“I realize that stories in the press regarding my drug use may make you think that this request comes from a desire to parallel our lives. Let me assure you that this is not the case. As a fan and student of your work, I would cherish the opportunity to work directly with you…”

Although Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain and famous author William S. Burroughs collaborated on the EP entitled “The ‘Priest’ They Called Him,” they never had the chance to meet while recording. Intent on meeting the literary icon whose voice he accompanies on the track, Cobain penned a letter to Burroughs asking him to appear in Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” music video–even in disguise. Although the offer was declined, the pair finally met several months before Cobain’s death. The letter:

August 2, 1993

Mr. William Burroughs
WILLIAM BURROUGHS COMUNICATIONS

Dear William:

It’s a bit odd writing someone whom I’ve never met but with whom I’ve already recorded a record. I really enjoyed the opportunity to do the record — it’s a great honor to be pictured alongside you on the back cover. I am writing you now regarding the possibility of your appearing alongside my band (Nirvana) in the first video from our new album, “In Utero.”

While I know that Michael Meisel from Gold Mountain Entertainment (my management company) has been speaking to James Grauerholz, I wanted the opportunity to personally let you know why I wanted you to appear in the video. 

Most importantly, I wanted you to know that this request is not based on a desire to exploit you in any way. I realize that stories in the press regarding my drug use may make you think that this request comes from a desire to parallel our lives. Let me assure you that this is not the case. As a fan and student of your work, I would cherish the opportunity to work directly with you. To the extent that you may want to avoid any direct use of your image (thus avoiding the aforementioned link for the press to devour). I would be happy to have my director look into make-up techniques that could conceal your identity. While I would be proud to have William Burroughs appear as himself in my video, I am more concerned with getting the opportunity to work with you than I am with letting the public know (should that be your wish).

Having said that, let me reiterate how much I would like to make this happen. While I am comfortable letting Michael and James discuss this further, I am available to discuss this with you at your convenience.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Best regards,

(Signed, ‘Kurt’)

Kurt Cobain”

The post Kurt Cobain
[Text] Kurt Cobain’s Letter To William S. Burroughs appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzkmPQ4xWts

Musician Dave Grohl shares stories about the creating the band Nirvana and discusses his working relationship with Kurt Cobain.

The post Nirvana
Dave Grohl on the Early Days of Nirvana appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8SzirgwiD0

The tragic death of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain is described by the Seattle Police, various fans, and the electrician that found his body on April 5, 1994.

The post Kurt Cobain
Fan Reactions to Kurt Cobain’s Death appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rp0I6bIEj4

Dave Grohl talks about the Foo Fighters, rock’n’roll, and what has happened to rock in the modern day and age. He discusses how hard it is to create a simple song that reaches all types of people. Dave Grohl is the lead singer and guitarist of the Foo Fighters, and played drums in the popular 90s band Nirvana.

The post Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl: “It’s the Simple, Catchy Songs That Get Me” appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixo-MQ0u6SA

Dave Grohl, who heads the band Foo Fighters and once played drums for Nirvana, shares his self-taught techniques for playing the guitar; how he learned to play the drums; and how playing the guitar is actually quite similar, for him, to playing drums.

The post Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl: Self-Taught Musician appeared first on Witnify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErcJ2kUC4Wg

Producer of Nirvana’s diamond-selling album Nevermind (1991), Butch Vig, gives the technical breakdown behind the huge hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Listen as he points out double tracking, places where the guitar copies the vocal melody and the spot where it sounds as though vocalist Kurt Cobain’s vocal chords were coming out of his throat.

The post Nirvana
Behind The Scenes of Nevermind with Butch Vig appeared first on Witnify.