love later admitted to having limited memories of 1994 and 1995 due to heavy drug use, particularly heroin and Rohypnol. This period coincided with significant events in her life, including the death of Kurt Cobain and various controversies she was involved in.
1994: Julian Cope's Autobiography
Julian Cope mentioned Courtney Love in his 1994 autobiography "Head-On", referring to her as "the adolescent" and detailing their time living together in his Liverpool home.
1994: Love Discusses "Kinderwhore" Aesthetic and Its Impact
In 1994, Courtney Love discussed the "kinderwhore" aesthetic she popularized, which involved vintage babydoll dresses, smeared makeup, and red lipstick. She acknowledged its influence while also expressing frustration when the look was used solely for sex appeal.
1994: Release of "Live Through This"
Hole's second album, "Live Through This," was released in 1994, achieving critical acclaim and multi-platinum sales.
January 1995: Arrest for Disrupting a Qantas Flight
Courtney Love was arrested in Melbourne, Australia, in January 1995 for disrupting a Qantas flight. The incident stemmed from an argument between Love and a flight attendant.
March 1995: Alleged Altercation at Orlando Concert
In March 1995, during a Hole concert in Orlando, Florida, Courtney Love was accused of punching two male audience members. This incident later resulted in a lawsuit that was eventually dismissed.
April 1995: "Live Through This" Certified Platinum
In April 1995, Hole's album "Live Through This" achieved platinum certification. This success, combined with the public interest surrounding Kurt Cobain's suicide the previous year, catapulted Love into a period of heightened media attention.
July 4, 1995: Altercation with Kathleen Hanna at Lollapalooza
During the Lollapalooza Festival in George, Washington, on July 4, 1995, Courtney Love was involved in a physical altercation with musician Kathleen Hanna. Love threw a lit cigarette at Hanna and punched her, which led to an assault charge and Love being ordered to attend anger management classes.
November 1995: Lawsuit Regarding Orlando Concert Dismissed
A lawsuit filed against Courtney Love by two teenagers who alleged she had punched them during a Hole concert in Orlando, Florida, in March 1995 was dismissed in November 1995. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had not been subjected to unreasonable levels of violence for a rock concert.
1995: Return to Acting
Courtney Love returned to acting in 1995 after the success of her band, Hole.
1995: Public Disclosure of Autism Diagnosis
In 1995, Courtney Love publicly shared that she had been diagnosed with autism as a child.
1995: Love's Post-Punk and New Wave Influences
Despite being often associated with the grunge scene of the 1990s, Courtney Love has stated that her musical influences were more aligned with post-punk and new wave, particularly bands like Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen.
1996: Golden Globe Nomination for "The People vs. Larry Flynt"
Courtney Love's performance as Althea Leasure in the 1996 film "The People vs. Larry Flynt" earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination and established her as a mainstream actress.
1996: Love Reflects on "The People vs. Larry Flynt"
In 1996, Courtney Love reflected on her experience starring in the film "The People vs. Larry Flynt." While no specific event is described, this suggests a significant moment in her acting career.
1996: Return to Acting and Acclaimed Performance
In 1996, after concluding Hole's world tour, Courtney Love returned to acting, taking roles in the biopic Basquiat and the drama Feeling Minnesota. She then starred as Althea Flynt in the critically acclaimed film The People vs. Larry Flynt. Love underwent rehabilitation and quit heroin during filming, resulting in a Golden Globe nomination and several other awards for her performance.
1997: Formation of Nirvana LLC
In 1997, Courtney Love, along with former Nirvana members Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, formed Nirvana LLC to manage Nirvana's business dealings.
1997: Love Reflects on Her Cultural Impact
In 1997, Love commented on having a cultural impact, without specifying further details.
1997: Release of Compilations
In late 1997, Hole released two compilations, My Body, the Hand Grenade and The First Session, featuring previously recorded material.
May 1998: Punching Incident
In May 1998, Courtney Love attracted media attention after punching journalist Belissa Cohen at a party. The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
September 1998: Release of Celebrity Skin
In September 1998, Hole released their third studio album, Celebrity Skin, which showcased a power pop sound. The album was well-received, went multi-platinum, and topped "Best of Year" lists at Spin and The Village Voice. It included Hole's only number-one single on the Modern Rock Tracks chart with "Celebrity Skin".
1998: Release of "Celebrity Skin" and Grammy Nominations
Hole's third album, "Celebrity Skin," was released in 1998 and received three Grammy Award nominations.
1998: Courtney Love on Hole's Pop Sensibilities
In 1998, Courtney Love asserted that Hole had "always been a pop band," emphasizing their underlying pop subtext. She explained that what some perceived as "weird Sonic Youth tuning" was, to her, reminiscent of The Raspberries.
