Kurt Cobain once named the three bands he “absolutely despised”
Not only was Kurt Cobain the most important songwriter of his era, but he was also the most outspoken. This was fitting, as he discussed The Beatles’ influence on him numerous times and how he felt a particularly kindred spirit in their late leader, John Lennon, another opinionated voice of a generation.
In his short time in the limelight, Cobain added more texture to his character by providing a host of hot takes on different subjects. From tearing into The Charlatans and the broader Madchester scene to effusing about cult acts such as Shonen Knife, a crucial part of Cobain’s status was his ability to keep fans on their toes, which seemed to come naturally to him.
It must be said that Cobain’s most fascinating takes were the negative ones. This is because they not only offer insight into his complex inner workings, but more often than not, they are somewhat comical, straddling the line between ironic and genuinely insightful.
One of the most intriguing accounts he provided was when speaking to BigO in 1992. It was put to the frontman that as Nirvana became more successful, there would likely be a string of poseurs that would rise in their wake, claiming to be grungey and rebellious. According to Cobain, it had already happened and named three groups absolutely despised because of it.
These were The Nymphs and, more strangely, Seattle peers Alice in Chains and Pearl Jams, the latter of which he said he had a particular hatred for. This wouldn’t be the first time he would trash Eddie Vedder’s band. According to him, both Seattle groups had emerged from the hair metal scene, a movement he made very clear that he hated more than any other.
Cobain explained: “Yeah, and it’s happening already! There are some bands that I absolutely despise, and I’m not afraid to name them. They are The Nymphs, Alice In Chains and especially Pearl Jam. They are just career-minded bands out to make big bucks, and we’ve been unfairly lumped together with them. But ultimately, it’s the music, and the kids will know what’s crap.”
The Nirvana leader was then asked if this idea went against the central idea of Nirvana’s biggest hit, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, which was about the kids not having opinions. He replied: “I’m not pointing the finger at the kids, it’ll make me look like a father figure. It’s not meant to say who’s right and who’s wrong. There’s a line that goes, ‘It’s fun to lose and to pretend, which is about trying even though you know you’re gonna lose. Because the fun part is the trying part, and when you lose, you can pretend.”
Listen to Pearl Jam below.
