The Kurt Cobain Story: A mini-Review
Never Fade Away: The Kurt Cobain Story
by CBH Holiday Event Guest Dave Thompson
When I saw the huge list of books by Dave Thompson (Eclectic Gypsy – An Unauthorized Biography of Doctor Who), one book popped out immediately. I am a big Nirvana fan and I keep want lists for everything (comics, music, books, etc). Never Fade Away is on a list of bios that I have been meaning to read forever. With Mr. Thompson doing a signing at the store this Saturday, the time to read this one was now.
I was a bit of a fanatic in the ’90s when it came to Nirvana and I have collected magazine articles, bootleg CDs, DVDs, all the official music releases including the “best of” (for the unreleased single) and the boxed set. I know Nirvana.
I thought I knew everything until I read Thompson’s book. This is a writer who does his research! There are “blanks” filled in–where I thought there were none–with quotes from Cobain, concert accounts, childhood stories, and tons more info that I had not seen anywhere else.
Never Fade Away covers much more than the sensationalistic happenings. It is not just about the way Cobain came to his end. It is not just about his volatile relationship with Courtney Love. It is not just about heroin. All that is in there, but the pre-fame Cobain is well-represented.
Also, the subject is put into context of the geography, the times, the music, and music history. Thompson knows his rock history, and while he is telling us about the life of Cobain and about the music of Nirvana, we get a great lesson in that history.
The book is packed with details, but not bogged down by them. The details are carefully woven into a well-told story that is compelling to read.
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I look forward to picking up either Thompson’s London’s Burning or I Hate New Music on Saturday.
Stop by and meet Dave Thompson yourself between noon and 4pm this Saturday, November 7 here at Captain Blue Hen.
And don’t forget to visit authors Greg Cox and Lance Parkin. Oh, and take advantage of the HOT DEALS for the holiday season while you munch on some snacks! I’ll see you there!
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