1998: Design of Fender Vista Venus Guitar
In 1998, Courtney Love collaborated with Fender to design the Vista Venus guitar. The design was partly inspired by Rickenbacker guitars and her Mercury guitar.
1999: Beautiful Monsters Tour with Marilyn Manson
In 1999, Hole toured with Marilyn Manson on the Beautiful Monsters Tour but dropped out after nine performances due to disagreements over production costs and concerns about the treatment of teenage female audience members by Manson and Korn.
1999: Award and Acting Roles
In 1999, Courtney Love was awarded an Orville H. Gibson award for Best Female Rock Guitarist. She also starred in the biopic Man on the Moon and was involved in other acting projects during this time.
1999: Designing the Vista Venus Guitar
In 1999, Courtney Love co-designed the Vista Venus guitar with Fender, a low-priced Squier brand guitar. The instrument was designed to be simple and versatile, catering to both new and experienced guitarists.
1999: Appearance in "Man on the Moon"
Courtney Love appeared in the big-budget film "Man on the Moon" in 1999.
2000: Role in Beat
In 2000, Courtney Love starred as Joan Vollmer in the film Beat, alongside Kiefer Sutherland.
2000: Love Advocates for Music Industry Reform and Artists' Rights
In 2000, Love publicly criticized the record industry, arguing that sharing music online wasn't piracy, and called for greater support for artists. She suggested forming a union for recording artists and advocated for better treatment of Black artists.
March 2001: Formation of Bastard
In March 2001, Courtney Love formed the "punk rock femme supergroup" Bastard with Schemel, Louise Post, and Gina Crosley. However, the group disbanded by September 2001 due to "unhealthy and unprofessional working conditions".
June 2001: Lawsuit to Dissolve Nirvana LLC
In June 2001, Courtney Love filed a lawsuit to dissolve Nirvana LLC, blocking the release of unreleased Nirvana material and delaying the release of the Nirvana compilation With the Lights Out.
September 2001: Disbandment of Bastard
By September 2001, the supergroup Bastard disbanded due to "unhealthy and unprofessional working conditions".
2001: Role in Julie Johnson
In 2001, Courtney Love starred opposite Lili Taylor in the film Julie Johnson, where she played a woman in a lesbian relationship. She won an Outstanding Actress award at L.A.'s Outfest for her performance.
May 2002: Breakup of Hole
In May 2002, Hole announced their breakup amidst continuing litigation with Universal Music Group over their record contract.
2002: Appearance in "Trapped"
Courtney Love continued her acting career with a role in the 2002 film "Trapped".
2002: Role in Trapped
In 2002, Courtney Love starred in the thriller Trapped, alongside Kevin Bacon and Charlize Theron. The film was a box-office flop.
February 2003: Arrest at Heathrow Airport
In February 2003, Courtney Love was arrested at Heathrow Airport for disrupting a flight and was subsequently banned from Virgin Airlines.
July 2003: Courtney Love Signs with Virgin Records
In July 2003, following the disbandment of Hole, Courtney Love signed a recording contract with Virgin Records, marking the beginning of her solo career.
February 2004: Release of "America's Sweetheart"
Courtney Love released her debut solo album, "America's Sweetheart," in February 2004. The album received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its rawness and artistic merit, while others found it less compelling than her previous work.
March 17, 2004: Controversial Appearance on "Late Show with David Letterman"
On March 17, 2004, Courtney Love's appearance on "Late Show with David Letterman" became infamous for her provocative behavior, including lifting her shirt, flashing Letterman, and standing on his desk. This incident sparked media coverage and controversy.
July 9, 2004: Arrest and Hospitalization
On her 40th birthday, July 9, 2004, Courtney Love was arrested for failing to appear in court for charges related to an incident in March 2004. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital due to concerns about her well-being and potential danger to herself.
October 2004: Pleading Guilty to Disorderly Conduct
In October 2004, Courtney Love pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in connection with an incident that occurred in the East Village in March 2004.
2004: Release of "Princess Ai" Manga Series
Courtney Love co-wrote a semi-autobiographical manga series titled "Princess Ai," which was released in volumes between 2004 and 2006. The series, illustrated by Misaho Kujiradou and Ai Yazawa, provided a fictionalized glimpse into Love's life experiences.
2004: Release of "America's Sweetheart"
Courtney Love released her debut solo album, "America's Sweetheart," in 2004.
August 2005: Appearance on "Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson"
Courtney Love's appearance on the "Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson" in August 2005 drew attention for her intoxicated and disheveled state, sparking further media scrutiny and concern.
