Nirvana reunites for first performance in 11 years at FireAid

Drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic performed under the Nirvana name Thursday in a surprise performance at the FireAid benefit concert in Los Angeles. 

The band’s unannounced set bolstered the lineup of a star-heavy roster supporting wildfire recovery efforts. Joining Grohl and Novoselic was guitarist Pat Smear, who toured with the band and performed on the live album “MTV Unplugged in New York” before Nirvana’s disbandment in 1994.

Four women vocalists filled the role of deceased lead singer Kurt Cobain. Annie Clark (also known as St. Vincent) performed “Breed” to open the set, followed by Sonic Youth singer Kim Gordon, who sang “School.” Joan Jett then fronted the band for a rendition of “Territorial Pissings,” and Grohl’s daughter Violet closed out the set with a performance of “All Apologies.”

The band last performed together after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Clark, Jett and Gordon were among the singers who performed with them at that event.

FireAid was organized by music producers Shelly and Irving Azoff, as well as LiveNation. 100% of the proceeds are to be donated to rebuilding efforts in Southern California communities affected by the wildfires, managed by the Annenberg Foundation.

Tickets for the event cost between $99 and $5,000. However, seats at the lower end of the range sold out shortly after they were made available.

Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Alanis Morisette, Green Day and the Red Hot Chili Peppers also headlined the concert, which lasted for more than five hours at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome. 

A number of celebrities and people affected by the fires appeared between musical performances. Included were firefighters, those who lost their homes, and several speakers who helped to protect their neighbourhoods.
Video of the entire concert has been posted to YouTube.