Kurt Cobain was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter of Nirvana. A vocal opponent of sexism, racism, sexual assault, and homophobia, Cobain addressed his listeners thus, “If any of you in any way hate homosexuals, people of different color, or women, please do this one favor for us—leave us the fuck alone! Don't come to our shows and don't buy our records.” Cobain suffered from intense chronic pain and depression. He struggled with drug addiction. He committed suicide at age 27.