September 2005: Court-Ordered Rehab Sentence
In September 2005, Courtney Love was sentenced to a 180-day rehab program after violating her probation by being under the influence of a controlled substance. This sentence was a consequence of her ongoing legal troubles and substance abuse issues.
November 2005: Completion of Rehab Program
Courtney Love completed her court-ordered rehab program in November 2005 and was discharged with the requirement of continuing outpatient rehabilitation.
2005: Rehabilitation and Writing Second Solo Album
Courtney Love underwent a mandatory lockdown rehabilitation sentence in 2005 during which she wrote her second solo album.
2005: Love Warns About Weinstein
In 2005, during the Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson, Courtney Love publicly warned young actresses about Harvey Weinstein, advising them not to accept private invitations from him.
2006: Co-Creation of Manga Series and Publication of Memoir
Courtney Love co-created and co-wrote three volumes of the manga series "Princess Ai" between 2004 and 2006 and published her memoir, "Dirty Blonde," in 2006.
2006: Lyrical Themes in "Nobody's Daughter"
Courtney Love's album "Nobody's Daughter," with lyrics primarily written during her 2006 rehab stay, reflected on her past relationships and journey towards sobriety.
2006: Publication of Memoir "Dirty Blonde" and Recording of "How Dirty Girls Get Clean"
In 2006, Courtney Love published her memoir, "Dirty Blonde," offering a candid account of her life. She also began working on her second solo album, "How Dirty Girls Get Clean," collaborating with Linda Perry and Billy Corgan.
March 2009: Libel Suit Settlement
Courtney Love reached a $450,000 settlement in a libel suit filed against her by fashion designer Dawn Simorangkir over a defamatory post Love made on her Twitter account in March 2009.
June 2009: Announcement of Hole Reunion and "Nobody's Daughter" Album
In June 2009, news broke of Courtney Love's plans to reunite Hole and release a new album titled "Nobody's Daughter." However, former guitarist Eric Erlandson disputed the legitimacy of the reunion without his involvement.
2009: Performance with Gavin Friday at Carnegie Hall
In 2009, Courtney Love introduced and performed with Gavin Friday, the frontman of the Virgin Prunes, at a Carnegie Hall event. This marked a significant moment as Love had cited a Virgin Prunes concert she attended at age fifteen as a pivotal influence on her.
March 2010: Release of "Skinny Little Bitch" Single
"Skinny Little Bitch" was released as the lead single from Hole's album "Nobody's Daughter" in March 2010. The song served to promote the upcoming album and marked the band's return to the music scene.
April 27, 2010: Release of "Nobody's Daughter"
"Nobody's Daughter" was released on April 27, 2010, as a Hole album despite the controversy surrounding the reunion. The album featured songs initially intended for Love's unfinished solo project and received a mixed critical response.
2010: Love's Stage Banter Praised as Comedy-Worthy
A 2010 review of Love's live performance highlighted her onstage "one-liners" as being worthy of stand-up comedy, further solidifying her reputation for entertaining and unpredictable shows.
2010: Use of Rickenbacker 360 Guitar
After the release of Hole's album "Nobody's Daughter" (post-2010), Courtney Love frequently used a Rickenbacker 360 guitar for live performances.
2010: Release of "Nobody's Daughter"
Initially planned as a solo album, Courtney Love's project "Nobody's Daughter" was released as a Hole album in 2010, but did not feature the original Hole lineup.
2010: Release of Hole's "Nobody's Daughter" and Vocal Comparisons
Upon the release of Hole's album "Nobody's Daughter" in 2010, critics drew comparisons between Courtney Love's raspy vocals and those of Bob Dylan.
May 2011: Love Donates Cobain's Records for Charity Auction
In May 2011, Courtney Love donated six of Kurt Cobain's personal vinyl records to be auctioned at the Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation event. The proceeds were donated to support victims of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence.
May 2012: "And She's Not Even Pretty" Art Exhibition
In May 2012, Courtney Love showcased her artistic talent by debuting an art collection titled "And She's Not Even Pretty" at Fred Torres Collaborations in New York. The exhibition featured over 40 of her drawings and paintings, highlighting her diverse use of mediums like ink, colored pencil, pastels, and watercolors.
2012: Love Recognized as One of the Greatest Women in Music
VH1 ranked Courtney Love as number 69 on their list of "The 100 Greatest Women in Music History" in 2012, cementing her influence and legacy in the music industry.
2012: Love Supports Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center
In 2012, Courtney Love participated in "An Evening with Women," an event hosted by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. The event aimed to raise funds for services supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth and other vulnerable groups.
