We unfortunately report that rumors of a Kurt Cobain-themed musical are not an April Fool's joke. The Nirvana frontman's widow Courtney Love spoke with NME regarding the 20th anniversary of Cobain's death, which is April 2. Her plans include a biopic, a documentary, and yes, a Broadway musical.
"After being swarmed by tons of Nirvana fanmail and social media posts pushing for a musical to become a reality, both Frances [Bean Cobain, Kurt and Courtney's daughter] and I have thought long and hard and agreed that if we can reach up to the highest shelf and select a team of the greatest and most respected writers, producers and directors, then a Broadway musical is very likely to happen," she said. "There would have to be a story, and a great story, one that hasn't been told before. I would devote countless hours with an A-team to create a project that reflects Kurt in the most respectful but honest way possible, so that his story, his music and his legacy can be resurrected on stage for not only the world to see, but more importantly for our daughter to see. I know her father's spirit will be on that stage, and sitting in that theatre with her will be the most emotional experience of our lives."
We can say in all honesty that it sounds like Love is trying to do something beneficial for the world. We're not accusing her of trying to cash in. There are probably plenty of untold stories involving Cobain that the public would love to here. But look at Kurt Cobain, his approach to the media, his approach to music, and tell us that he'd appreciate a musical based on him. Then take Nirvana and imagine them adapted for the audiences who regularly attend Broadway musicals (hint: happy people). This isn't about content-Book of Mormon and Avenue Q delightfully engage in obscenity-it's about taking the work of someone beyond disenchanted with corporate music culture and making it as corporate as possible. Cobain's name wasn't meant to be put up in lights near Times Square.
Please don't do it.
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