30 Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto has released a video of himself performing as Kurt Cobain, provoking a mixed reaction by music fans.
Thrash Hits simply said "F--k off. Seriously, Leto, just f--k off", while The Press posted a comment by a Nirvana fan which said "This makes me physically sick. I think it's pretty clear to anyone with even a passing knowledge of Kurt that he'd have found this 'performance' and talk of a biopic entirely repulsive. 30 Seconds to Vomit."
Others have been defending Leto and his tribute on the YouTube page.
Explaining the performance, he said: "I heard today was the day Kurt passed away 17 years ago. Can't believe it's been that long. So grateful for his contribution and inspiration. Not sure I'd be doing this if it weren't for him. He gave us all permission to create no matter what our skill set and reminded me that dreams are possible. Thanks for that."
"This made me recall a short piece of film I shot when I heard they were making a film celebrating his life. I made it to explore the character and explore creative possibilities. I never sent it to the studio or to anyone but thought I'd share it now."
Leto is the right kind of age to have been obsessed by Nirvana as a youngster, so our amateur analysis here is that he saw the opportunity to play his hero is a forthcoming film and made the video to state his case.
The film is to be based on the Cobain biography "Heavier Than Heaven" which Courtney Love has bought the film rights for, but in January it was reported that 35-year-old Ewan McGregor was the number one choice for the role. Too bad Jared.
People who slam him are idiots.Leto is an actor and that's what actors do..covering Come As You Are and putting it up on Youtube is no different if you're a musician.Actors portray people..I think it's admirable in a way.
I'm not a fan of 30 seconds to mars but Leto is also a good actor. I saw nothing wrong with the video and thought it was very convincing. I think Leto would be a much better contender than Ewan Mcgregor
They're bashing him why? He's an actor and a musician so this is just him doing both in a way he wants. Are they mad that a biopic is being made--which I can understand--or that Leto is interested in it? That just seems stupid. I don't see them getting on Ewan McGregor's case (though maybe that's because Ewan is awesome).
i cant understand why people are bashing this. this 'performance' or whatever was pretty cool. he looked just like him, played guitar JUST like him, had that hunch JUST like him, held the guitar JUSTT like him, and frigggen SANG JUST LIKE HIM!!!!!
People who slam him are idiots.Leto is an actor and that's what actors do..covering Come As You Are and putting it up on Youtube is no different if you're a musician.Actors portray people..I think it's admirable in a way.
Exactly, whats the big deal? he liked Kurt, he acts, why not?
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
Despite whatever his motives for doing this were, he does look rather like/sound Kurt in almost every way. Leto is obviously very talented. I'm also rather sick of the whole elitist Nirvana fan thing that tends to go on whenever a biopic or whatnot is mentioned. Nirvana made albums for major labels, give up on the anti-sellout attitude, it was already done a long time ago.
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
This looks/sounds like an accurate depiction of Kurt... I'm a massive Nirvana fan, they got me into music in the first place.
Anthony Kiedis did it too in the Dani California video...
Nothing wrong with idolising your heroes. I respect Jared for portraying him like that. He's doing a better job than Ewan McGregor or that Twilight guy could do...
Amazing. My girlfriend showed this to me yesterday. He's a great artist and a great actor and I thought the video was fantastic. I'm glad that everyone here feels the same way about it. It's a tribute. He's not trying to be Kurt or become the next Kurt. Just putting his talents to great use to pay tribute to his hero.
Despite whatever his motives for doing this were, he does look rather like/sound Kurt in almost every way. Leto is obviously very talented. I'm also rather sick of the whole elitist Nirvana fan thing that tends to go on whenever a biopic or whatnot is mentioned. Nirvana made albums for major labels, give up on the anti-sellout attitude, it was already done a long time ago.
Dude you hit the nail on the head--remember: it's trendy and cool to deify Kurt Cobain. Elitism is what it's all about. How many times have you heard a Nirvana fan say "you wouldn't understand" something relating to the band or Kurt Cobain? It's all bollocks--who gives a shit!
What really pisses me off is the people who say things like "this is the antithesis of what Kurt stood for" and shit like that, as if they, themselves, by association, are also said antithesis despite the fact that they probably uploaded their comments on an iPhone whilst wearing an expensive pair of sneakers and a designer shirt/pants.
For Leto not being left-handed, it was pretty impressive - he clearly put some time into it. Leto really wants the role and has experience in both industries. McGregor, I don't see it.
I completely understand that people don't like the fact that he made this, but I dont feel like they should bash someone for it. And especially not the other people involved in 30 seconds to mars, Jared did this by hisself, so why blame the whole band? It's got nothing to do with this. Though I understand the thing about the movie as well, that's a little bit weak. Though I still find that citing Cobain's own words, he has got the full right to place it online.
30STM is a solid band. Just so happens their front man is an actor too. People shouldn't be getting so bent out of shape. This isn't a "travesty" or whatever, it's just someone showing their version of appreciation for another person.
Well, it's not really hard to peform as Kurt Cobain, just get pissed/high and groan into a Mic while strumming a few basic chords on an electric guitar... Done like dinner O.o
Jared Leto...Not quite sure what to make of him. He's a bit of a cock, and I don't like 30STM's latest music..however he is a very talented musician and actor, I'll give him that.
