In 2014, Nirvana made an unforgettable mark on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The surviving members—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—took the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime reunion, delivering a performance that would go down as one of the most legendary in Rock Hall history. With Kurt Cobain tragically gone, the band's iconic lead vocals were taken up by a surprising mix of guest singers, including St. Vincent, Joan Jett, Kim Gordon, and Lorde. This ad-hoc supergroup, cleverly dubbed "Hervana," hit all the right notes, keeping the raw spirit of Nirvana alive for the audience. The performance was wild, untamed, and absolutely thrilling, leaving fans with an electric memory of what might have been, had the band's trajectory not been cut short.
Fast forward to January 30, 2025, and Hervana was back at it again. This time, they took the stage at the FireAid LA Benefit Concert—an event designed to raise money for those affected by the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles. The crowd at the Kia Forum got a surprise treat as the surviving members of Nirvana, joined by three of the guest vocalists from their previous Rock Hall performance, delivered another unforgettable show. The stakes were high, the energy was palpable, and it wasn’t just about the music; it was about raising awareness and rebuilding communities torn apart by nature’s fury.
An Electrifying Reunion at the FireAid LA Benefit Concert
The night kicked off with a burst of energy as St. Vincent, the brilliant guitarist and singer, took the lead. She absolutely shredded through Nirvana's raw, punk anthem "Breed" from Nevermind. The performance was fierce and filled with an energy that only someone like St. Vincent could bring. Her snarling vocals cut through the night as she played an electric guitar solo that would’ve made Cobain proud. Alongside her was Pat Smear, Nirvana's longtime guitarist, still playing with the same intensity that earned him his spot in the band’s history. On drums, of course, was Dave Grohl, the powerhouse drummer who helped define the grunge sound. He pounded through the beats like a man on a mission, energizing the audience with every hit of the drum.
Next up was Kim Gordon, a close friend of the band during Cobain’s lifetime and one of the most influential figures in alternative rock. Gordon stepped up to the mic and roared through the track "School" from Bleach, Nirvana’s gritty, garage-rock debut album. Her performance was uncompromising, much like her work with Sonic Youth. She didn’t just cover the song; she made it her own, delivering a performance that was raw, powerful, and dripping with punk authenticity. Fans in the audience felt the electricity in the air as Gordon’s guttural growls filled the venue, reminding everyone why she’s such a revered figure in the rock world.
Joan Jett Brings the Heat
Then came Joan Jett, the queen of rock herself, whose involvement in Nirvana’s legacy has always been special. When she appeared onstage, the crowd went wild with applause. Jett took control of the mic, singing “Territorial Pissings” from Nevermind, one of Nirvana’s most intense and anarchic tracks. As she belted out the iconic chorus, Grohl was in the background, sweating and banging away on his drums, completely in the moment. Sure, Jett missed a couple of lyrics—who’s counting? When it comes to Nirvana covers, perfection is not the goal. It's about capturing the chaos, the energy, and the spirit of the original songs. And Jett nailed it.
A Heartfelt Family Moment
The biggest surprise of the night came next: Violet Grohl, Dave Grohl’s 18-year-old daughter, took the stage to sing lead vocals on “All Apologies,” a track from Nirvana’s In Utero. Her performance was incredible. Not only did she sound amazing, but she brought a certain depth to the song that only someone with such a personal connection to Nirvana could convey. The entire crowd at the Kia Forum watched in awe as Violet stood confidently in front of thousands, her voice resonating through the hall as she sang the hauntingly beautiful lyrics. There was a certain emotional weight to her performance, knowing that she was the daughter of the very man who had once been the beating heart of Nirvana.
For Violet, it was a moment that went beyond music—it was a family affair. The magnitude of performing in front of such a large audience was not lost on her, but she handled the moment like a pro, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Her vocals were well-suited for the song, and her delivery was a testament to the musical legacy she’s inherited. The audience cheered, not just for the performance, but for the family bond that was on full display.
The Personal Touch: Dave Grohl’s Comeback
What made this performance even more poignant was the context surrounding it. Just a few months earlier, in September 2024, Dave Grohl had made a very personal announcement. He shared with his fans that he had fathered a child outside of his marriage and was focused on mending the trust within his family. Grohl’s openness about the struggles in his personal life added an emotional layer to the FireAid LA Benefit Concert. This performance marked his first high-profile public appearance since his announcement, and it was clear that he was determined to make the moment count. Not only was he sharing a stage with some of the most influential voices in rock, but he was also doing it for a cause that mattered deeply. Grohl’s return to the spotlight was powerful, especially considering the deeply personal and family-centered nature of the evening.
The concert wasn’t just about nostalgia or revisiting the past—it was a celebration of music's ability to bring people together, even in the face of adversity. The audience felt the connection, not just to the songs and the legacy of Nirvana, but to the broader cause of helping rebuild Los Angeles communities affected by the wildfires. As the night progressed, it became clear that this performance wasn’t about perfect notes or flawless delivery—it was about the raw emotion and the unity that music can inspire.
A Historic Night of Music and Healing
As the night drew to a close, the members of Hervana left the stage to thunderous applause. Fans had just witnessed something truly special: an iconic reunion of Nirvana’s surviving members, the explosive power of some of rock’s greatest voices, and a moment of emotional depth that transcended the usual concert experience. But beyond the music, the night was also about giving back. With every note played, every lyric sung, and every dollar raised, the FireAid LA Benefit Concert was a reminder of the power of community and the healing potential of music.
Hervana’s performance at the FireAid LA Benefit Concert was more than just a show—it was a tribute to Nirvana’s legacy, a testament to the enduring power of rock music, and a celebration of the healing process. It was a night that captured the chaos, the beauty, and the heart of Nirvana's sound, all while contributing to a cause that matters deeply to so many. Whether it was the gritty edge of St. Vincent’s guitar or the emotional resonance of Violet Grohl’s performance, every moment of the evening was a reminder of why Nirvana continues to inspire and connect us, even all these years later.
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