INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Fans at the Intuit Dome were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Thursday night as three-fourths of Nirvana — Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear — reunited for a blistering set at the FireAid benefit concert. Joined by St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett, and Dave Grohl’s daughter Violet, the performance was a powerful tribute to the band’s legacy and a heartfelt effort to support wildfire relief in Los Angeles.
The set, which included four iconic Nirvana tracks, marked the closest thing to a full Nirvana reunion since the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Each guest vocalist brought their own unique energy to the stage, channeling the raw intensity of Kurt Cobain while paying homage to his enduring influence.
A Fierce Tribute to Nirvana’s Legacy
The reunion kicked off with St. Vincent taking the mic for a ferocious rendition of “Breed,” showcasing her signature grit and power. Kim Gordon, the iconic frontwoman of Sonic Youth, followed with a searing performance of “School,” a track that resonated deeply given Sonic Youth’s pivotal role in Nirvana’s rise to fame.
Joan Jett, a longtime friend and collaborator of the band, brought her trademark edge to “Territorial Pissings,” delivering a performance that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Finally, Violet Grohl stepped up to the mic for a hauntingly beautiful version of “All Apologies,” the closing track from Nirvana’s final studio album, In Utero. Her rendition was a poignant reminder of the band’s lasting impact across generations.
For longtime fans, the sight of Novoselic, Grohl, and Smear playing these songs again was deeply emotional. The performance was not just a reunion but a celebration of Nirvana’s enduring legacy and the connections they forged within the music community.
Billy Crystal’s Heartfelt Tribute to First Responders
The FireAid concert also featured a moving speech by actor and comedian Billy Crystal, who lost his Pacific Palisades home in the recent wildfires. Crystal, who has lived in the area since 1979, described the devastation of losing the home where he raised his children and grandchildren.
“I stepped onto the grounds and I fell to my knees and I wailed,” Crystal said, recalling the moment he saw the charred remains of his house. “I had not cried like that since I was 15 years old and I was told that my father had just died.”
Amid the wreckage, Crystal’s daughters found a small symbol of hope: a decorative rock inscribed with the word “Laughter,” miraculously unscathed. “Even in your worst pain, it’s okay and it’s important to laugh,” Crystal told the crowd. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll laugh again. We’re Los Angeles. One city, one heart. L.A. Strong.”
A Night of Music and Resilience
The FireAid benefit concert, held simultaneously at the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome, brought together an incredible lineup of artists to raise funds for wildfire victims and rebuilding efforts. In addition to the Nirvana reunion, the event featured performances by Green Day, No Doubt, Pink, Stevie Nicks, and many more.
All proceeds from the concert will go toward supporting communities affected by the wildfires and funding efforts to prevent future disasters. For those looking to contribute, more information and donation opportunities can be found at fire aid org.
The night was a testament to the power of music to heal and unite, offering hope and solidarity to a city still recovering from tragedy. As the final chords of “All Apologies” echoed through the Intuit Dome, it was clear that Nirvana’s legacy — and the spirit of Los Angeles — remains unbroken.