This was well done, as far as I'm concerned. One of the first Kurt imitations that didn't just try to sing like you have the flu. He just had a cracked voice, not a really distorted, gritty one.
Wat.
That was great!
It's just a tribute to a musician he clearly likes.
I'd like to see them slam every single person whos' covered Lennon's 'Imagine'.
Just because an artist dies doesn't make them untouchable.
It's probably already been said, but they're f***ing idiots for considering McGreggor rather than Letto. Letto is not only a musician but an actor as well, and in my humble opinion, I can't think of anyone else who should play Kurt. He did a damn good job with that video, I had a difficult time not going, "He's back! Thank God, I knew it! TuPac and Kurt are still alive!"(Where's Elvis?)
C'mon people just let the poor bastard rest in peace. Stop digging him up every year. This letto dude could be a convincing kurt if the had his wig in his face the whole movie, acting all moody and existential (give me a break). Seriously dudes, let it go. You know what is truly disgusting, people making big bucks off a dead person, repackaging his image every few years for the next generation, twisting his personality and identity in every possible way to serve their own cause. You know, after you're dead and rotting in the ground that old "you" that you were is the only human thing left around, and having some chump distort and juggle with that "you" all over the internet is just wrong on so many levels.
Oh look all you moody 15 year olds, check this guy out, his name is Kurt and he was like soo depressed. I bet you all can relate to him can't you, you know he committed suicide? how badass is that huh, I bet you dig him don't you. I bet you want to be just like him. I got these pre-torn jeans and stripe shirt, wanna try it on. What the music? oh it's rockin but forget about that, check it out in this picture he is staring into the distance thinking about stuff. Oh god his soul is so tormented .....profit
Just stick to the goddamn music and stop selling/buying cheap drama.
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
This. While I respect Nirvana for every thing they did and achieved for music, Johnny Cash and Jim Morrison were just as relevant, and they had biopics made of them that were quite exceptional. Based on this performance, and Leto's performances in movies like American Psycho and Lord of War, I'm sure he will nail the role. And I think this film has serious potential, because Cobain and Nirvana have such an interesting story...just as long as the script, direction, and other performances are just as solid.
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
Exactly! spot on. I dont think anyone under the age of 30 and who didnt live through the "grunge" era could understand why we are upset with this
that video was actually awesome.. dont tell me that when you watched it you didnt get chills. if it weren't something so harmless i could understand the backlash, but it was leto playing guitar and walking around, not shooting heroin of committing suicide, the video embodies Cobain for what we loved/love about him, nothing to attempt to tarnish his legacy, which this video is definitely not. this is not the greatest song in the world, this is just a tribute.
Q: How retarded does one have to be to get offended by an interpretation of an artist, to the point of "slamming" the interpret—while one could choose to ignore it fully and move one?
A: Off the charts retarded.
To everyone who's like "Kurt would have NEVER EVER done this! Ever! He would have hated the idea! OMG! He was anti EVERYTHING."
I honestly think, if he could. He would come back and do it. Why? To piss you off. That's what he did. He loved throwing people off their game. Also? he was a human being. And people who are like "If you didn't live in the grunge era, you couldn't possibly get it!"
Go have a midlife crisis somewhere else and try to wrap you drug damaged brain around something less complicated. Please and thank you. Tired of people flipping a shit (in either direction) over anything to do with him, saying that it's disgusting and insulting. He's not a god. A damn good, clever musician, but not a god.
Well, it's not really hard to peform as Kurt Cobain, just get pissed/high and groan into a Mic while strumming a few basic chords on an electric guitar... Done like dinner O.o
Speaking from experience??
Let's see your video for that song, or any song as a matter of fact.
Let's be honest, Kurt Cobain is no Michael Bouble, but this genre happens to be of Kurt's own invention.
So, again, let's see your video...
I do covers and its not ****in easy to sing, sure the cords are easy but not everyone can sing like that or they would I would post the link but got kicked off last time because I did that
Chillingly similar, i think. I don't begrudge Leto for making his own little tribute, nor should anyone. Anyone should be able to pay tribute in any way they want, without being slammed for "slandering" a name.
I dont see why anyone would freak out over this. Its not like Jared was trying to hurt anyone or make fun of Kurt in doing this. It was simply a tribute to his life.
I don't particularly like 20 Seconds To Mars but, as an actor myself, I would hate it if I was lambasted for playing one of my heroes. Fair play to him.
Thrash Hits needs to settle the f--k down. Nobody gets to impersonate Kurt? Or just Leto can't because he's too .. what radio friendy? Cuz Nirvana didn't write pop songs?
Not that I ever heard of Thrash Hits, but if their "outrage" is a ploy for web hits, than I guess they've probably succeeded.
When I first read this I thought "Oh my god, I'm going to watch this and feel sick to my stomach at the sheer awfulness of this video", then I actually watched the video. That was about as close as you could get. I would rather have someone who does an excellent job at portraying Kurt, like Leto, than someone who's going to destroy the character. He is an actor, it was very well acted.
A cool tribute! Kudos to Jared. No territory is too sacred to explore with art. I'm not a 30 Seconds to Mars fan but I can appreciate one artist's love for another.
