Many other people have chosen to recognize this day, but not all for the same reasons as I. Personally, I was never a huge Nirvana fan, but I clearly understood the historical significance that was taking place the night Smells Like Teen Spirit debuted on MTV's 120 Minutes. That night marked the birth of one genre and served as a death warrant to another. And in that moment, Kurt Cobain became the face not only recognized for but somehow solely responsible for that paradigm shift. And so, many have used this day to offer up a big ol' hearty "Fuck you, Kurt!"
I understand their disillusionment. But do they? Why is Kurt Cobain being blamed for the death of hair metal? In so many instances, people are quick to point the finger of blame without ever really asking WHY it happened. Well, I lived through it. And I can tell you first hand.
Rock and Roll has always been about recklessness and rebellion. But more than that, there was always a purpose for acting out in such a way. Artistic kids in America for decades were being told that they had to hide who they truly were and "get with the program." Yet, rock and roll became that tool of empowerment which told kids that if you step out and be who you truly are, the world will not end. You will be okay. Unfortunately, many were ostracized and kicked out of their homes and just straight up misunderstood.
And with bands like Guns and Roses, Motley Crue, and Poison leading a testosterone fueled charge across America, it seemed that this legacy was completely intact. But what people FAILED to NOTICE was the SHEEP in WOLVES' clothing (Yes. I said that right). Does anybody remember what one of the biggest albums of 1987 was? Anyone? Here's a hint: It was Stryper- To Hell With The Devil. And why was it so big? Because they were the whole marketing package. They had the look. They had the moves. They had the sound. And, yes: They were TALENTED. In a heavy metal world dominated with vocalists like Rob Halford and Bruce Dickenson, Michael Sweet had NO PROBLEM holding his own. And videos to their songs Calling On You, Honestly, and Free were in HEAVY rotation on MTV. All of this IN SPITE OF calling themselves a CHRISTIAN band. So, Jesus loves metal, now.
So, how did that kill hair metal? It's not hard to understand. Next thing you know, other bands and artists started softening their image.
They started washing and brushing their hair and BATHING and shit like that. Now you had bands like Nelson and Slaughter and White Lion. The radio stations became flooded with power ballads. It became ACCEPTABLE to bring a boy with long hair home for dinner. In a way: Yes. It WAS acceptance. But did I want to cut off my balls to achieve it? HELL no. Not only that, as a teenager, I was pretty fucked up. I couldn't even fake passing off as that because I WASN'T that. But I did know my soul craved depth. And my mind craved understanding. And Poison telling me that I "Don't need nothin' but a good time" just was not doing it for me anymore.
In walks Kurt Cobain. In walks Nirvana. Was it great musicianship? Not really. Was the singing fantastic? Eh. But what was the message? That I'm not going to learn arpeggios on the guitar just because you say that's the way every famous rock guitar player plays nowadays. I'm not going to use three cans of aqua net on my hair before every gig just because you say that's the way my hair is supposed to look. Spandex? Fuck your spandex. I'll wear my dirty ripped up jeans. The party's over for now. Many issues in the world just became MY issues and I need to talk about them with someone.
In 1991, I needed to see and hear a Kurt Cobain. I needed to see and hear somebody do it his own way. I needed to know that it could still be done. I'm sure there are plenty who needed that too. Hate him if you want. Call him talentless or whatever. But he was a man of courage until he was overcome by his demons. His place in history can never be undone. Happy Birthday Kurt.
No comments:
Post a Comment