Christopher Sandford unflinchingly explores the shocking drama that formed this troubled, tragic star. He presents a vivid insider's view of the life and death of a man who galvanised a generation and gave birth to the grunge revolution.

Sandford graphically evokes the disruptive childhood which had such a crucial influence on Cobain's personality, the ambitious career musician who, as a friend says, 'lunged for success' and the worldwide breakthrough of Nevermind.

He reveals the stormy marriage to Courtney Love, the heroin addiction and the final crisis when, in 1994, Cobain turned a shotgun on himself.