In a stunning blend of rock and skateboarding royalty, Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of the late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, and Riley Hawk, son of skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, tied the knot in a hush-hush ceremony in Los Angeles. The wedding, officiated by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, united two of the most iconic families of the 90s, sparking a wave of nostalgia and celebration among fans.
By Sadie Watkins
A Union of Icons
Frances Bean Cobain, 31, and Riley Hawk, 30, have officially said “I do,” marking a unique union that brings together the legacies of 90s grunge and skateboarding. The couple, who have been in a relationship since January 2021, chose to keep their wedding day private, celebrating their love in an intimate setting in Los Angeles.
A Ceremony to Remember
The wedding, held on October 7, was nothing short of legendary, with Michael Stipe, lead singer of R.E.M. and godfather to Frances, presiding over the ceremony. Stipe’s close relationship with the Cobain family, especially with Frances’ mother, Courtney Love, added a deeply personal touch to the event. This choice of officiant honored Frances’ late father and symbolized the enduring bonds formed in the heyday of alternative rock.
Past and Present Collide
Frances Bean’s journey to this joyous day wasn’t without its challenges. Previously married to Isaiah Silva, their union ended in 2017 after a tumultuous divorce battle, primarily focused on the ownership of Kurt Cobain’s famed Martin D-18E guitar, used in Nirvana’s “MTV Unplugged” session. The guitar, estimated to be worth several million dollars, was a significant point of contention, ultimately awarded to Silva. This history makes her new beginning with Riley Hawk all the more poignant.
Echoes of a Musical Legacy
The Cobain and Hawk union is more than a marriage; it’s a melding of cultural icons. Kurt Cobain’s influence on the music industry, particularly with Nirvana’s groundbreaking album “Nevermind,” which dethroned Michael Jackson from the top of the U.S. charts in 1991, is legendary. Similarly, Tony Hawk’s impact on skateboarding is unparalleled, having invented numerous tricks and securing eleven consecutive world championships. This marriage not only unites Frances and Riley but also intertwines two monumental legacies of the 90s.
In a world where the echoes of the past continually resonate, the wedding of Frances Bean Cobain and Riley Hawk stands as a testament to the enduring nature of love, art, and cultural impact. As fans reminisce about the legacies of Kurt Cobain and Tony Hawk, they also look forward to the new chapters and stories that Frances and Riley will write together. Their marriage is not just a celebration of their love but a beautiful blend of history, art, and the promise of tomorrow.