EVERETT TRUE – Nirvana: The True Story (Omnibus Remastered)

Another excellent entry in Omnibus Press’ Remastered series is the classic Nirvana: The True Story by Everett “The Legend” True, the renowned music journalist who experienced the Nirvana phenomenon in ways that would leave most others green with envy. Just to list a few examples,  True introduced Kurt to Courtney Love, he pushed the former on stage in a wheelchair at the Reading Festival in 1992, he hung out with the band backstage, on the road, and in bars and hotels, but more importantly, he became something akin to a friend to Kurt and his wife, and he was invited into the Cobain residence right after the tragic event of 1994. The phrase “insider perspectives” certainly rings true and gains new meaning throughout this fast-paced and oftentimes action-packed biography.

Truth is a slippery and elusive construct, and memories are undoubtedly a hazy affair at times, which is something that the author is both painfully aware of and able to use to the advantage of the thought-provoking and uniquely crafted narrative. This is exactly the kind of thing that requires the reader to engage themselves properly and actively participate in the story to either fill out certain blanks or simply interpret and analyze the events from their very own perspective. It is an impressive and wholly original account of the life and times of Nirvana that differs from every other book on the much-loved musical entity that are out there, and the unique access that it offers sets it apart and grants us something that can only be described as a voyeuristic view of what transpired. Trust me when I say that there are things that will both startle and terrify you, and none of its pages lack heart, depth, or a palpable sense of authenticity. The compelling melodies and rapturous crowds, the invigorating spirit and inspiring aura of the early underground scenes in and around Seattle, the creative highs and devastating lows, the wild and reckless behavior, the inner hurt and deep-seated frustration, the drink and the drugs, the sad demise of an artistic genius, and unexpressed yearning – all of that and more is contained within these 636 raw and unfiltered yet reflective and inspired pages.  

This scribe has read several published works on the legendary band and its main songwriter over the years but none of them captures the genuine excitement surrounding Nirvana as well as the thrilling power and wider cultural impact of the music quite like this one does. One could argue that it leaves more questions than answers, but that is just one of many reasons why I cherish it. An excellent read!