The surviving members of Nirvana—Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear—came together last night at FireAid, a benefit concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles raising funds for victims of the recent California wildfires.
The trio tore through a four-song set of Nirvana classics, enlisting a lineup of powerhouse vocalists. St. Vincent took on Breed, Kim Gordon delivered a blistering version of School, and Joan Jett tore into Territorial Pissings. Then came the emotional closer—Grohl’s daughter, Violet Grohl, stepping up to sing All Apologies with Kim Gordon on bass.
It was a rare moment, but not the first time they’ve reunited in this form. The set mirrored their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction performance in 2014, where Lorde, Jett, St. Vincent, and Gordon handled vocal duties. These reunions have been few and far between, but every time they happen, it’s clear there’s still a deep connection between the former bandmates and the songs they wrote with Kurt Cobain.
The rest of the FireAid lineup was just as stacked. Other performers included Billie Eilish, Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Green Day and more.
Actor Billy Crystal opened the event wearing the same clothes he had on when he fled his home during the Pacific Palisades fire earlier this month. “I’ve lived there for 46 years,” he told the crowd. “I’ve lost a lot. But so have so many others. And that’s why we’re here tonight.”
The fundraising effort was a massive success. U2 contributed $1 million, and all proceeds from the night will go toward those affected by the fires. Other artists have also stepped up, with Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation donating $2.5 million and Dave Grohl spending his birthday cooking meals for displaced families.
For Nirvana fans, it was a reminder that the band isn’t just frozen in time. When it matters, Novoselic, Grohl, and Smear come together—not for nostalgia, but for something bigger. Whether it ever happens again is anyone’s guess, but for one night, Nirvana was back.
