It’s not every day you get to witness a rock legend return to the stage after a public moment of personal reflection—and that’s exactly what went down at FireAid. The surviving members of Nirvana—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—reunited for a surprise performance at the event, playing through four of the band’s iconic tracks. This marked Dave Grohl’s emotional return to performing, following his acknowledgment in September of fathering a child out of wedlock.
The set started with a bang as Grammy-winner St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) took the mic, leading the band through a powerful version of “Breed”. Clark’s fiery presence and unmistakable vocal style kicked off the night on an electric note, making it clear that FireAid was about to witness something truly special.
Next up was Kim Gordon, the trailblazing frontwoman of Sonic Youth. Gordon wasted no time and dove right into “School”, delivering a raw and unrelenting vocal performance that captured the essence of Nirvana’s spirit. Fans were treated to the same intensity Gordon is known for, and it was evident she felt right at home bringing her punk influence to the grunge anthem.
Then, the legendary Joan Jett took over for “Territorial Pissings”, the chaotic and cathartic track from Nirvana’s Nevermind. Jett, whose punk credentials are beyond reproach, added her signature edge to the song, energizing the crowd and once again proving why she’s a true rock icon.
But the emotional peak of the evening came when Violet Grohl, Dave’s 18-year-old daughter, stepped up to the mic. Violet, an aspiring musician in her own right, took the lead for the show’s final song, “All Apologies.” The moment was filled with raw emotion as she and Dave shared the song’s famous refrain together, the only time in the set that Grohl picked up a mic. His decision to stay silent while his daughter fronted the band spoke volumes, making the moment even more poignant and personal.
The performance was not just a reunion of Nirvana’s surviving members, but a tribute to the power of family, music, and legacy. As the last notes of “All Apologies” echoed through the venue, the crowd could feel the weight of the moment, knowing they had just witnessed a historic and heartfelt tribute to a generation-defining band.