2012: Conclusion of "Nobody's Daughter" Tour
Hole concluded their international tour promoting "Nobody's Daughter" in late 2012, marking the end of the album's promotional cycle. The tour had begun in 2010.
2012: Transition to Solo Artist
Courtney Love shifted her career focus in late 2012, dropping the band name Hole and beginning to perform as a solo artist.
2013: Music Collaborations and Music Video Appearance
Courtney Love collaborated with Michael Stipe on the track "Rio Grande" for Johnny Depp's sea shanty album "Son of Rogues Gallery" in 2013. In the same year, she contributed to Fall Out Boy's album "Save Rock and Roll" by co-writing and providing vocals for the song "Rat A Tat". She also made an appearance in the song's music video.
2013: Yves Saint Laurent Campaign and Solo Tour
Courtney Love, alongside Kim Gordon and Ariel Pink, was featured in advertisements for Yves Saint Laurent in the spring of 2013. She also embarked on a solo tour across North America in mid-2013, performing songs from both her solo career and her time with Hole. Although initially touted as a promotional tour for an upcoming solo album, it ultimately became a "greatest hits" tour. During this time, Love revealed that she had recorded eight songs for a potential album.
January 2014: Landmark Libel Lawsuit and Twitter-Based Defamation Case
In January 2014, Courtney Love faced a significant legal battle in the form of a libel lawsuit filed by her former attorney, Rhonda Holmes. This lawsuit, seeking $8 million in damages, alleged online defamation by Love and marked the first instance of alleged Twitter-based libel in U.S. history to reach trial. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the jury ruled in favor of Love.
February 2014: Defamation Lawsuit and Financial Repercussions
In February 2014, Courtney Love faced legal consequences when a defamation lawsuit filed by fashion designer Simorangkir resulted in a court order requiring her to pay $350,000 in restitution.
April 22, 2014: "You Know My Name" Debut
On April 22, 2014, Courtney Love used the platform of BBC Radio 6 to debut her new song, "You Know My Name," as part of the promotional activities for her upcoming tour in the United Kingdom.
May 1, 2014: Hole Reunion Speculation
On May 1, 2014, Courtney Love added fuel to rumors of a Hole reunion in a Pitchfork interview. She hinted at the possibility of the band reuniting, mentioning rehearsals of new material with former guitarist Eric Erlandson, bassist Melissa Auf der Maur, and drummer Patty Schemel. She aimed to maintain an element of surprise but did not confirm a full reunion.
May 4, 2014: "You Know My Name" / "Wedding Day" Release
Courtney Love released the double A-side single, "You Know My Name" / "Wedding Day" on May 4, 2014, under her own record label, Cherry Forever Records, distributed via Kobalt Label Services. Notably, the tracks were produced by Michael Beinhorn and featured Tommy Lee on drums.
2014: Television Appearances and "Walk Out on Me" Release
Throughout 2014, Courtney Love appeared in supporting roles in several television series, including "Sons of Anarchy," "Revenge," and a recurring guest role as Elle Dallas in Lee Daniels' "Empire." Her song "Walk Out on Me" was featured on the "Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1" album, which achieved a number one debut on the Billboard 200.
2014: Love Discusses Her Guitar Playing and Live Performance Reputation
In 2014, Courtney Love admitted to being a "shit guitar player" despite being able to write songs. She acknowledged her past reputation for unpredictable live shows during the 1990s, marked by confrontational behavior and incoherent rants.
2014: Release of Solo Singles
Courtney Love released two solo singles between 2014 and 2015.
January 2015: "Kansas City Choir Boy" Stage Debut
Courtney Love expanded her creative pursuits in January 2015 by starring in a New York City stage production of "Kansas City Choir Boy," a unique "pop opera" conceived by and co-starring Todd Almond.
April 2015: Lawsuit Regarding Memoir
In April 2015, Journalist Anthony Bozza filed a lawsuit against Courtney Love, alleging a breach of contract related to his collaboration on her memoir.
June 2015: "Endless Summer Tour" and "Miss Narcissist" Release
Courtney Love joined Lana Del Rey's "Endless Summer Tour" as the opening act for eight West Coast shows in May and June 2015. During this time, she released the single "Miss Narcissist" on Wavves' independent label, Ghost Ramp.
2015: Release of Solo Singles and Return to Acting
Courtney Love continued to release solo singles and made a return to acting with appearances in the TV series "Sons of Anarchy" and "Empire" between 2014 and 2015.
2015: Love Declared Greatest Female Rock Star of All Time
In 2015, the Phoenix New Times named Courtney Love the number one greatest female rock star of all time, citing her musical talent, personal struggles, and overall impact on the rock music scene.
