iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image3turn0image5On February 14, 2025, during the “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) 50th Anniversary Concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, a remarkable musical collaboration unfolded. Post Malone, renowned for his versatile musical style, joined forces with the surviving members of Nirvana—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—for a rendition of the iconic grunge anthem “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This performance marked the first-ever “Post Nirvana” collaboration, blending Post Malone’s contemporary flair with the raw energy of Nirvana’s classic sound. citeturn0search1
On February 14, 2025, during the highly anticipated *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) 50th Anniversary Concert, a unique and electrifying collaboration took place that had fans from multiple musical backgrounds buzzing. Post Malone, the chart-topping artist known for his eclectic blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop, took center stage with the surviving members of the legendary rock band Nirvana—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—for a performance of Nirvana’s iconic grunge anthem, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This collaboration not only honored Nirvana’s legendary legacy but also showcased the seamless integration of two very different musical worlds.
### The Significance of the Moment
The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert was a star-studded affair that celebrated decades of musical influence, with many of the biggest names in entertainment participating. The inclusion of Post Malone fronting Nirvana for this monumental performance added a deeper layer of meaning to the event. For one, it marked the first-ever “Post-Nirvana” collaboration—a moment where a contemporary artist, born after the grunge revolution, brought his own unique energy to a song that shaped an entire generation.
The timing of this performance was significant as well. Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is widely considered the song that ushered in the 1990s grunge movement. Released in 1991 as the lead single from their groundbreaking *Nevermind* album, it became an anthem for a disillusioned generation. The song captured the angst and rebellious spirit of the time and was one of the defining tracks of the early ’90s. By 2025, Nirvana’s music had transcended generational gaps, and the SNL 50th Anniversary concert provided the perfect platform to celebrate the band’s legacy.
Post Malone, who has often been compared to Nirvana in terms of genre-blending and chart dominance, brought a new twist to the familiar sound. The collaboration between him and Nirvana’s surviving members was a fusion of two very different musical styles: Post Malone’s melodic, genre-hopping vocals, and the raw, rebellious energy that Nirvana’s music exuded in the ’90s. This fusion not only bridged the gap between generations but also made a statement about the universal influence of Nirvana’s music.
### The Performance: A Modern Take on a Classic
As the concert kicked off, former *SNL* cast member Adam Sandler introduced the band, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable musical experience. The audience at Radio City Music Hall was instantly captivated by the energy of the performance.
Post Malone, wearing his signature eclectic style, grabbed the microphone and launched into the opening lines of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” His distinctive voice, which seamlessly blends hip-hop influence with a rock sensibility, complemented Nirvana’s original energy. While Kurt Cobain’s raw, raspy delivery defined Nirvana’s grunge sound, Post Malone added his signature melodic flair, giving the song a fresh twist while still respecting its core essence. His performance was marked by a certain reverence for the original track but also a willingness to take creative liberties, injecting his own style into the performance.
The instrumentalists of Nirvana—Dave Grohl on drums, Krist Novoselic on bass, and Pat Smear on guitar—provided the backbone of the performance. Grohl’s drumming, as always, was explosive and filled with intensity, while Novoselic’s bass laid down a heavy, groovy foundation. Smear’s guitar work, which always added layers of grunge texture to Nirvana’s music, was spot-on, maintaining the dark, moody atmosphere that made the song so iconic. The synergy between Post Malone and the Nirvana bandmates was palpable, as they fed off each other’s energy and delivered a rendition of the song that felt both nostalgic and modern.
The audience was visibly moved by the performance. The crowd’s reaction ranged from those who grew up with Nirvana to younger fans who discovered the band’s music through the decades. It was clear that the collaboration resonated with a broad spectrum of music lovers, demonstrating the enduring power of Nirvana’s influence, even decades after Kurt Cobain’s tragic death in 1994. The moment was also a testament to Post Malone’s versatility as an artist and his ability to pay homage to the grunge movement while making it his own.
