Musicians & Composers · 20th Century
Kurt Cobain’s Last Words
“It's better to burn out than to fade away.”— Kurt Cobain, April 5, 1994
Who Was Kurt Cobain?
Kurt Cobain was the tortured genius behind Nirvana, whose album Nevermind launched grunge rock into the mainstream. His rawness and vulnerability spoke to a generation of alienated youth.
The Final Moments
These words were the closing lines of his suicide note, found at his home in Seattle. Cobain had struggled with heroin addiction and depression and had recently escaped from a rehabilitation center.
Are These Words Verified?
These words are from Cobain's authenticated suicide note, which was documented by police and publicly read. The note quotes Neil Young's 'My My, Hey Hey,' making the attribution to Cobain's writing indisputable.
Sources
- archive Original suicide note (police evidence)
- archive Seattle Police Department files
- other Public reading by Courtney Love, April 10, 1994
Legacy
Cobain's death marked the end of grunge's mainstream moment and created a cautionary tale about the pressures of sudden fame. He remains a cultural icon of the 1990s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Kurt Cobain’s last words?
“It's better to burn out than to fade away.”
How did Kurt Cobain die?
Kurt Cobain died on April 5, 1994 at the age of 27. Cause of death: Self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Were Kurt Cobain’s last words documented?
These words are from Cobain's authenticated suicide note, which was documented by police and publicly read. The note quotes Neil Young's 'My My, Hey Hey,' making the attribution to Cobain's writing indisputable.