Story perspectives

Melissa Auf der Maur Releases Memoir on Montreal's '90s Music Scene

3/25/2026

Summary

Melissa Auf der Maur's Memoir

Melissa Auf der Maur, Montreal-based musician and former Hole member, released her memoir Even the Good Girls Will Cry on March 17.
It reflects her life in Montreal's vibrant '90s music scene.
Auf der Maur discusses the influence of her parents and Montreal's arts scene on her identity.
The book was a two-year project during her hiatus from music.
She will discuss the memoir at a sold-out Montreal event on March 30.

Summary

Melissa's Musical Journey

Melissa Auf der Maur, a musician, formed her band Tinker after seeing the Smashing Pumpkins in 1991.
She joined Hole in 1994 after Billy Corgan recommended her to Courtney Love.
Her joining came during a period after Kurt Cobain's April 5, 1994, suicide, just before Live Through This.
Bassist Kristen Pfaff died from a heroin overdose on June 16, 1994.
Kurt Cobain and Kristen Pfaff both died at age 27.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, Kurt Cobain's suicide marked a pivotal moment in rock history, deeply impacting the music scene. Melissa Auf der Maur joined Hole shortly after, influenced by Cobain's band Nirvana and the tragic loss of bassist Kristen Pfaff, who died at 27. Auf der Maur's memoir reflects on her experiences in Montreal's '90s music scene, showcasing the lasting effects of these events on her identity and artistry. This period shaped a generation of musicians grappling with fame, loss, and the complexities of artistic expression.

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Melissa Auf der Maur's Memoir

Melissa Auf der Maur, Montreal-based musician and former Hole member, released her memoir Even the Good Girls Will Cry on March 17.
It reflects her life in Montreal's vibrant '90s music scene.
Auf der Maur discusses the influence of her parents and Montreal's arts scene on her identity.
The book was a two-year project during her hiatus from music.
She will discuss the memoir at a sold-out Montreal event on March 30.

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