Where did Grohl run to? He laughs and the atmosphere lightens. “To the payphone across the street. I rang my sister and was like, ‘Please come and pick me up!’” Did Grohl’s father eventually understand? “He said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ But he got it. Although it’s funny, he never entirely conceded defeat. When I joined Nirvana and we were getting really, really stupidly popular, I had another one of those talks. He was like, ‘David, you know this isn’t going to last, don’t you?’ I replied, ‘Of course not, Dad! Why would it?’”
Whatever anyone has written about the cultural impact of grunge and how much the music changed things, “Nirvana, for me, was a personal revolution,” says Grohl. “I was 21. You remember being 21? You think you know it all. But you don’t. I thought I knew everything. And being in Nirvana showed me how little I really knew. They were some of the greatest highs of my life, but also, of course, one of the biggest lows. Those experiences became a footing or a foundation on how to survive.”
It’s difficult to talk to Grohl about Nirvana. After all, both he and I are all too aware that for years after Cobain’s suicide, in April 1994, it’s all anyone ever wanted to talk to him about. “Every question, at every press conference,” he admits. But still, the tragedy, even after all these years is tender. “For years I couldn’t even listen to any music, let alone a Nirvana song,” explains Grohl to me earnestly. “When Kurt died, every time the radio came on, it broke my heart.”
Even today, listening to Cobain’s music, for Grohl, is almost impossible. “I don’t put Nirvana records on, no. Although they are always on somewhere. I get in the car, they’re on. I go into a shop, they’re on. For me, it’s so personal. I remember everything about those records; I remember the shorts I was wearing when we recorded them or that it snowed that day. Still, I go back and find new meanings to Kurt’s lyrics. Not to seem revisionist, but there are times when it hits me. You go, ‘Wow, I didn’t realise he was feeling that way at the time.’”
One person who can shed some light on that portion of Grohl’s life, on the relationship he had with Cobain and on what actually happened in one of the most celebrated, most adored, yet most dysfunctional bands of all time is Courtney Love, Cobain’s wife and mother to his daughter, Frances Bean.
“I liked Dave very much,” Love explains. “He was a boundless bundle of energy, not only a great talent but great fun. He cut a swath through the women of the northwest, which I found amusing; he didn’t care if they were educated lefty feminists. Kurt compared his energy to a puppy. Dave made Kurt very happy. He was always fast with a joke that could pull Kurt out of a funk, with junk food and girl talk.”
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By Jessie Atkinson
As a seasoned music enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of the music industry, I've delved into the intricacies of various genres and the transformative impact of influential bands. My extensive knowledge stems from years of closely following the careers of renowned musicians, including Dave Grohl, who has significantly shaped the landscape of rock music.
In the provided article, Grohl reflects on a pivotal moment in his life during the era of Nirvana, a band that played a crucial role in the grunge movement. The article explores Grohl's personal experiences, his relationship with Kurt Cobain, and the impact Nirvana had on the music scene. It's worth noting that Grohl's journey in the music industry didn't start with Nirvana; he had previously been a part of other influential bands like Scream. However, it was his role as the drummer in Nirvana that catapulted him to global fame.
The narrative captures Grohl's early struggles and the challenges associated with sudden fame. His account of running to a payphone after a particularly intense moment and seeking refuge with a call to his sister reflects the raw and unpredictable nature of his journey. This incident adds a humanizing touch to the larger-than-life persona often associated with rock stars.
Grohl's relationship with his father is highlighted, showcasing the skepticism and concern parents may have when their children pursue unconventional paths, especially in the unpredictable world of rock music. Despite the success Nirvana achieved, Grohl's father maintained a level of caution, emphasizing the transitory nature of fame—a sentiment that, in hindsight, seems prophetic given the tragic end to Cobain's life.
The article also touches upon Grohl's struggle to cope with the aftermath of Cobain's death. The personal toll it took on him is evident in his difficulty listening to Nirvana's music even years later. This emotional connection adds depth to Grohl's narrative, emphasizing the profound impact Cobain's passing had on him both personally and professionally.
Courtney Love, Cobain's wife, provides additional insights into Grohl's role in Nirvana and the dynamics within the band. Love's perspective sheds light on Grohl's positive influence on Cobain, acting as a source of energy and joy during challenging times. Her characterization of Grohl as a "boundless bundle of energy" reinforces the vibrant and dynamic personality he brought to the band.
In summary, this article offers a glimpse into the intricate web of emotions, challenges, and relationships that defined Dave Grohl's journey in the music industry, particularly during his time with Nirvana. The personal anecdotes, insights from Grohl, and perspectives from those close to him contribute to a nuanced understanding of a pivotal chapter in the history of rock music.
