In February 2025, fans were treated to something rare: fresh images of Nirvana’s surviving members—Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear—backstage at the “SNL50: Homecoming Concert.” Captured ahead of their much-anticipated performance, the photos quickly spread online, reigniting conversations about the band’s legacy and stirring debate over their choice of guest vocalist: Post Malone.
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A Legacy That Still Resonates
Formed in 1987, Nirvana reshaped the musical landscape with raw, unfiltered emotion and a sound that helped define the grunge era. Though their run was cut short by Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994, the band’s impact has never waned. Over the years, the remaining members have reunited occasionally to perform with guest vocalists—part tribute, part continuation of the music they built together.
The SNL50 Performance
On February 15, 2025, Nirvana’s reunion was center stage at Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary concert at Radio City Music Hall. Introduced by Adam Sandler, Novoselic, Grohl, and Smear were joined by Post Malone for a rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Malone, a longtime fan who once performed a full Nirvana tribute livestream, handled both guitar and vocals.
The performance drew a standing ovation in the venue, with the live audience responding enthusiastically to the once-unthinkable pairing of Post Malone with Nirvana’s surviving members.
A Divided Response
Online, however, the reaction wasn’t quite so unified. While many fans praised the energy and sincerity of the performance—some calling it “emotional,” “respectful,” and even “joyful”—others voiced discomfort with the choice of vocalist. Criticism focused on the vocal delivery, particularly in the chorus, with some describing Malone’s take as lacking the raw intensity Cobain brought to the original.
Social media lit up with passionate opinions. One user wrote: “I can’t stand Post Malone Nirvana. I think Kurt would have hated that… But his band probably knows him juuuusstt a little better than me. Still hate it.”
On Reddit, a user wrote that Post Malone’s vocals were “hard to listen to,” saying, “The chorus was the part that made me cringe a little. He couldn’t hit the highs at all.”
Some fans suggested the band’s previous tributes—with singers like Joan Jett, Kim Gordon, St. Vincent, and Violet Grohl—felt more fitting, both stylistically and emotionally. The idea of a rotating cast of guest vocalists has gained traction among those who want to hear Nirvana’s music live but feel that no single frontperson should ever permanently step into Cobain’s role.
A Second Reunion in Weeks
The SNL50 performance wasn’t a one-off. Just two weeks earlier, Nirvana had reunited at the FireAid LA Benefit Concert, with a lineup of guest vocalists performing songs from across their catalog. That back-to-back momentum has fueled speculation: could a “Nirvana and Friends” tour be in the works?
So far, there’s been no official announcement. But the frequency of appearances suggests the surviving members are open to keeping the band’s spirit alive—on their terms.
Where They Are Now
All three musicians continue to carve their own paths:
- Krist Novoselic remains politically active and musically engaged through his work with bands like 3rd Secret. He’s maintained a lower public profile but often speaks thoughtfully about music’s role in public life.
- Dave Grohl is still at the helm of Foo Fighters, fresh off a surprise orchestral set at Coachella 2025. He’s also become one of rock’s most affable elder statesmen, known for his humility, humor, and boundless energy.
- Pat Smear, a steady presence in Foo Fighters, continues to collaborate with both Grohl and Novoselic, often appearing in reunion performances and tribute sets.
The Photos That Say So Much
The new photos of the trio at SNL50 may seem casual—just three longtime friends backstage, sharing a moment. But for fans, they symbolize more: continuity, resilience, and the enduring power of music to connect people across time.
Seeing Nirvana’s surviving members together in 2025 doesn’t erase the loss of Kurt Cobain, nor does it attempt to replace him. Instead, it honors what they built together—and the millions of lives their music touched. These photos remind us that while the original Nirvana is gone, the spirit behind it remains.
Looking Ahead
Whether Nirvana’s surviving members continue to perform together regularly, or choose to limit reunions to special events, remains to be seen. But each new appearance generates the same response: a mix of reverence, emotion, and heated opinion.
That, in its own way, is a testament to how powerful their music still is—and how deeply people care.
