Kurt Cobain once wrote the lyric “With the lights out, it’s less dangerous.” On Friday night, that lyric from the famed Nirvana track “Smells like Teen Spirit” seemed to hold up.
Cobain died April 5, 1994. While the cause of his death is still debated today, what he was able to accomplish as a musician in his short life continues to affect his hometown and echo throughout the world.
About 20 people showed up for a candlelight vigil at Kurt Cobain Memorial Park throughout the later hours on Friday night, which was the 30th anniversary of Cobain’s death. It was pretty dark out there, except for one bright street light at the end of E. 2nd St., and 30 illuminated plastic candles inside brown paper bags. The 30 candles were there to represent the 30 years it’s been since Cobain died, according to Chuck Meskimen.
The night started with a brilliant, dark blue sky. A lone stereo sat on a picnic bench in the park next to the Young Street Bridge. The stereo was playing old Nirvana songs as people spoke with one another. On the table lay a couple tall Heineken beer cans, which were set there in case people wanted to have a drink in Kurt’s memory.
One surprise for Randy Beerbower, a local historian who’s plugged into the music scene, was how far a few people traveled to be there Friday night.
“I was surprised to meet someone from Ireland, Chile and Mexico at Kurt Cobain Park, during the 30th anniversary of Kurt’s passing,” Beerbower said. “It was also nice to see Aberdeen City Councilperson David Gakin there, as well as members of the Friends of Kurt Cobain Park, Chuck Meskimen, Fay Smith, and LeAnne Kirkwood. It was also nice to see Aaron Burkhardt, the original drummer of Nirvana. (Burkhardt was) there greeting fans and sharing stories. I thought it was cool that local musician Jarod Peterson also showed up with his family.”
Peterson was there with his son. He said Nirvana is his son’s favorite band.
Seán Harkin, an Irishman, wasn’t planning on being in Aberdeen for the occasion, but it seemed he was glad to be there.
“Pure chance brought me to Aberdeen on the anniversary of Kurt’s death,” Harkin said. “I’m doing a rail and road trip across the U.S.”
Harkin spoke about his slight connection with Nirvana.
“In all honesty, I’m only vaguely familiar with their music and the lives they led,” Harkin said.
While the music isn’t really where Harkin’s fandom lies, it’s more about the musicians themselves.
“I admire Kurt and his contemporaries for voicing the frustration of a wayward generation trying to find a way in this world,” Harkin said.
After seeing the bridge for the first time, here’s what Harkin had to say.
“I’m sure he never thought people would still be showing up for him,” Harkin said. “It makes it all the more sad really. Never forget that you are special to someone.”
Kurt Cobain Memorial Park, a city-owned park, has a sign that says the following:
“You are now standing upon the muddy banks of the Wishkah, home and inspiration to one of the world’s greatest musical icons. Kurt Cobain, co-founder of the band Nirvana and originator of what is now known as grunge music, grew up just two blocks from this spot. Kurt spent some of his youth beneath this bridge and drew inspiration for his music from these surroundings. His song “Something in the Way” recalls his experience under the bridge: his bridge. Kurt helped immortalize this river. In turn, the river now immortalizes him. After his death, family and friends gathered here to spread a third of Kurt’s ashes into the Wishkah. His spirit flows with the tide twice daily. Two years after Kurt’s death, Nirvana released its live album, ‘From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah.’ Today, fans flock here from around the world to pay their respects and honor the memory of our beloved hero.”
Along with the quiet words shared between the people at the event, Jessica Calvillo brought a four-pack of Mount Olympus Brewing’s “Come As You Are,” Hazy India Pale Ale and shared it with her boyfriend Dom and the other adults. She thought it was the perfect touch for such an event.
Another fan poured out the last of his beer in a sign of respect for Cobain and set it beside the polished, granite stone that includes quotes from Kurt and an etching of his face. The Mount Olympus Brewing’s beer can features the town’s welcome sign with the phrase “Come As You Are,” the classic yellow Nirvana smiley face and the Young Street Bridge.
The peaceful Friday night, where neighbors hung out as friends for a couple hours, seemed to embody part of those famed “Come As You Are” lyrics:
“Take a rest as a friend, as an old memoria …”
Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.
Matthew N. Wells / The Daily World The city-erected sign that marks the “Kurt Cobain Memorial Park” notes how anyone close enough to read the sign is “now standing upon the muddy banks of the Wishkah, home and inspiration to one of the world’s greatest musical icons, Kurt Cobain, co-founder of the band Nirvana and originator of what is now known as grunge music.”
Matthew N. Wells / The Daily World This small group was only part of the larger group of Nirvana fans who paid respect to Aberdeen’s own Kurt Cobain on Friday, which was the 30th anniversary of his death. While a solemn event, people seemed to enjoy each other’s company during the chilly night.