January 2016: "Love, Courtney" Clothing Line Launch
In January 2016, Courtney Love collaborated with Sophia Amoruso to launch her clothing line, "Love, Courtney." This 18-piece collection reflected Love's personal style.
November 2016: "A Midsummer's Nightmare" Filming
Courtney Love took on a role in "A Midsummer's Nightmare," a Shakespeare anthology series adapted for Lifetime, beginning filming for the pilot in November 2016.
June 2017: "Menendez: Blood Brothers" Premiere
Courtney Love portrayed Kitty Menéndez in "Menendez: Blood Brothers," a biographical television film about the lives of Lyle and Erik Menéndez. The film premiered on Lifetime in June 2017.
October 2017: Harvey Weinstein Warning Resurfaces
In October 2017, amidst the Harvey Weinstein scandal, a video from 2005 resurfaced and went viral, showing Courtney Love cautioning young actresses about Weinstein. In the video, captured at the Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson, Love responded to a question from Natasha Leggero about advice for young women moving to Hollywood by warning them against accepting private party invitations from Weinstein at the Four Seasons hotel. She later tweeted about being "eternally banned" by Creative Artists Agency for speaking out.
2017: Public Appearance with Nicholas Cullinan
In 2017, Courtney Love attended the GQ Men of the Year awards at the Tate Modern, accompanied by museum director Nicholas Cullinan, whom she referred to as her "soulmate" and "family for life."
March 2018: "Tattooed in Reverse" Music Video Appearance
Courtney Love made an appearance in the music video for Marilyn Manson's "Tattooed in Reverse" in March 2018.
2018: Opioid Addiction Relapse and Sobriety
In 2018, Courtney Love experienced a relapse into opioid addiction but later celebrated a year of sobriety. This was publicly revealed when she criticized Joss Sackler, an heiress to the Sackler family OxyContin fortune.
January 2019: Restraining Order Against Sam Lutfi Extended
In January 2019, a Los Angeles County judge extended a restraining order obtained by Courtney Love against her former manager, Sam Lutfi, to five years. This decision stemmed from allegations of verbal abuse and harassment made by Love, her daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, and her sister, Jamiee. The judge cited Lutfi's history of "preying upon people" as justification for the extension.
August 18, 2019: Yola Día Festival Performance
Courtney Love performed a solo set at the Yola Día festival in Los Angeles on August 18, 2019, which also included performances by Cat Power and Lykke Li.
October 2019: Relocation to London
Courtney Love relocated from Los Angeles to London in October 2019.
November 21, 2019: Recording of "Mother" for "The Turning" Soundtrack
On November 21, 2019, Courtney Love recorded the song "Mother" for the horror film "The Turning" (2020). The song was written and produced by Lawrence Rothman.
January 2020: NME Icon Award
Courtney Love received the Icon Award at the NME Awards in January 2020. NME recognized her as "one of the most influential singers in alternative culture of the last 30 years".
August 2020: Hospitalization for Acute Anemia
In August 2020, Courtney Love was hospitalized with acute anemia, a serious condition that significantly impacted her health and nearly resulted in death.
2020: NME Recognition
In 2020, Courtney Love was recognized by NME as one of the most influential singers in alternative culture of the last 30 years.
2020: Confirmation of New Music
In 2020, Courtney Love confirmed that she was working on writing new music.
March 2021: Hospitalization and Recovery
Courtney Love revealed in March 2021 that she had been hospitalized with acute anemia in August 2020. The condition was severe enough to have nearly been fatal and caused her weight to drop to 97 pounds. She made a full recovery.
2021: Courtney Love Discusses Musical Influences
In 2021, Courtney Love addressed the misconception that she solely identifies with punk music. She clarified that her main musical influences were rooted in new wave and post-punk genres.
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," a project that spanned nearly a decade.
2022: "The Long Home" Remains Unreleased
As of 2022, the James Franco-directed film "The Long Home," a film adaptation of William Gay's novel in which Love had a supporting role, remains unreleased. This marked her first film appearance in over a decade.
2022: Death of Hank Harrison
Hank Harrison, Courtney Love's father, passed away in 2022.
May 15, 2023: Casting in "Assassination"
On May 15, 2023, it was announced that Courtney Love had been cast in "Assassination," a biographical film about the assassination of John F. Kennedy directed by David Mamet. The film also stars Viggo Mortensen, Shia LaBeouf, Al Pacino, and John Travolta.
2023: Rolling Stone's "200 Greatest Singers of All Time"
In 2023, "Rolling Stone" magazine ranked Courtney Love at number 130 on its list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time."