The worship needs to end. I'm tired of hearing about Kurt being this "untouchable icon." You people act like he was a better musician than his peers. Tell that to Jerry Cantrell and Chris Cornell. Not to mention then entirety of Pearl Jam. The big four of Grunge were equals. Stop putting Cobain on a different level.
I think it was actually an honorable tribute and well done. Anyone upset it moronic. If anyone has ever seen any video from 3STM they know he's an actor and he likes productions. Cobain would be impressed.
Simple fact is, covering someone's music is a compliment, making a tribute to them is even more. As a musician and performer, he crossed the line posing as Cobain. However, if you view him as an actor them he was paying a massive compliment. For a musician to cover a song is the same as an actor to portray a person, they are both massive compliments in their own way. It depends how you view Leto I guess. He's got a technically good voice, but I think he's a bit of a @#?$. He is a performer and musician though, since when was he ever an actor?
How dare he play a cover! Doesn't this man know that you aren't allowed to play other people's songs?
Get real. It was a cover. Nobody got mad when Weird Al portrayed Kurt in his parody (Smells Like Nirvana). Kurt himself said he enjoyed the parody and the video. You know, the video in which somebody who wasn't Kurt portrayed him.
This is awesome. I'm a diehard 30stm and Nirvana fan so this really makes me quite happy to see Jared act out his hero. And tbf, even if I wasn't a fan of either, I could say it was a good tribute to the guy.
Meh, I don't care for it. I don't have a problem with it being made, only that it was shared. If Leto wanted to pay tribute, dont' dig some piece of junk out of the closet and say 'Here look how sincere I am' with a pretenious sneer, record it your own way, use your own voice. Don't play dress up, don't copy his voice, it's creepy. I don't care if he's an actor, I don't care what it's for, he's a muscian too, he should know better. And I don't care how good his intentions were, 'Hell's paved with good intentions.'
I'm not opposed to a film, but not Leto. I think Joe Anderson should be the obvious choice. And Joe if you don't get the part don't share your goddamn audition tape.
He's a good choice, just get him on two packs a day to sound more convincing; AND is anyone asking Dave Grohl what he thinks??? i know courtney made it clear that his opinion doesnt matter(bs) but if ANYONE should have a say in this its Grohl...
The film is to be based on the Cobain biography "Heavier Than Heaven" which Courtney Love has bought the film rights for, but in January it was reported that 35-year-old Ewan McGregor was the number one choice for the role. Too bad Jared.
Simple fact is, covering someone's music is a compliment, making a tribute to them is even more. As a musician and performer, he crossed the line posing as Cobain. However, if you view him as an actor them he was paying a massive compliment. For a musician to cover a song is the same as an actor to portray a person, they are both massive compliments in their own way. It depends how you view Leto I guess. He's got a technically good voice, but I think he's a bit of a @#?$. He is a performer and musician though, since when was he ever an actor?
He was in Requiem For A Dream and Fight Club?
That was a lot more impressive than I thought it would be.
Despite whatever his motives for doing this were, he does look rather like/sound Kurt in almost every way. Leto is obviously very talented. I'm also rather sick of the whole elitist Nirvana fan thing that tends to go on whenever a biopic or whatnot is mentioned. Nirvana made albums for major labels, give up on the anti-sellout attitude, it was already done a long time ago.
As a die-hard nirvana fan I endorse this comment completely.
I really liked seeing comments respecting both Nirvana and Jared Leto on UG. Great thing to see 'we' are 'mature' enough to respond in a good way to this video. And I totally agree with everyone...
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
Eh, there's a few moments where he reminded me of Kurt, even sounding like him, but overall it really seems like he's just doing an impression. I don't think it's offensive, but I think he might be a little full of himself to think he's doing a perfect acting job.
This is wrong? People are stupid, plain and simple. Complain if he cuts loose in the middle "Waaahh. My music is going to be part of a corporate machine, WAAHHH!" Leto did one heck of a great job.
Its the minority taking offence.
Those same select few that ring the police when there is a bird flying around inside there house.
catalyst329 wrote:
If this was just some dude on youtube doing it, people would have thought it was awesome. But since it is Jared Leto everyone gets pissed off
m0o wrote:
dmiwshicldply wrote:
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
NOBODY can get even close to the LEGEND that we all know as Kurt Cobain! R.I.P. He had the real Grunge sound
As much as I love Nirvana, they weren't the "real" Grunge band, or even the first one. Grunge was around years before Nirvana came to be, hell they were really late in the scene. I hate when people give Nirvana and Cobain more credit than he actually did.
"Weird Al" Yankovic has been dressing up as Kurt Cobain and performing "Smells Like Nirvana" in his live shows for the last decade or so, and I haven't heard anyone get pissy about that. How is this any different?
Nirvana is my favorite band, but the fans bashing him are being elitist pricks. I thought this was pretty good, Leto is a fine actor and musician, and he is doing what he does best.
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
well said, I lol'd at the guys who say that nirvana made grunge, they made it popular but weren't even close to be the first grunge band.Mark Arm was the real creator of grunge, more explicit with Mudhoney.
Leto is just doing a tribute to his hero, can you actually blame him? It doesn't matter if Kurt would like it, we have tattoos, posters anything and in some way it's a tribute for our heros.
I dig it. And why in the world would they want to cast Ewan McGregor? And why is this pissing people off so much??? Is Cobain somehow above imitation? I would bet good money that most of these people that are pissed off are people that play Nirvana songs alone, depressed, sitting in the dark in their parents basement.
I must say, I'm not that big on 30 Seconds, but that was actually really well done! He captured the raspy voice perfectly.
Now I'm what you'll call a "Nirvana Fan Boy", but I don't see anything wrong with this. On the 5th, I did the same thing pretty much, sat in my room for a good hour and a half singing Nirvana and A.I.C. tunes.
archangels :
I love Nirvana, but hardcore Nirvana fans are the most easily offended people on the planet.
I agree, sadly, and I said above that I know I'm a fan boy of Nirvana. But it actually is easy to upset Nirvana fans. I'll admit I had my fair shares of arguements over the net due to someone bashing Kurt.
Nirvana's music will forever be sacred to me with the fact that the band made me want to play, as well as so many others. I really don't like Jared Leto, at all. Although, I did see him as Mark David Chapman in "Chapter 29", I think is the name? I really liked his performance in that movie. This is just like that. He's diving into the 'character' of Kurt Cobain. In my opinion, the simple fact that he learned to play the guitar left-handed, instead of his usual right, leads me to believe he didn't do it out of malice. Plus, he doesn't suck at it. I'm not blown away, but... He does say that he made it when he heard there was movie in the works, so that right there says this was an audition tape.
The only thing that is pissing me off is the fact that he isn't a lefty.
He is playing left-handed on the video..he learned how to play the guitar left-handed to do this,this shows dedication..how the hell does it piss you off?
I'm a huge fan of Nirvana. I picked up a guitar and became a writer because of Cobain. I have no problem with this at all. People need to get over their idealistic beliefs of what Kurt would want and wouldn't want. Ideally they want to believe this would make him rage the way it makes them rage.
Jared played the part well, of course I noticed the flaws in his performance, but I'm not gonna nit pick and freak out.... oh no! he didn't sing that word the way it should have been sang. Kurt doesn't pronounce his words that way! OMGOMGOMGOMGOGMGOMGOGOMG.... get over it. Kurt was my hero and I'm cool with this.
Are you serious? They're ditching Leto for fricken Obi-Wan? Give me a break! That couple minutes right there is proof Ewan won't be as good for the role. I mean, look what the man already did with Requiem for a Dream..
I'm neither a huge fan of Nirvana nor of 30STM...but why do people take this so seriously? If you get mad about this you seriously need to get out and live a little so you'll have other, REAL issues that actually CONCERN YOU to worry about...jeez...
People who slam him are idiots.Leto is an actor and that's what actors do..covering Come As You Are and putting it up on Youtube is no different if you're a musician.Actors portray people..I think it's admirable in a way.
Except that song is Pennyroyal Tea, not Come as You Are, and then Rape Me
I was scared of what I was going to see, but that was bloody brilliant!!
People need to stop being so defensive about influential musicians, esp Kurt Cobain and The Beatles, it seriously gets on my nerves, yes they were great, but give them a spot in the halls of fame not a damn army to defend their legacy...
Loved it, good on him. Why not FFS, he's an actor! People need to get a grip and stop slamming everything that comes around. Can't see Ewan McGregor doing a better job, he'll get battered for the portrayal no doubt.
When it comes down to it, we're all human beings. Talent or no talent. What's wrong with showing admiration for another's talent by trying your hand at it? I'm not a huge Leto fan, but damn he really nailed this. The ones who bash are probably self-righteous, I love Nirvana too much, elitists who have to make themselves look better by being purists. Guess what, purists are also pricks.
Wow, he really does look and sound like Cobain in that video. I hope he gets the part over McGregor. I don't see why people are so upset over it though. Yeah, he made the video to get a part in the film, but maybe he wants to portray his musical hero out of love for the guy?
I hate Jared Leto but I honestly think he did a great job. He would make a good Cobain, and as a bonus, it wouldn't be the first time he would have to act like he was addicted to heroin
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
I disagree. What made Cobain great was his songwriting and performance, not his attitude, which is what I think you're implying. Cobain's hatred of the big music industry was pretty silly since he would have been nothing without it. There's the irony. I admire Leto for celebrating the man and the music through acting and song.
I like him as an actor, I hate 30 seconds to mars... So I was pretty neutral to this, but he managed to do a good job. Can't get the 3STM thingy out of my head though.
I think it was pretty dam awesome to be honest. He even learnt to play the guitar backwards (I'm sure he's normally right handed?), now that's dedication!
So we hate on Leto because he's respecting a fallen musician he admires and, let's be honest, does an excellent job of portraying? What is this world coming to? I mean, jesus the man is an actor... so you're disgusted when he acts as Cobain to TRIBUTE HIM?!?! I admire him for, and lets be honest this is what he is trying to do, tributing such an influential artist as Kurt Cobain... I see no need for the hate and it is unwarranted. Did people hate on Jamie Foxx when he played Ray Charles? No... so why hate on Jared Leto when he's doing exactly the same thing... imitation is the best form of flattery... I'd be honored if someone did so to me one day...
First off to all the people hating on Mr. Leto how did you pay tribute to Kurt Cobain? This guy went out of his way to pay homage to an artist that effected his life, thats what counts. Sure he does not convey the same emotions as Kurt did in the original recordings. Then again Kurt didn't capture the same emotions when he covered such songs as Man who sold the world and Lake of Fire.
Personally, I think that this wasn't a good idea. We have recordings, pictures, and videos of Kurt for a reason. Doing a cover of a Nirvana song is fine, but this was a bit over the top. Leto's a great musician, but I don't think there was a need to dress up as him unless he's playing him in a movie.
People shouldn't hate because it's made by a musician and actor who actually looked up to Kurt Cobain. This is just a tribute, not the Hollywood bullshit Kurt was against.
Kudos to this guy. I've never been a fan of 30STM, but I gotta saw this is pretty good. He did it out of respect, just like any cover. He's an actor, so he acted. Big deal.
And really, these Nirvana fans have been pissing me off lately. They're starting to sound like hipsters. Nirvana will always be mainstream, so deal with it. Maybe not everyone will know or understand Kurt's message, but he will be known whether you like it or not, so just grow up.
PS:Mainstream doesn't necessarily mean they sold out. I'm just saying, everyone knows them.
people need to chill the hell out. if i was a famous person and someone did this to me id feel weird but its more of a respect thing. i see no mocking towards Kurt Cobain at all. so i find this cool and good. anyone disagrees with that needs to chill. and yeah Kurt was Just an average guy who got famous. but i think his entire persona got blown out of porportion. not to diss him but his songs were, for its time and the other genre of bands, was completely different, i always saw them as a pop grunge band, i mean they are a great band. and by pop i just mean that their songs were quickly done and put together (in a more rockish sense as in whatever they felt because obviously there was musical writing put into it, unlike the crap we see today) but when someone tells me nirvana was the pinnacle of grunge it makes me mad.
i am a massive nirvana fan and im not a very big 30stm fan ...but tbh i dont think he did anything wrong , and hes only saying how he loved nirvana ....soo i dont blame him ...tho he didnt need to dress up
I don't mind that he did it...but he didn't have to dress up, and try to sing like kurt. I would have enjoyed hearing Jered Leto sing it more than Jered Leto singing like Kurt Cobain singing it. I don't even like 30 seconds to mars that much.
not a 30stm fan at all
but i thought this was quite good
a musician and an actor and not a bad impression to boot
certainly better then ewan McGregor who is 8 years older now then kurt was when he died
I'm big on Nirvana and 30stm I can handle in small doses, but I find Jared a bit of a dick live. BUT having said that, the video was pretty good...this is the only time I'll ever say that.
Despite whatever his motives for doing this were, he does look rather like/sound Kurt in almost every way. Leto is obviously very talented. I'm also rather sick of the whole elitist Nirvana fan thing that tends to go on whenever a biopic or whatnot is mentioned. Nirvana made albums for major labels, give up on the anti-sellout attitude, it was already done a long time ago.
Dude you hit the nail on the head--remember: it's trendy and cool to deify Kurt Cobain. Elitism is what it's all about. How many times have you heard a Nirvana fan say "you wouldn't understand" something relating to the band or Kurt Cobain? It's all bollocks--who gives a shit!
What really pisses me off is the people who say things like "this is the antithesis of what Kurt stood for" and shit like that, as if they, themselves, by association, are also said antithesis despite the fact that they probably uploaded their comments on an iPhone whilst wearing an expensive pair of sneakers and a designer shirt/pants.
Hypocrites.
Win. It's all a load of hypocracy, because no matter what Kurt would probably be dissappointed with the world today anyway's, I dont think this would send him over the edge lol. I dont care for 30 seconds to mars that much, but I like Jared Leto, and I love Kurt Cobain. This is a good thing in my opinion.
I don't really see what the problem is. Leto is an actor and a musician, and he's just doing both at the same time. "OMG KURT WOULD BE ROLLING IN HIS GRAVE!" Please. We don't need Kurt Cobain's approval for everything. People get so butthurt over the smallest things.
Dude Jared Leto is badass. People need to pull the sticks out of their asses. He looked and sounded just like him. AND HE PLAYED SWITCH-HANDED. Meaning he plays right-handed normally, but Kurt was a lefty, so he played it lefty. Rock on Jared.
not a fan of 30 sec but pretty sweet job and you can tell he was a huge fan.. I'm huge kurt fan but some nirvana fans are fuked they think the own kurt and stand for what they believe he was.. Imagine if he were still alive do you think hed be the same grunge rocker doing drugs and shit no he woulda matured probably went different directions with his music etc come one ppl
Leto did a pretty good job, but they don't need a big-name musician playing Kurt in the biopic. It would just be distracting and totally un-convincing.
Joe Anderson looks the part. Y'know, blonde-headed dude from Across The Universe? Google it.
What's 30 seconds to Mars? Are they new? Haven't heard them yet. I watched all the way up to 10 and decided that he was not a good singer. I'm on the "not as good/disgrace to Cobain" side.
What's 30 seconds to Mars? Are they new? Haven't heard them yet. I watched all the way up to 10 and decided that he was not a good singer. I'm on the "not as good/disgrace to Cobain" side.
Of course I'm not into grunge so my opinion isn't that strong.
The only thing that is pissing me off is the fact that he isn't a lefty.
he's still playing lefty in the video, which is pretty impressive. I'm a right handed guitar player, and I've tried lefty, and it sounds like trying to teach a five year old kid to play. its not easy to switch hands like that, leto deserves major props
Actors have played legendary people in order to honor them. Musicians have covered legendary musician's songs in order to honor them. Leto is an actor and a musician. He is doing both at the same time.
People who slam him are idiots.Leto is an actor and that's what actors do..covering Come As You Are and putting it up on Youtube is no different if you're a musician.Actors portray people..I think it's admirable in a way.
Except that song is Pennyroyal Tea, not Come as You Are, and then Rape Me
It's rediculous that anyone would slam him for this. He's honoring Kobain and people rip him a new one for it.
Tearing apart your idols is something that we do and I'm sick of it. Usually it's for a terrible performance, or lude behaviour, but here it's for honoring someone that a lot of people respect.
Bear in mind that one of Kurt's favourite "tribute" acts, who even opened gigs for Nirvana were Bjorn Again. Who based their career on ABBA. And even did and ABBA-esque version of Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Only ever liked 4 songs.
Always thought he was over rated!
Guitar playing was average.
Most of there songs where freaking boring and lifeless
All he was a ****ing junkie.
People get up in arms when a celebrity does this, yet I know there's at least one person on YouTube who has done everything he can to become a spitting image of Cobain and he gets nothing but love from the fans. What gives?
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
+1
hereticfive wrote:
jsut because he sings for 30stm, they bash him.
+10
I'm no 30stm fan at all, in fact I can't stand them, but I don't see a problem with him doing this at all. People act as if Cobain was this holy being and only those "worthy" can pay tribute to him.
Back when Smells like Teen Spirit got huge and was requested constantly, Nirvana went on stage and had the music playing through the speakers and they just ****ed around on stage. Theirs video of it in With The lights out. The crowd got extremely pissed. Why did they do this? Cause Kurt Cobain was upset that the only song people wanted to hear was Smells like teen spirit.
So Now everyone saying Kurt Cobain wouldn't want this production to happen. I'm sure if he could come back and decide he would say **** you all. I'm making this just cause its against what everyone said he would do.
And another thing, Jared Leto, have you seen who else they have picked out? Courtney Love apparently wants Robert Pattinson (edward from Twilight [if you ahven't heard of the loser]) to play Kurt. I'd rather see another Musician play Kurt, not some little brat. Courtney love also had Ewan McGregor and James McAVoy in mind. NONE OF THEM LOOK LIKE KURT. Definatly not Robert Pattinson.
Considering that Kurt liked Weird Al's number "Smells Like Nirvana" I'm sure he wouldn't take offense to this rendition. The guy sings pretty damn well too, and I'm not a fan of either of these bands (nothing wrong with them, just not me). Stop hatin'
And Robert Pattinson hates the Twilight franchise just as much as we do people, don't bash the guy for saying yes to a role that lets him mack on a girl he's interested in that also nets lots and lots of money.
It's a tribute/audition tape by an actor, who happens to also be in a band, who would be stoked by an opportunity to portray one of his inspirations. What's the harm? Props to the guy.
Those who oppose the biopic, it's time to be real: Nirvana sold out. They made Nevermind, they polished the garage rock of Bleach into a radio-friendly sheen, and got rich and famous because of it. Whether they wanted to or not, that was their decision.
And like TheLostOne71 said, Cobain could easily have decided to make the thing just as a **** you to all of the mindless followers who call themselves 'fans.' Even now, a lot of people who act self-righteous about Kurt and his 'legacy' are doing it because it's cool to do.
i think that covering your favorite musician's songs is a good thing because that's how most people respect a band for honoring the songs they wrote. not by dressing up as the person and completely re-doing a song...people find that as a disgrace. so i believe Leto should have just covered it, not acted a whole video out.
nirvana (actually kurt) fanboys have to relax. everytime kurt is even mentioned they flip out and see ZOMG JURT WOULD FLIP OUT. no...he wouldnt...hes dead...and for any response, he ****ing killed himself
I don't understand the comments about anybody under 30 not understanding why people would be upset. I'm 26, and grew up listening to Nirvana, Alice in Chains, STP, Soundgarden, etc. You don't have to be over 30 to appreciate grunge music and understand Kurt Cobain's feelings about "selling out". I don't think he'd give a s**t. If anything, he'd just be pissed off that they were making a movie about him. Either way, who cares. I thought it was a good video. I'd rather have a real musician playing him in a movie than some Scottish guy from the Star Wars movies. Leto's been in some of my favorite movies (Requiem for a Dream, American Psycho, Fight Club). Give the guy a break.
Kurt cobain isn't some untouchable god who will strike down from the heavens if someone offends his memory. Get real, he was a man just like anyone else. Val kilmer played jim morrison joaquin pheonix played johnny cash wtf is the problem with jared leto playing kurt cobain
thats exactly what i was thinking. how can anyone be so offended by something like that. no one has the right to care, plus its not like Leto was making fun of him
Independently if Kurt would like it or not, this dude is frickin perfect for the role, they are gonna do this movie anyway, id rather have this dude, which would do the paper perfectly than anyone else, theres no way on stopping "offending" Kurt by making the movie (which he wont even care since he is dead) but theres a way of not offending him more by making a shitty movie.
i mean, i don't see a problem with it, what would be the difference if somebody else had done it, too many people have problems for the most stupid reasons.
Back on topic - how come RHCP didn't attract as much grief when they "spoofed" Nirvana's unplugged appearance in the Dani California clip?
Because their video is going about every decade of music and "spoofing" the most popular bands. Elvis, Beatles, Misfits, Jimi Hendrix, P-Funk, Nirvana....and a few others I forget. It's not like they directed anything at Nirvana so what would be the big deal??
Ewan McGregor is a super badass with an amazing voice. I don't know why people would rather want this guy, or anyone else, to portray Cobain instead. Leto can't hold a candle up to Ewan. Watch Moulin Rouge, yo. You'll gets it.
This is a pretty damn good video, even frets just like Kurt. I'm a really big Nirvana, fan, too. There's really no reason for you guys to get so silly stupid over this, have you guys never played a Nirvana song? I'm sure you guys would never want to be in Leto's position, making millions of dollars doing something you ****ing love to do.
Dont like 30 secs to mars but good cover. Not cobain but pretty decent. Dont think hes the right choice though, voice is much too high and hes a bit too feminine but he damn near looks like Cobain.
Back on topic - how come RHCP didn't attract as much grief when they "spoofed" Nirvana's unplugged appearance in the Dani California clip?
Because their video is going about every decade of music and "spoofing" the most popular bands. Elvis, Beatles, Misfits, Jimi Hendrix, P-Funk, Nirvana....and a few others I forget. It's not like they directed anything at Nirvana so what would be the big deal??
The big deal being that they are poking fun at Nirvana and Cobain - everything else in the video was cearly a send up yet they didn't cop any criticism - for the clip at least, the fact the song was a virtual Tom Petty clone is another matter.
Back on topic - how come RHCP didn't attract as much grief when they "spoofed" Nirvana's unplugged appearance in the Dani California clip?
Because their video is going about every decade of music and "spoofing" the most popular bands. Elvis, Beatles, Misfits, Jimi Hendrix, P-Funk, Nirvana....and a few others I forget. It's not like they directed anything at Nirvana so what would be the big deal?? The big deal being that they are poking fun at Nirvana and Cobain - everything else in the video was cearly a send up yet they didn't cop any criticism - for the clip at least, the fact the song was a virtual Tom Petty clone is another matter.
WHAAAAAT??? Poking fun how??? If anything, it's a tribute. The intro is similar, but isn't a direct copy and they follow a different chord structure, fool. Didn't Tom Petty say some like 'Many songs sound alike, it's hard to create something that hasn't already been.' ??
ok, im not a 30S2M fan, but i think he would fit the part. C'mon, it was either him, or robert pattinson. Hardcore nirvana fans, calm the **** down! Have you got a better guy to take his place!??
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
Exactly! spot on. I dont think anyone under the age of 30 and who didnt live through the "grunge" era could understand why we are upset with this
Um, just gonna chuck this in.... Jared Leto is nearly 40... So I think he lived through the grunge era... And there's nothing wrong with this, in any way. Do people still cover Beatles songs even though Lennon is dead?
i dont really understand why he is playing kurt. why didnt he just do a tribute cover as himself? im not a fan of 30 seconds. it was a decent cover though. nirvana is my favorite band and pennyroyal tea is my favorite song. im not pissed about it by any means. i see the convo about rhcp's portrayal in dani cali. i sort of see that as being different. for one, it was for a music video, a work of art. leto is simply making a cover. second, perhaps irrelevant, rchp is a far better band than 30 seconds could ever dream about being. either way, i think kurt would have been fine with it. apparently he loved the idea of weird al's teen spirit parody so, you know, whatever.
Daysleeper_05 wrote:
Cobain's hatred of the big music industry was pretty silly since he would have been nothing without it. There's the irony.
Again someone just not getting it as they didn't live through the era. Kurt didn't set out to make it. He set out to make music. Grunge was never meant to be mainstream, even if the bands just signed to a Major. But the media took hold of it and it began the in thing and you had people then getting into it that where never meant to.
I can not understand anyone under the age of 30 to grasp this concept when I try to explain I always get "what do you mean you never all wanted to make surely thats the point?" no. No it isn't. And that is why people can't understand why people like myself and The Moth are so upset with this.
good_blink_plan wrote:
Do people still cover Beatles songs even though Lennon is dead?
That is not the same. The Beatles (as much as I love them) were meant to be mainstream. Grunge was not. Even back then Jared was a fame ***** and disliked by us.
Grunge was not meant to be mainstream. How many times am I saying this?? How many windfarms? (inside joke) Again as I have said I can not expect anyone who didnt live through it to understand just why this is so wrong. Its just a non understanding of what Grunge is.
Who gives a toss. It came across genuine to me. If this is how he wants to show respect to an inspiration then thats cool. And this whole thing about selling out is bullshit. Everyone sells out and every one is the man. Except for Kurt that is ha ha ha
it's one thing to pay respects to an icon, but it's pretty cheesy what jared leto has done, it's overkill on the whole kurt cobain thing, people need to stop getting their panties in a bunch over it and being so overdramatic about kurt, have a little respect bust out some nirvana cover songs but pretty much leave it at that, i wouldn't have minded this video so much even though it's jared leto if he hadn't dressed up pretending to be kurt cobain too, it's a little f***'ed if you ask me!
Surprisingly good cover, at least he didn't pick one of their overplayed tracks. Bit weird to dress up as Cobain though, maybe in bad taste but that's down to interpretation.
Oh please... To all you f*ckheads bitching about Leto doing a cover of a Kobain: Every day thousands of people upload their own covers of f*ck knows what sh*tloads of songs. Youre just bitching about this particular one cause he is a famous person and you dont like the person himself. Stop crying and go upload your own f*cking lame little guitar covers to youtube and pretend you're all cool. Seriously, dont make a f*cking drama out of a video tribute....
Woa, that singing is horrible. Ok, so it's good cover *cough*
Anyway...I think...a "normal" cover would be enough.
Seems a little bit weird...to trying to look like him. I don't know...Can't explain.
I like some of 30stm's stuff i love Nirvana. i found this a weird thing to do, but i dont see why people are angry, leto's a musician and an actor, hes doing the two in this video as a tribute to a guy who impacted his life. Why not? good on him
I am not the biggest fan of 30STM and I prefer him as an actor but I have mixed feelings about this tribute. It was a good attempt but any real fan of Kurt's would agree that no one can come close to his legend. I am a huge Nirvana fan and personally thought it sounded too much like a 30STM cover rather than anything else. On the bright side, at least someone made a tribute.
good_blink_plan wrote:
Do people still cover Beatles songs even though Lennon is dead?
That is not the same. The Beatles (as much as I love them) were meant to be mainstream. Grunge was not. Even back then Jared was a fame ***** and disliked by us.
Grunge was not meant to be mainstream. How many times am I saying this?? How many windfarms? (inside joke) Again as I have said I can not expect anyone who didnt live through it to understand just why this is so wrong. Its just a non understanding of what Grunge is.
I hope you're aware that Cobain never considered Nirvana to be a "grunge" act, and "grunge" was a term made up more by the record companies and other businesses looking to capitalize on the sudden popularity of bands coming out of Seattle.
deimachy wrote:
I hope you're aware that Cobain never considered Nirvana to be a "grunge" act, and "grunge" was a term made up more by the record companies and other businesses looking to capitalize on the sudden popularity of bands coming out of Seattle.
Do not even go there on my "grunge-ness" I was using the word grunge only because it is now (whether I like it or not) a commonly used and familar word that gets across what "genre" (to me its not even a genre but a sub culture) of music.
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
I alson lived the Grunge Era, and I totally agree with you dude.
Grunge and mostly Kurt Cobain are not suposed to be in movies and Hollywood and $hit like that.
You had to live in those days understand it.
If he Jared Leto respected Kurt's memory, he would just remember it has it was, and not try to get some more $$$ from impersonating him.
Just remember Kurt for what he was.
There's no authenticity to it. If your younger than 30 you probably don't understand the concept though. No "biopic" needs to be made. At all. The irony is that this shit is the antithesis of what made him great. He would have despised the idea of a biopic.
It is clear that Kobain's ideals didn't work for him. Don't mean to criticize Kobain, but he was sick in the head, and so are his fans who are more than 30 and think it's still cool to play the "rebell without a cause" role.
By the way, the only "ridiculous" thing here is that he kind of asked in public to be in the movie, which is totally needy. But taking that away, if this was really a part of the movie, it would be really cool.
He did a pretty freakin awesome job. Funny how almost every comment here is praising it as opposed to two reviews. Didn't even notice he was playing it left handed til just now, props to Jared for that. If you haven't seen 30stm yet, go now, amazing show.
and for all those who say "you just don't understand".. please shut up. neither do you if your explanation has no backbone. Kurt Cobain was nobody special and he obviously proved that by taking his life.
Well, it's not really hard to peform as Kurt Cobain, just get pissed/high and groan into a Mic while strumming a few basic chords on an electric guitar... Done like dinner O.o
Speaking from experience??
Let's see your video for that song, or any song as a matter of fact.
Let's be honest, Kurt Cobain is no Michael Bouble, but this genre happens to be of Kurt's own invention.
So, again, let's see your video...
I honestly think it's funny with all those who say, if you were born in the late 80's or 90's you'll never understand. 1 Jared Leto turns 40 in december of this year, so I think he may understand more than you do. 2. research isn't hard to do, and a lot of modern day music is based off of grunge music. 3. Kurt Cobain was a sell out who just wrote music to make money, seriously the guy was a crack head and alcoholic, so obviously he probably didn't know what the hell he was even talking about. Now if anyone should play Kurt Cobain it should be someone with the acting ability as well as the creative mind of one Jared Leto, because if you listen to the lyrics in his songs, they're real not pissed off, but some of you "oldies" may think they're emo. And if you're offended by Oldies don't say those born after 87 are too young.
0 and decided that he was not a good singer. I'm on the "not as good/disgrace to Cobain" side.