SEATTLE — Friday, April 5 marked the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death.
That day 30 years ago, Kurt Cobain was found dead at his Leschi neighborhood home from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head. That day changed music and the city forever.
Three decades later, the Nirvana front man's legacy is a lasting one. He was called the "voice of a generation." That voice still resonates two generations later.
Audrey Wilkinson, 20, remembers first hearing Nirvana in the car on the way to pre-school.
"Specifically, songs that felt relatable to kids. Been a Son is probably my first memory. The lyrics 'grandma take me home' from the song Sliver," said Audrey.
This reporter can confirm this because the cool dad in the driver's seat was yours truly. Audrey is my daughter.
Audrey hadn't been born when Cobain died, but along with his music, Cobain's very vocal stance against bigotry, homophobia and racism reverberate with today's young people.
"He wore dresses and had pink hair," said the University of Washington junior. "I have always believed Kurt to be like the patron saint of Seattle. There's an accessibility that's like Kurt is our president or something."
KING 5 got exclusive access to the place Cobain recorded his last note - Robert Lang Studios in Shoreline.
Renowned Cobain biographer Charles Cross wrote an article for Friday's Seattle Times looking at the 30 year commemoration and how people under the age of 30 view the iconic singer.
"They think he's speaking to them and when people hear that, there's a real magic that not every performer is able to pull off," said Cross.
Cross added today's generation doesn't see Cobain so much as a rock star or drug addict. They relate to him for the struggles he endured as a human being.
"They have a different sense of it, and that gives me encouragement for the world. It's that addiction and struggles with depression are seen as part of overall healthcare. That wasn't the case 30 years ago," said Cross.
As for Cobain's legacy 30 years from now, when Audrey's generation turns my age, they believe fans will continue to hold Cobain in a mystical light that will never burn out or fade away.
Said Audrey, "He's probably going to be less of a 'person' than he is now, but I think that's what the masses do to celebrities. We make them bigger than they are because we love them that much."
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit Vibrant Emotional Health’s Safe Space for digital resources.
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