Challenges in the Life of Kurt Cobain in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kurt Cobain. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Kurt Cobain was the frontman of Nirvana, a highly influential grunge band. His angsty lyrics and anti-establishment attitude resonated with Generation X, making him their reluctant spokesman. Cobain's songwriting broadened the scope of mainstream rock, solidifying his place as one of rock music's most impactful figures.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

June 28, 1979: Custody to Father

On June 28, 1979, Kurt Cobain's mother granted full custody to his father, Donald Cobain, due to behavioral issues.

1980: First Drug Experience

In 1980, at the age of 13, Kurt Cobain had his first drug experience with cannabis.

1986: First Heroin Use

In 1986, Kurt Cobain first used heroin, administered by a dealer in Tacoma, Washington.

July 18, 1989: Cocaine Use

On July 18, 1989, while on tour, Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic took cocaine after their gig in New York.

November 27, 1989: Mental Breakdown in Rome

On November 27, 1989, Kurt Cobain suffered a mental breakdown during Nirvana's show in Rome, smashing his guitar and shouting, "I'm going to kill myself!"

1990: Heroin Use Disclosure

In 1990, Kurt Cobain told Krist Novoselic that he had used heroin.

January 1991: Heroin use

In January 1991, Kurt Cobain spoke to Dave Grohl about heroin use.

August 18, 1992: Birth of Frances Bean Cobain

On August 18, 1992, Frances Bean Cobain, the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, was born. The couple faced scrutiny and legal challenges due to alleged drug use, leading to a temporary removal of Frances from their care.

1992: Support for Gay Rights and Pro-Choice Movement

In 1992, Cobain and Nirvana publicly supported gay rights, playing at a benefit concert opposing Oregon's Ballot Measure 9. Cobain was also a vocal supporter of the pro-choice movement and participated in L7's Rock for Choice campaign, leading to death threats from anti-abortion activists.

1992: Heroin Use Affecting Nevermind Tour

In 1992, Kurt Cobain's heroin use began to affect Nirvana's Nevermind tour. During a photoshoot before their Saturday Night Live performance on January 11, he fell asleep several times due to heroin use.

Loading Video...

1992: Near-Death Overdose

In 1992, the morning after Nirvana's performance on Saturday Night Live, Kurt Cobain experienced his first near-death overdose after injecting heroin; he was resuscitated by Courtney Love.

Loading Video...

May 2, 1993: Overdose in Seattle

On May 2, 1993, Kurt Cobain overdosed at his home in Seattle and was taken to Harborview Medical Center, but was discharged the same day.

July 23, 1993: Overdose Before New Music Seminar Performance

On July 23, 1993, Kurt Cobain overdosed before a performance at the New Music Seminar in New York City; Courtney Love injected him with naloxone to resuscitate him, and he performed with Nirvana without indicating anything had happened.

1993: Health Issues and Diagnosis

In 1993, Kurt Cobain spoke about his health issues, including chronic bronchitis, an undiagnosed stomach condition, minor scoliosis, and mental health struggles, including depression and narcolepsy.

1993: Cobain's Feelings About Family

In a 1993 interview, Cobain expressed feelings of shame toward his parents due to their divorce and his desire for a "typical family".

March 1, 1994: Diagnosis and Flight to Rome

On March 1, 1994, following a tour stop in Munich, Germany, Kurt Cobain was diagnosed with bronchitis and severe laryngitis, leading him to fly to Rome for medical treatment the next day.

March 1994: Multiple Heroin Overdoses

By March 1994, Courtney Love had reportedly "seen Kurt close to death from heroin overdoses on more than a dozen occasions."

March 1994: Overdose and Intervention

In March 1994, Kurt Cobain overdosed on a combination of champagne and Rohypnol. Following the incident, he underwent an intervention and entered a detox program.

March 18, 1994: Cobain's Suicidal Episode

On March 18, 1994, Courtney Love contacted Seattle police, reporting that Kurt Cobain was suicidal and had locked himself in a room with a gun. Upon arrival, police confiscated firearms and pills. Cobain denied suicidal intentions, stating he was hiding from Love.

March 25, 1994: Intervention Regarding Cobain's Drug Use

On March 25, 1994, an intervention was arranged by Courtney Love for Cobain's drug use, including musician friends and record company executives. Cobain initially reacted with anger but eventually agreed to a detox program.

March 30, 1994: Cobain Enters Detox and Acquires Shotgun

On March 30, 1994, Kurt Cobain entered a residential detox facility in Los Angeles. On the same day before departing, Cobain asked Dylan Carlson to purchase a shotgun, claiming it was for self-protection; this was the weapon Cobain would later use in his suicide.

April 1, 1994: Cobain Escapes Rehab and Flies to Seattle

On April 1, 1994, Kurt Cobain escaped the rehab facility and flew to Seattle. He encountered Duff McKagan on the flight, and despite previous animosity, McKagan noted that Cobain "seemed happy" but McKagan sensed that "something was wrong".

April 5, 1994: Estimated Day of Cobain's Death

The coroner's report estimated that Kurt Cobain died on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27, at his Lake Washington Boulevard home. His body was discovered on April 8th.

April 8, 1994: Discovery of Kurt Cobain's Body

On April 8, 1994, Kurt Cobain was found dead in the greenhouse of his Seattle home at the age of 27. The police determined his death occurred approximately three days earlier due to a self-inflicted shotgun wound.

March 2014: Seattle Police Develop Film from Cobain's Death Scene

In March 2014, the Seattle police developed four rolls of film from Kurt Cobain's death scene, revealing clearer images than previous Polaroids. These photos, reviewed by Detective Mike Ciesynski, confirmed Cobain's death as a suicide. The images were released weeks before the 20th anniversary of Cobain's death.