Smells Like Trouble

 In this week's news, we've been bombarded with information about Amy Winehouse, the latest member of the infamous 27 club. Well imagine the confusion and dismay when the tragic inductee before Amy, Kurt Cobain is in the center of a new controversy. The city council of Aberdeen, Washington, Cobain's oft mentioned hometown voted against dedicating the Young Street Bridge in his honor. Several members were said to have opposed it because of Kurt's muddled legacy as a drug addict and suicide victim. There was also mention of how his music showed his disdain for his music. But the city council did vote to name a small piece of land that is an offshoot of the Wishkah River Cobain Landing. All this aside, it just shows how controversial honoring anyone, especially a deceased rock star can be.
 Earlier this week, Amy Winehouse's father, Mitch announced that he plans to start a foundation in his late daughter's honor to help people struggling with drugs and alcohol. While this is well intentioned, the real question is how will this work? Not to say Mr. Winehouse's intentions are wrong, but how effective will it be and who will  help run the organization? Anything in honor of someone, usually provides a basis for further discussion of their legacy, their impact, and their cultural status. I'm not sure how this will play out but it is a start in providing help and resources for those who really need it.
 Back to the Aberdeen issue and Kurt Cobain; in the articles I have read there is an obvious tension between people in the town. Some see him as a hero and an icon and others see him as a tragic figure who burned out too soon. Each side has a legitimate argument, but I can see from the side of those opposing the bridge. It's one thing when your town is known for having a famous face, it's another when that person was a controversial figure who is divisive even in death.
 I would even argue that Kurt Cobain had he lived would not even want this. As anti-establishment as he seemed in interviews and in song, the last thing he would want is a conventional landmark named after him. However, had he lived he could have mellowed and came to see what some of the residents of Aberdeen saw. Even though his life was hard and fraught with difficulty, he made it. He lived a small part of his dream which is more than many can say. But I guess we'll never know.

http://www.nme.com/news/nirvana/58334