The surviving members of Nirvana reunited over the weekend with Post Malone on vocals as part of Saturday Night Live’s SNL50: The Homecoming Concert and fans had split opinions about the performance.
Malone, who’s covered songs from the band in the past, joined bassist Krist Novoselic, drummer Dave Grohl, and touring guitarist Pat Smear on stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to sing Nirvana classic, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ from 1991’s Nevermind. The grunge anthem was written in the early ‘90s by original members Kurt Cobain, who passed away in 1994, Novoselic, and Grohl who joined the duo three years after they were formed.
The performance went off without a hitch, and the crowd erupted in cheer, though viewers at home offered a different perspective. Most were delighted with the rendition, stating, “This literally brought tears to my eyes,” and “It was good brought me a lot of joy, of course he’s not Kurt I still miss him.”
This literally brought tears to my eyes.
— Peacelovewoodstock (@Peaceluvwoodstk) February 15, 2025
It was good brought me a lot of joy, of course he’s not Kurt I still miss him
— Newman The Trader (@newmanthetrader) February 15, 2025
Others were not extremely fond of the performance, remarking, “Bad. Objectively bad,” and “I am gonna be that guy here and I hate it but I can’t stand Post Malone Nirvana. I think Kurt would have hated that shit. But his band probably knows him juuuusstt a little bit better than me who has never spoken to him. Still hate it.”
Bad. Objectively bad.
— hmmm (@zecharii) February 15, 2025
I am gonna be that guy here and I hate it but I can’t stand Post Malone Nirvana. I think Kurt would have hated that shit. But his band probably knows him juuuusstt a little bit better than me who has never spoken to him. Still hate it.
— We Watched A Movie (Mike) (@WeWatchedAMovie) February 15, 2025
Another social media user commented on the idea of a reimagined Nirvana tour with a twist.
“Nirvana should tour. ‘Nirvana and friends’ and just get artists to cover different songs. No one will ever replace Kurt, but i think the fans would enjoy a world tour to see 75% or the original band.”
Nirvana should tour. “Nirvana and friends” and just get artists to cover different songs. No one will ever replace Kurt, but i think the fans would enjoy a world tour to see 75% or the original band.
— H.I. (@Hi_Vader317) February 15, 2025
via iHeartRadio