Music Connects Us.

Kurt didn’t play the guitar. He beat it into submission. He didn’t scream a perfect scream. He screamed passion. There was no name for what he did. The only word for it was honesty. He showed us what he felt.

He taught me it wasn’t about perfect pitch or playing Van Halen solos. There’s nothing wrong with that stuff, it’s impressive, but to him, and to me, that’s not what it’s about.

I can’t quite put into words what it really is. It’s beyond any of us what music has the capability to do. He just knew how to capture it and release it. Very few have done it since.

Unfortunately though, as we continue to find out, drugs will kill you. I obviously didn’t know him. Maybe he really did have chronic stomach pain. Maybe he was in so much pain he had to take his own life. But I feel as though drugs made it worse. They always do. Without them, I think he would have stayed for his daughter.

I use to do a lot of damaging drugs. I got into a bad spot. In the beginning, it’s incredible. That’s why anyone does them. It quickly turns though and I’m shocked that I’m alive at all. At some point they convince you either you stop now or you will simply die. You can literally feel that moment hit you.

Luckily, I stopped and got a second chance.

Most don’t. He didn’t. Whitney didn’t. Bradley didn’t. Hillel didn’t. Some of my friends didn’t.

If you have a friend or family member suffering, do not corner them. Don’t give them a speech. Don’t judge. Talk. Offer help. Be gentle. There are hotline numbers, rehab centers who will help you if you have financial issues among other options.

Do what you can.