### Post Malone’s Connection to Nirvana
For Post Malone, the collaboration with Nirvana felt like a natural fit. He has often spoken about his deep appreciation for rock music, particularly Nirvana, which was a key influence on his own musical journey. In the past, he has covered Nirvana songs during live performances and even held a charity livestream in 2020 where he performed a full Nirvana set. His connection to the band’s music runs deep, and it was clear that this performance meant a lot to him personally.
Post Malone’s style has always blurred the lines between genres, pulling influences from hip-hop, rock, pop, and even country. His ability to merge these genres made him a perfect choice to front Nirvana for this reunion performance. He has also become known for his emotional and introspective lyrics, which echo the sentiments of Cobain’s own songwriting. Both artists have a knack for capturing feelings of alienation, introspection, and youthful angst, making their collaboration a fitting tribute to Nirvana’s legacy.
### The Legacy of Nirvana
The Nirvana reunion at the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert underscored the lasting impact of the band’s music on modern culture. Nirvana was more than just a rock band; they were the voice of a generation. With Kurt Cobain at the helm, the band challenged societal norms and created music that spoke to the disillusioned youth of the ’90s. Their sound revolutionized rock music and became synonymous with the grunge movement that defined an era.
Even after Cobain’s tragic death, Nirvana’s music continues to resonate. Songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come as You Are” remain staples in rock radio and continue to be covered by artists from various genres. The fact that a contemporary artist like Post Malone could seamlessly step into the role of fronting Nirvana for a reunion speaks volumes about the enduring relevance of their music.
Nirvana’s surviving members, Grohl, Novoselic, and Smear, have often discussed their reluctance to perform with anyone in Cobain’s place. However, they have also expressed that when the right moment comes, they are open to honoring their legacy with new collaborations. Post Malone’s involvement in this performance felt like an organic next step, with the surviving members comfortable passing the torch to an artist who genuinely respects and understands the spirit of their music.
### The Pro-Shot Video and Fan Reactions
For those who weren’t able to attend the SNL 50th Anniversary concert in person, the pro-shot video of the performance is available for fans to experience. The video captures every moment of the performance in high-definition, showcasing the intense chemistry between Post Malone and Nirvana’s bandmates. Fans have reacted positively to the performance, praising the seamless fusion of Post Malone’s vocals with Nirvana’s legendary sound.
Social media has been abuzz with praise for the collaboration, with many fans expressing how emotional it was to witness such an iconic moment in music history. Some noted that the performance felt like a passing of the torch, where Post Malone honored the grunge legacy while adding his own modern twist to it.
### Conclusion
The collaboration between Post Malone and Nirvana’s surviving members at the *Saturday Night Live* 50th Anniversary Concert was a historic musical moment that captured the essence of two generations coming together through the power of music. It showcased the enduring legacy of Nirvana while celebrating Post Malone’s unique ability to bridge the gap between genres and generations. This performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting and impactful moments in recent music history, reminding us that great music has the power to unite and transcend time.
**The Performance**
Introduced by former SNL cast member Adam Sandler, the ensemble delivered a high-octane rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” captivating the audience with their dynamic synergy. Post Malone’s distinctive vocal style seamlessly integrated with the band’s powerful instrumentation, creating a unique fusion that resonated with both longtime Nirvana fans and newer audiences.
**Significance**
This collaboration was particularly poignant, as it occurred during the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert, a celebration of the show’s enduring impact on music and culture. The performance not only honored Nirvana’s legacy but also highlighted the ongoing influence of their music across generations.
**Availability**
For those who missed the live event, the official pro-shot video of the performance is available for viewing. This footage captures the energy and emotion of the live performance, offering fans an opportunity to experience this historic musical moment.
**Conclusion**
The collaboration between Post Malone and Nirvana’s surviving members at the SNL 50th Anniversary Concert stands as a testament to the timeless nature of music and the enduring legacy of Nirvana. This performance not only bridged the gap between different musical eras but also underscored the universal appeal of their work.
To experience this historic performance, you can watch the official pro-shot video below:
videoNirvana with Post Malone – Smells Like Teen Spirit – SNL 50- 2025turn0search0
