Kurt Cobain was one of the most powerful and influential musicians, songwriters and performers of his generation, who’s lasting legacy still permeates the sounds and attitudes of artists from all genres today. As the lead singer of Nirvana, he fronted their own brand of groundbreaking emotion-laden, guitar-heavy music into the mainstream, defining a new genre with a scream of such naked vulnerability and authenticity that it tore through the listener, perhaps reflecting the trapped feelings of a generation. The scream of a butterfly. 

But this came at a cost. As well as sharing his pain through music, Kurt Cobain lived it. Was this simply a life of magazine cover, paint by numbers, rock’n roll excess? Or the tragic story of someone with an enormous talent for expressing their pain, desperately trying to paint it in any way he could?

This week, Chula Goonerwardene takes the lead for the first time to talk about one of his favourite ever musicians – from a band who inspired him to become a drummer in the 1990s. But far from discussing the same tired, cliched ‘tortured artist’ myths that now surround Cobain after his death in 1994, Chula helps us to examine his story through a modern and empathetic mental health lens. This is a moving discussion that looks at Cobain’s life and in doing so identifies some truly universal themes. 

This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is the hit Netflix show ‘Baby Reindeer’ – it captured the world’s attention when it came out this year, and is a truly honest and provocative drama that among many other things, looks at the relationship between trauma and substance misuse in a visceral and deeply uncomfortable way. Not for the faint hearted. You can watch it through the link here: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81219887 

Content Warnings: substance use, addiction, rehab, overdose, suicide, childhood trauma, domestic abuse, religious indoctrination, trauma bonding.

IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast 

Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries.

You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/

Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune 

and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ 

Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard

Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB 

This is a Message Heard Production

Produced by - Harry Stott

Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari

Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd

Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree