Danny Goldberg, one of Nirvanas managers from 1990 to 1994, documents his stint with the iconic grunge band in a new book, Serving the Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain, out April 2nd via HarperCollins Ecco Press imprint.
Serving the Servant mines Goldbergs own memories of the songwriter, files that previously havent been made public and interviews with Cobains family (including wife Courtney Love), friends and former bandmates (including Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic). The book touches on Cobain and Loves marriage; the birth of their daughter, Frances Bean; and Cobains struggles with addiction.
Goldberg, currently president and owner of artist management company Gold Village Entertainment, is a longtime industry veteran who began his career as Led Zeppelins publicist. He later served as Bonnie Raitts manager and as an executive at Mercury Records and Warner Bros. Records. Hes written several other books, including 2009s Bumping Into Geniuses: My Life Inside the Rock and Roll Business.
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In August 2018, Goldberg outlined his thematic approach to Serving the Servant in a statement announcing the project.
I began to work with Kurt the year before Nevermind was recorded and remained close to him until days before his death, he said. Media depictions of Kurt typically focus on the tragedy of his death. While it is impossible to ignore the inner demons which tormented him, in researching and writing Serving the Servant I have been more often reminded of Kurts brilliance, his sense of humour and his kindness to most of those around him. He was so complex that no two people experienced the same person, but I hope I am able to add another dimension to Kurts legacy.
Sonic Youths Thurston Moore praised the book in a statement, calling it the story of two men, a generation apart, who became unexpected friends through a mutual appreciation of feminism, LGBT rights and a dedication to the activist power of music. He added, It is a contemplative requiem to losing someone you love who immeasurably touched the entire planet with a singular magic.