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Abstract
Inspired by the extensive press coverage of rock star Kurt Cobains death in 1994, this study examines the importance of rock stars to public memory. Using the principle of media frames to locate themes in coverage, ninety-one magazine and newspaper feature articles and death notices commemorating deaths and anniversaries of deaths from 1970 to 2004 were analyzed. Articles were also examined for terms that treated rock stars as commodities. Thus, commodification is also examined for its part in the public memory of rock stars. Six rock icons were included: Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Sid Vicious, Freddie Mercury and Kurt Cobain. Findings revealed that press coverage repeated certain themes reflecting generational ideals and that the commercial aspect of rock stardom plays a significant role in maintaining the cultural importance of those figures.