On February 14, 2025, the iconic band Nirvana celebrated yet another reunion during the Saturday Night Live (SNL) 50th Anniversary concert, this time featuring the multi-talented Post Malone fronting the show. Fans were treated to a powerful performance of Nirvana's legendary track, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' at New York's Radio City Music Hall, marking the group's second reunion within two weeks.
Introduced by comedian Adam Sandler as 'Post Nirvana,' the performance saw surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear join Post Malone on stage, blending rock history with modern musical flair. The energy was palpable as Malone, known primarily for his contributions to hip-hop and pop, filled Kurt Cobain's shoes with unparalleled fervor, proving the rapper's deep-rooted admiration for grunge music.
For those who missed it, this explosive performance came on the heels of the surviving Nirvana members hitting the stage at the FireAid benefit concert less than two weeks prior, where they performed alongside various artists. The fondly recalled past performances have kept the legacy of Nirvana alive, and this SNL appearance was no exception.
This creative partnership isn’t new. Back in April 2020, Post Malone conducted his own livestream concert dedicated to Nirvana, during which he covered 14 of the band's classic tracks and raised funds for COVID-19 relief. The genuine affection for the grunge legends was echoed by Courtney Love, Cobain’s widow, who publicly endorsed Malone's efforts.
During the nostalgic SNL performance, Dave Grohl proved he still retained his drumming prowess, filled with the same infectious energy he brought to Nirvana's past. Krist Novoselic strummed powerfully on his bass guitar, and Pat Smear added his signature sound with rhythm guitar, all the mientras Post Malone roared the anthem's lyrics with raw emotion.
Sandler sparked the nostalgic vibe by reminiscing about Nirvana's inaugural SNL performance back in 1992, describing it as “an explosive moment for all of us.” His introduction set the stage for the high-energy rendition of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' which quickly turned viewers’ heads, reigniting discussions about the band and Malone’s ability to transcend musical boundaries.
Post Malone’s performance captured the spirited essence of the original song, showcasing both his vocal range and guitar skills. Many listeners commented on his ability to evoke the angst and rebellion inherent to Nirvana’s music, leading some fans to comment on social media platforms, calling for more collaborations or even a potential full-blown rock album from the artist.
Fans and fellow musicians alike celebrated on social media, expressing their desire for Post Malone to explore this new genre. Comments like, "Make Post Nirvana a thing! We need more ASAP!!!" and, "I’m hearing Adam Sandler in his scream," flooded the comments sections after viewers witnessed the electric performance.
This unexpected collaboration is part of Malone’s growing presence within the rock genre, which he has both hinted at and actively pursued. Recent accolades for his F-1Trillion country music project have shown his versatility, but his recent exploits with Nirvana suggest he could be considering even more ambitious ventures moving forward.
Following their SNL performance, Grohl spoke highly of Malone's dynamic tribute. “I don’t get to see other people do Nirvana songs often, and he seemed perfectly comfortable with it, and it sounded great… Even the die-hard Nirvana people I know were like, ‘Dude, he’s kind of killing it right now,’” Grohl noted.
Despite being primarily recognized as a hip-hop star, Malone’s passion for rock and grunge roots demonstrates the universal appeal of music across different genres. His musical stylings have already gained recognition not just within hip-hop, but also from established rock artists and bands.
Looking forward, there’s palpable excitement surrounding the possibility of more concert collaborations or even studio projects involving Post Malone alongside Grohl, Novoselic, and Smear. Many fans are discussing the intriguing idea of creating 'Post Nirvana' as the band’s new identity, which could lead to thematic exploration or even touring options.
At the SNL anniversary concert, the lineup extended beyond Nirvana, featuring other big names such as Lady Gaga and Eddie Vedder, among others, making for one unforgettable celebration of Saturday Night Live’s storied history.
Post Malone made it clear through this spectacular performance and his past work, bridging distinct musical genres, fans could soon see him tackle new styles with creative collaborators from the rock world.
Yet again, Post Malone has proven he can not only adapt to different musical environments but also resonate with audiences who revere the legacy of legendary artists like Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. For now, fans can only hope to see more from the merged worlds of mainstream hip-hop and classic grunge rock.