The recent Surprise Nirvana Benefit Reunion took place on January 31, 2025, during the FireAid benefit concert held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. This concert aimed to raise funds for victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires and featured a star-studded lineup of artists, including Billie Eilish, Green Day, and Joan Jett.
Key Highlights of the Reunion
- Surviving Members: The reunion featured the surviving members of Nirvana: Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear. They were not part of the original lineup but made a surprise appearance towards the end of the concert[1][2][6].
- Guest Vocalists: The band was joined by notable female artists:
- St. Vincent (Annie Clark) performed “Breed.”
- Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth sang “School.”
- Joan Jett delivered “Territorial Pissings.”
- Violet Grohl, Dave Grohl’s daughter, performed a heartfelt rendition of “All Apologies,” sharing a poignant moment with her father on stage[1][3][4].
- Emotional Impact: The performance was particularly emotional, especially for Dave Grohl, who had recently faced personal challenges. Violet’s performance resonated deeply with fans, many of whom expressed their emotions on social media, noting how Kurt Cobain would have been proud[2][3][4].
Context of the Event
The FireAid concert was organized to provide relief for those affected by wildfires in Los Angeles. It featured numerous performances from both contemporary pop artists and legacy rock acts. The event also included personal stories from wildfire survivors and highlighted the ongoing need for support in recovery efforts[4][5][6].
Previous Reunions
This reunion marks a continuation of Nirvana’s sporadic performances since Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994. The band last performed together in 2018 at Cal Jam and has previously collaborated with various female artists during special events, emphasizing a commitment to honoring Cobain’s legacy while looking towards the future[1][2][6].
Overall, the surprise reunion at FireAid not only celebrated Nirvana’s music but also served as a powerful reminder of community resilience in the face of disaster.
Citations:
[1] https://rollingstoneindia.com/nirvana-stage-surprise-reunion-at-fireaid-with-joan-jett-kim-gordon-and-st-vincent/
[2] https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/01/31/last-nights-fireaid-benefit-featured-a-surprise-reunion-of-surviving-members-of-nirvana/
[3] https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/dave-grohl-returns-to-stage-with-daughter-violet-18-for-surprise-nirvana-reunion-at-fireaid-101738329055874.html
[4] https://news.sky.com/story/billie-eilish-and-green-day-kick-off-benefit-concert-for-la-fires-13299961
[5] https://apnews.com/article/fireaid-los-angeles-wildfire-relief-concert-8f87ea97d9fa7a36507fa098dc4433d8
[6] https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2025/01/31/nirvana-reunite-at-fireaid-benefit-concert/
[7] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nirvana-reunion-fireaid-joan-jett-kim-gordon-st-vincent-1235252219/
[8] https://www.thealbertan.com/national-entertainment/nirvana-reunite-at-fireaid-a-mix-of-music-and-stories-of-loss-to-raise-money-for-la-wildfire-relief-10153933
