Riff Rant: Kurt Cobain Day Pissed on by Local Newsmen
As Aberdeen, WA, came together yesterday to host its first annual Kurt Cobain Day – on what would’ve been the troubled Nirvana frontman’s 47th birthday – not all locals were paying homage to the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
Area news channel King 5 opted to take a different approach to its coverage of the event, as its lead anchor Dennis Bound opted to introduce the story by saying: “Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana was a well-known heroin addict who shot himself nearly 20 years ago.” Reporter Drew Mickelson followed up with a piece that heavily focused on Cobain’s checkered past; why Aberdeen decided to pay tribute in the first place; before all but ignoring Cobain’s musical contributions.
Based on the history that many believe – apart from conspiracy theorists – Cobain was a heroin addict that did turn a gun upon himself almost two decades ago. Was this a sensationalistic way to open up a report? Yes, but the newsmen who opted to lead with such information weren’t providing anyone with mistruths.
That said, at the same time they chose to produce a news report which suggested that Aberdeen was not happy with being the landing spot for a Kurt Cobain Day: “Some folks would like to hide that part of this town’s history,” said Mickelson in regard to Cobain being from the area.
Interestingly, though, not a single soul that was suggested to be against the whole circumstance appeared on camera, nor was any actual information to support such a claim presented. I would’ve taken a 65-year-old bingo hall veteran non-sensibly arguing about how the town’s Cobain celebration is a bad example for the youth…blah, blah, blah.
Basically what we have here is a very biased news reporter and station with an obvious agenda to push. They couldn’t appreciate the musical path Cobain carved on a global level, and instead opted to zone in on the severe personal issues he had that ultimately came to close as a result of his own hand.
What about the millions of albums sold? What about the musical influence that has and will span generations? What about the fact that he is arguably one of the most iconic rock n’ roll figures we may ever see? Finally, what about the young doctor that Mickelson interviewed in his coverage, who to this day is inspired by the music left behind?
Look, I get it. Drug abuse and suicide shouldn’t be glamorized. That said, such instances shouldn’t ultimately define a human being. Cobain accomplished a lot on the planet in a mere 27 years and should have his work recognized. If his hometown wants to celebrate him – even if part of the motivation is to bring in more tourists – why not?
Graceland exists; worldwide Elvis tributes exist; and Elvis impersonators exist. Would it be fair to piss upon those because Elvis was hopped up on drugs when he died upon his toilet seat?
No, I wouldn’t think so either.
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-Adam Grant
