Frances Bean Leads Tributes on Cobain's 50th

Daughter left Nirvana frontman a handwritten note on Instagram
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 21, 2017 8:59 AM CST
Kurt Cobain Just Turned 50
This Dec. 13, 1993, file photo shows Kurt Cobain of Nirvana performing in Seattle.   (AP Photo/Robert Sorbo, File)

It's hard to reconcile the image of grunge rocker with AARP membership eligibility, but what would've been Kurt Cobain's 50th birthday arrived Monday, and the internet proved it hadn't forgotten about the Nirvana frontman. The Washington state native—who once called his sleepy hometown of Aberdeen "Twin Peaks without the excitement," per the Seattle P-I—usually attracts more renewed attention on the anniversary of his April 5, 1994, suicide, but there were plenty of tributes to be found for this milestone birthday. A look around:

  • The BBC documents "six reasons we still love him," including his unforgettable performances, his battle against sexism and homophobia, and, of course, his music.

  • Opening up the photo album is the Sun, which showcases pictures of Cobain with his family (including wife Courtney Love and daughter Frances Bean) and bandmates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic. There's even a pic of Cobain with his trademark blond locks dyed bright red.
  • Speaking of Frances Bean, who was just a baby when her dad died: EW.com notes her handwritten birthday note to her dad, which she posted on Instagram. "You are loved and you are missed," she writes. "Thank you for giving me the GIFT of life."
  • A French music journalist who's written a book about Nirvana speculates for AFP what Cobain's music would have evolved into had he lived into the 21st century. "Softer," "more acoustic," and "experimental" is how Stan Cuesta sees a living Cobain, noting, "I would imagine him aging well."
  • Rolling Stone lists 12 of Cobain's most memorable quotes, with one proving especially poignant in hindsight: "I just hope I don't become so blissful I become boring."
(Frances Bean has been trying to get her dad's guitar back from her ex.)

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