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5 Singers Who Could Stand in for Kurt Cobain in a Nirvana Reunion

Jack White at Firefly Music Festival

Even contemplating a singer to replace Kurt Cobain is tantamount to treason in many corners of the music world. Finding another angst-filled, tragic grunge hero to fulfill the role of the genre-defining frontman is an oft-discussed topic online, with new and old fans debating the possibility of a (slightly altered) band reformation. But who, if anyone, could actually pull off standing in those iconic Doc Martens?

1. Bille Joe Armstrong
Pros: Bille Joe brought the politicised pop-punk thing to a whole generation of disenfranchised youth, mixing his own problems with sharp, insightful lyrics. He’s proved his angst credentials, certainly, and his live shows are always pretty impressive.

Cons: The last few albums have defined Bille Joe as something of a sellout, and one who may well have lost his touch when it comes to bringing in the rabid, eager fans. On top of that, is he a bit past the voice-of-youth age now? Ten years ago, the Green Day frontman would have been the only option I’d have considered, but now I imagine there have to be better choices out there. Punk and grunge don’t necessarily mix, and Armstrong probably isn’t the one to prove that adage wrong.

2. David Bowie
Pros: David Bowie is a name that I’ve heard thrown around quite a lot with regards to the Kurt Cobain conundrum, and I entirely understand why. After all, the man’s an institution. What kind of music hasn’t he tried in his decades in the industry? He’s got buckets of charisma, an amazing voice, and the slightly otherworldly presence that would probably suit the position pretty well.

Cons: Is Bowie too much of a name to attach to the hypothetical Nirvana reunion? Very possibly. It could very easily become a Bowie-centric tour no matter how it starts out, because more people would come out to see him than they would two members of a once-huge band. I also have my doubts regarding his voice. It’s a little bit too perfect, too tuneful, and too clean for music with such spiky edges.

3. Courtney Love
Pros: I do get this, I really do. The ex-girlfriend of the lead singer was no doubt a big part of the background against which the band was formed, and a substantial part of the scene in her own right. Leading Nirvana’s contemporaries in genre and in time, Hole, Love has had plenty of experience fronting a grunge band and would, theoretically, make the most sense for the part in a lot of ways. Who better to pay respects to the man while honouring his music than someone who was close to him while he was making it?

Cons: Considering the somewhat, um, fiery relationship she’s had with the press, the fans, and the rest of the band in the years since Cobain’s passing, sticking Love in the driving seat would seem pretty inconsiderate. With conspiracy theories still circulating over her involvement in his death, she might not be the choice that will delight hardcore fans or, indeed, Dave Grohl. For the sake of keeping the peace, let’s just smother this possibility right here.

4. Thom Yorke
Pros: This is a man who has a reputation for being miserable. No matter how much of a Radiohead fan you might be, you have to admit that Mr. Yorke has a habit of seeming like he’s always just found out he’s lost his house. The angst would be no problem. He’s also got a great standing in the music industry in general, and a distinctive voice that would fit the music. Not known for being one to court the media, fans could also rest assured that he wouldn’t be doing this just for the publicity.

Cons: While Yorke would probably do a pretty good job in theory, he might be too iconic a part of the indie scene in his own right. Radiohead have a back catalogue that keeps growing and maintains a high level of utter brilliance, and there would no doubt be an outcry from fans who would rather just see Yorke tour with his own band.

5. Jack White
Pros: He’s got the hair, if nothing else, and he’s also got some of that subdued, effortlessly cool swagger. The critics go mad over him, and he has a fanbase that couldn’t do anything to hurt the ticket sales. His innovative musical style could bring something new to the well-trodden back catalogue, and his voice is just about scratchy and edgy enough to do those original vocals some real justice.

Cons: Another divisive personality, White has proved his musical chops but might not prove too popular amongst diehard Nirvana fans. In the past, he’s proved difficult to work with and seems to be constantly embroiled in some kind of scandal. In-band fighting is the last thing a reunion of this nature would need, and, in the wrong mood, that might be all White could bring.

Honorouble Mentions: PJ Harvey (almost too cool for a position as self-conscious as this), Dave Grohl (which would require a whole new list for another drummer), and, inexplicably, Rod Stewart.

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