Last week, Nirvana performed a surprise reunion set at Los Angeles’ FireAid benefit. Surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear played four classics alongside an all-star crew of female musicians standing in for the band’s late frontman Kurt Cobain.
St. Vincent joined the band for Nevermind’s “Breed” while Kim Gordon sang the deep cut “School,” a track off 1989’s Bleach. Joan Jett played the punky “Territorial Pissings.” Grohl’s daughter Violet joined the group for the set closer “All Apologies,” the closing track off Nirvana’s final studio album, 1993’s In Utero. For that song, Gordon played bass, and Novoselic switched over to accordion.
The members of Nirvana reunited in 2014 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. St. Vincent, Gordon, and Jett also joined the band for that occasion; Lorde performed the “All Apologies” vocals. After the Rock Hall ceremony, Nirvana played a secret show at the now-closed Brooklyn venue St. Vitus. Jett also previously performed alongside Nirvana at 2018’s Cal Jam music festival.
FireAid took place at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum. Funds raised by FireAid will go towards rebuilding communities that were devastated by January’s wildfires. Pop stars, first responders, and Los Angeles locals helped show love for the city.
Other performers included Green Day, who were joined by Los Angeles native Billie Eilish for “Last Night on Earth.” Eilish played an acoustic set later in the night with her brother Finneas. Other highlights of the night included Joni Mitchell performing “Both Sides Now” with assistance from Blake Mills; Anderson .Paak’s surprise guests Dr. Dre and Sheila E., with Dre playing “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love.” Graham Nash and Stephen Stills reunited for “Teach Your Children,” playing alongside the local band Dawes. No Doubt reunited again and played “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” and more.
Listen to the best Nirvana songs on Apple Music and Spotify.
