Heavier than Heaven

A Biography of Kurt Cobain

By: Charles R. Cross

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

When Kurt Cobain died by his own hand in April 1994, it was an act of will that typified his short, angry, inspired life. Veteran music journalist Charles R. Cross fuses his intimate knowledge of the Seattle music scene with his deep compassion for his subject in this extraordinary story of artistic brilliance and the pain that extinguished it.

Based on more than 400 interviews, four years of research, and exclusive access to Cobain's unpublished diaries, lyrics, and family photos, Heavier than Heaven traces Cobain's life from his early days in a double-wide trailer outside of Aberdeen, Washington, to his rise to fame, success, and the adulation of a generation.

©2001 Charles R. Cross (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Definitive...Cross untangles the soul of a man." ( USA Today)
" Heavier than Heaven sets a high, new standard." ( Rolling Stone)
"One of the most moving and revealing books ever written about a rock star." ( Los Angeles Times)

Incredibly candid and detail oriented

I've read and watched much material on the short life of the great Kurt Cobain, but this book is far and away the most detailed account of Kurt's life, from happy child, to his eventual tragic end. I recall watching a documentary in the 90s in which a PI stated there is no way Cobain could have had the eye-hand coordination skills to operate a shotgun with his toe after injected so much heroine. I too have long suffered of a chronic pain condition, and from personal experience I have found it impossible at times to log into my computer, failing to properly type the password correctly after ingesting far less opioids than it sounds like Kurt ever did. I still find this fact to be extremely troubling, however, I no longer believe Courtney capable of foul play in the matter. Kurt was just too sad and wanted to leave this world so badly that he found out how to do it, and in a way few could probably actually pull off. Of well... I'm saddened to think about the constant pain he had to deal with, and can't fault him for his decision. RIP Kurt Cobain. The world will never forget you.

Sad but beautiful story

It's hard to imagine the desperation felt by Kurt. No matter how much adoration and love the people in his life had for him, not to mention the devotion of his huge fan base, his lack of love for himself ultimately led to his destruction. It's heartbreaking that someone with his uniquely incredible artistic talent never felt worthy of the recognition he so surely deserved.

Best book I've ever read

Would you consider the audio edition of Heavier than Heaven to be better than the print version?

Best book I've ever read / listened to. Amazing reader make me feel like i was talking to Kurt. Amazing story made me want to listen to his music! 5/5 amazing.

Great book

Great book would definitely recommend it! It shows that Kurt was human and capable of kindness and ugliness!!

sad - but I guess that was his life

I enjoy listening to rockers bios. it's kind of interesting mind candy. dont know if the author just focused on the sad.... but what a dark life Cobain lived.... but I guess that was all part of his gig and an ingredient to his incredible and sudden success... a tragic story but interesting

Amazingly In-depth

This is by far the most detailed account of Kurts life and his unfortunate death. It’s safe to say I’ve read it at least five times.

Listened to it twice

Very detailed biography of Cobain’s life from birth to death. Adds depth to the listening experience of his music.

Eye opening to Kurt's life!

This was far more thorough than I would've ever imagined! The details in this book had me continually questioning, "How the fuck would they even know that??". If you're Inspired/Curious/Amused by Kurt Cobain, you'll absolutely enjoy hearing this detailed story of his life! My only complaint is that the Narrator (Lloyd James) was really bland. He read in like 2 tones the entire 14 hours and he sounds like he should narrate 1950's detective books instead.

Great story - missing chapter 12

This is an amazing story of an improbable truth. A down and out loser from a small town announces as a youth that he will grow up to be a rock star and kill himself - and he actually succeeds against all probability.

The story is marred however by the fact that the recording is missing chapter 12. This is clearly an error on audibles part. I've tried to contact them on the issue. I hope they fix it.

WOW!

No wonder this poor guy was a hot mess. Kept my attention but poor fella had a messed up life. His parents should be ashamed.