by David Braybrooke

Created on: March 09, 2007   Last Updated: September 22, 2010

Kurt Cobain - perhaps it could be argued that he actually died before that fated self-inflicted gun shot wound.  A heroin addiction, rumoured mental illness, voracious fan base and troubled marriage wore his spirit's incandescence.  His life was very troubled!   A sensitive type, Cobain was almost destined for self-destruction.  His troubled childhood, containing much emotional pain and uncertainties, underpinned an adult life that was fraught with creative tension and open hostilities towards others.  The classic candidate for suicidal tendencies it seems.  So perhaps there is nothing more to the tale of Kurt's untimely demise.

Yet one strange fact remains. That being of the whispered insinuations that his partner, Courtney Love, was somehow involved in his demise.  The independent, drug-taking grunge Goddess certainly seemed to play a part in the downfall of her ill-fated spouse.  The film, 'Kurt and Courtney', suggested that she funded a hit-man of some type. How would Kurt's death benefit her?  Perhaps in the following ways: 

~   To give her personal space and public approval to move on with another relationship, perhaps with Billy Corgan from the 'Smashing Pumpkins'?  A suicide or 'accident' could be implied as a cover.

~   The value of Cobain's estate, which she would be the recipient of, would dramatically increase from the ongoing publicity and extra sales surrounding his death.  Many deceased stars have had astonishing increases in income after the fact.  You only have to think of the escalating profits that occurred after the deaths of such names as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Michael Jackson to see where an opportunity for monetary gain may be had. 

~  To allow Courtney the chance to step out from Kurt's bright light and achieve a greater fame in her own right, either as a solo artist or with band 'Hole'.  Nirvana was such a globally successful and dominating brand that other musical acts paled in importance by comparison. 

Yet, on further consideration, regardless how glamorous conspiracy theories can be, it seems likely that Ms Love was probably not an accomplice to Kurt's demise. Other than in an indirect fashion.  Many who knew Kurt could see the ongoing and eroding effect that global fame and the lifestyle that accompanies it had on him . He was an artist after-all, individuals who are often morbidly sensitive and also psychically fragile.  May he rest in peace!

Learn more about this author, David Braybrooke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.