Nirvana Perform Unexpected Reunion Show for a Good Cause

2025-01-31

Nirvana

Nirvana haven’t performed many reunion shows following the passing of vocalist Kurt Cobain, but they did a surprise set at FireAid. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Anton Corbijn

Nirvana is one of those bands that rarely reunites because, obviously, they lost the heart of the band, vocalist Kurt Cobain, back in 1994. However, on a few occasions, Nirvana have gotten together for a reunion. The most notable of those occasions, until now, was when the band reunited in 2014 for Nirvana’s introduction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Now, the band pulled off a surprise reunion show at the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, March 30, treating fans to an unexpected set for a good cause.

Nirvana Lend Their Talents to FireAid

Surviving Nirvana members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear reunited at the FireAid benefit concert and welcomed a collection of guest vocalists to fill in for Cobain. Among the singers were Kim Gordon, St. Vincent, Joan Jett and Grohl’s daughter, Violet. Nirvana stuck to having female vocalists perform with him, which is exactly what they did during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

The benefit concert’s lineup was already packed with big names, but the Nirvana reunion ended up becoming the main attraction. St. Vincent was the first vocalist to take the stage with Nirvana and performed the classic song “Breed” with Novoselic playing bass and Grohl on drums. Gordon took the stage next and performed “School,” followed by Jett taking the stage for a rocked-out edition of “Territorial Pissings.”

Next up was an extra special performance for Grohl, because Grohl’s daughter, Violet, took the stage to sing the popular Nirvana song “All Apologies” with Novoselic on accordion and Gordon on bass. Violet is following in her father’s footsteps, since last last year, it was announced that she was recording her debut album. Violet has also toured with Foo Fighters for years at this point, so she’s familiar with the stage. These songs are all still popular and still top the charts.

It’s worth noting that the FireAid performance was Dave Grohl’s first public concert since his extramarital affair news last year.

FireAid Offered an ‘Evening of Music and Solidarity’

FireAid, which took place at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, was put together to raise funding for relief efforts in Los Angeles following the devastating wildfires that took place in early 2025. It was billed as “an evening of music and solidarity” and didn’t disappoint.

“Contributions made to FireAid in connection with the FireAid benefit concert and other direct donations will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation and will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California,” according to FireAid organizers. “The Annenberg Foundation, with decades of philanthropic leadership in our community, including rapid response, will help coordinate a team to direct funds for the greatest impact.”

Aside from Nirvana and their surprise performance, the bill also featured performances by Green Day, Lady Gaga, Green Day with Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!NK, Tate McRae, Katy Perry, Anderson .Paak with Dr. Dre, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks, Sting, Stephen Stills, John Mayer, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Lil Baby, Gracie Abrams and Rod Stewart, to name just a few.

Cat Badra
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Posted by Cat Badra | Alternative, Grunge, Music, Rock News

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