Serving the Servant

Remembering Kurt Cobain

By: Danny Goldberg

Narrated by: Danny Goldberg

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

In early 1991, top music manager Danny Goldberg agreed to take on Nirvana, a critically acclaimed new band from the underground music scene in Seattle. He had no idea that the band's leader, Kurt Cobain, would become a pop-culture icon with a legacy arguably at the level of John Lennon, Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley. 

Danny worked with Kurt from 1990 to 1994, the most impactful period of Kurt's life. This key time saw the stratospheric success of Nevermind turn Nirvana into the most successful rock band in the world and make punk and grunge household names; Kurt met and married the brilliant but mercurial Courtney Love, and their relationship became a lightning rod for critics; their daughter, Frances Bean, was born; and finally, Kurt's public struggles with addiction ended in a devastating suicide that would alter the course of rock history. Throughout, Danny stood by Kurt's side as manager and close friend.  

Drawing on Danny's own memories of Kurt, files which previously have not been made public, and interviews with, among others, Kurt's close family, friends and former bandmates, Serving the Servant sheds an entirely new light on these critical years. Casting aside the common obsession with the angst and depression that seemingly drove Kurt, Serving the Servant is an exploration of his brilliance in every aspect of rock and roll, his compassion, his ambition and the legacy he wrought - one that has lasted decades longer than his career did. 

Danny Goldberg explores what it is about Kurt Cobain that still resonates today, even with a generation who wasn't alive until after Kurt's death. In the process, he provides a portrait of an icon unlike any that have come before.

©2018 Danny Goldberg (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks

Excellent...

I've been a Kurt Cobain fan since I first discovered Nirvana at the ripe age of 11. It's impossible for me to really put into words how much Kurt means to me. His music and artistry has always spoken to me in a way that no other artist has ever come close to rivaling, and I find that he was just as inspirational a person, in spite of his demons. His intellect, humour, and empathy have always appealed to me as much as his music. Danny does a wonderful job of detailing his intimate relationship with Kurt and I found this to be one of the most enjoyable, insightful pieces on him I've ever encountered. I'm from Cork, Ireland so to hear mention of the Nirvana gig they played here in support of Sonic Youth prior to Nevermind's release was a trip, and although I was too young to attend that at the time, I did get to visit the exhibition on Kurt hosted in Newbridge last year which was wonderful. Small things like this are something I really cherish as someone who was never fortunate enough to get to see Nirvana play live or get to meet Kurt. Thank you Danny for helping me and many other fans I'm sure feel that bit closer to Kurt. He was a creative genius, but he was also one of us, and we'll always love him for it. Highly recommend this to any and every Nirvana fan, or anyone in general really, especially if you're interested in music.

An interesting perspective

However if I'm honest, I expected a little more. Goldberg comes across as a nice bloke but as the manager he's still very defensive of his clients, I wish he'd given more of his honest opinions but as he's obviously still friendly with Courtney he was never going to rock that boat

a lovingly written memoir about Kurt Cobain

Danny was one of the people who was closest to Kurt - and you can really tell how much he loved him. Reading this book was like having a glimpse into the world of a family who, even though they had normal disagreements and dramas they were really fond of each other. Danny treats Kurt's death with a respect and compassion which is sometimes not found in other books about Kurt. His death was my generations equivalent of JFK's, I can still vividly recall exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard he'd died. The only reason I didn't give it five was that, at times it seemed very long, with passages describing things which weren't of interest to me. But it's very sensitively written and will appeal to fans - or people who have recently discovered Nirvana.

Great

Good to see a different point of view to see how kurts personality coped.in the.busy times of nirvana. His.song

Simply fantastic

I think the only way a book about kurt cobain can be better is if it was written by his sister or by krist and dave. Absolutely fantastic

Interesting listen from Nirvana's manager

Enjoyed this book from Nirvana's manager, which mainly covers the years when the band made it big and gives an insight into Kurt's personality.

ok

wanted to hear about Kurt but there was alot about record labels and juxtaposition with other bands

Great listen for fans

Offers a unique insight into Kurt Cobain from a perspective I feel we dont often get in regards to his “story”.

Great narration from the writer himself.

One of the best books on Kurt Cobain. Sincere

This is an inside view on the career and personal tribulations of Cobain. No sensationalism, just a factual and heartfelt account.

Great insight. This is not a cash in as I had feared.

Thoroughly enjoyed every word. A new angle from someone who knew him and analyses the industry and period around kurts arrival into the mainstream. Also confirmed all I hoped I thought I knew about Kurt-the man who changed my life.
Enjoy!
Thanks Danny Goldberg