But mainstream success was the exact opposite of what Cobain wanted. He was a generally reserved, private person, and he felt this kind of success was a betrayal of his grunge roots, as well as a personal violation.
Ultimately, though, he used his position in pop culture as an opportunity to speak about the issues he felt were most important.
Today we often praise celebrities for identifying as feminists or standing up in the name of social justice — but in the 1990s, speaking out wasn't necessarily common practice. It was a time dominated by boy bands and teen pop idols, when mainstream music with substance was an a**malyRead more...