Spira’s attention turned to global politics towards the latter part of the ’80s and he quickly developed a rivalry with Mikhail Gorbachev. While rumors abound as to the source of this discord, it is speculated by scholars that Spira was upset at Gorbachev’s response after asking the Soviet Leader, “Am I losing my hair?” Spira unleashed his revenge by dismantling the USSR and reuniting East and West Germany, effectively ending the Cold War.
After his triumph over communism, Spira began feeling disillusioned with humanity and moved to Seattle, where he felt that the rain would sooth his tortured soul. After meeting a few local youths at a coffee shop, Spira joined a band called Nirvana and grunge music was created. Spira’s ripped jeans and flannel shirts made him a fashion icon. Spira turned the band over to a “good kid, sweet kid” named Kurt Cobain but continued writing their music and touring with the band. Spira even turned down an invitation to compete in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona so that he could play a gig in Schaumburg.
Among his other notable accomplishments in the early ’90s, Spira convinced Michael Jordan to retire from the NBA, thinking that Jordan would be able to deliver the speed and athletcism that the Chicago White Sox needed in the outfield. He also taught himself how to skydive and can be seen as a coffee shop extra in several episodes of Friends.