The Secret History of Rock

Kurt’s Smashed Guitars

Alan Cross 2 Comments

Kurt Cobain could be rather tough on his guitars.  He smashed more than a few of them at the end of Nirvana shows.  

Once it was in pieces, he didn’t bother much with the wreckage, leaving it to fans to make off with the debris.  Most of these ruined guitars have disappeared forever, but a few managed to survive.  

For example, in late 1991, Kurt destroyed a white Fender Stratocaster at the end of a show in Ghent, Belgium, on November 23, 1991.  It was salvaged, repaired and given back to Kurt who then wrecked if for good the following September at a gig in Seattle.

What remains of that guitar is now on display at the Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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2 thoughts on “Kurt’s Smashed Guitars”

  • I'm pretty sure Matt Bellamy holds the record for most guitars smashed. Cobain sure beqt the piss out of his axes thougt…

    Reply

  • Yeah, saw it a few months ago when I was in Seattle (probably my fave museum and I've been to the Louvre in Paris, LOL). They also have a few Hendrix guitars and some other awesome pieces of rock history… beyond highly recommended to go there!

    Reply

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