Kurt Cobain, August 1993
Kurt Cobain called FAIR “an underground leftist organization that tries to expose the truths,” saying we had “been working for years to expose a lot of injustices.”
Cobain said this in August 1993, when he, with Nirvana bandmates Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, were interviewed by a German music journalist (8/10/93). We just found out about the interview this week, when a friend pointed out to us a video of the interview that was posted on YouTube (12/11/13) last month. That link should take you to the middle of the video, where Cobain and Novoselic discuss FAIR as an example of a political group they were working with:
Kurt Cobain: We’ve had a few offers from some political organizations, like the FAIR organization, who has been working for years to expose a lot of injustices, and to try to promote real truths in a lot of things that have happened politically. It’s like an underground leftist organization that tries to expose the truths.
Concert T-shirt from the FAIR benefit show Nirvana did at the L.A. Forum with Butthole Surfers, and for another show at the Troubador feauturing Henry Rollins and X.
And, you know, they’re totally masked over by USA Today and magazines like that, you know, right-wing-owned magazines. A lot of time the truth, and the details, of a story aren’t ever reported. And that’s what this organization does, so they came to us. And of course we’re going to want to do something with them to help them out….
Krist Novoselic: FAIR is an acronym for Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting. And I think I’ve been really conscious of what’s been going on in the media, with being part of the media, you know. And then I just look at how the press responds, like you know, with being all over the president; or being all over Waco, Texas; or Amy Fisher.
You know, it’s really interesting. There’s a lot of bozos out there who just–they form public opinion. You know, people really don’t think for themselves, and they’ve got a big responsibility. So they’re just basically exploiting it.
And there’s this group here that’s into, like, truth. Reality. You know.
Nirvana did do a benefit concert for FAIR at the L.A. Forum on December 30, 1993, along with Butthole Surfers and Chokebore. (See the L.A. Times review, 1/1/94.) The concert turned out to be Nirvana’s final Los Angeles show; a little more than three months later, Cobain was dead. Alternative Nation (9/26/13) posted a fan-shot video of the performance:
I wish the quality of the show were better, but auspicious evening nonetheless.
Um….guys……This is the guy who was (along with his wife)addicted to heroin,and took a shot gun and put it in his mouth.Leaving his Drivers license nearby so they could identify him.Probably not anyone you want to be tied with.
Wow, I didn’t know that FAIR was around that long ago. That’s nice to know.
michael e.
How insensitive, illogical and ridiculous you are….maybe that’s what a thug really is? : )
I side 100% with his wife and child who are still so angry at him.Courtney said”Curt if you hated fame ,you had themoney to go anywhere to escape it.His daughter is not as nice.Truth is he was slated for a drug facility in a week.He could not face going off drugs.Yes I guess I am insensitive.Young ,talented guy.He should of toughed it out.
And what the hell do you mean Im being illogical?Are you stating it was logical to blow your head off with a shot gun?
Michael I think you need to learn more about drug addiction and depression. They’re mental illnesses, or symptoms of mental illness, and trying to make sufferers feel ashamed is what keeps them from seeking treatment.
Dude, crawl back under your rock, the guy was the biggest rock star in the world and a gifted artist who also suffered crippling depression and drug addiction. He broke out of a “drug facility” so he could end his life. Nice Wikipedia synopsis though.
michael e. What does the drivers license have to do with anything? That wouldn’t be an acceptable form of ID in the situation in which you described. Furthermore, he was a voice of a generation and his voice helped many in similar situations. It’s an unfortunate and cautionary tale that everyone can learn from. Still need a better reason why they don’t care about being “tied” to someone like that? It’s really freakin’ cool!