ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

Watch Nirvana play surprise 'reunion' set and break out the classics

But was Chad Kroeger on vocals?

Watch Nirvana play surprise 'reunion' set and break out the classics
08 October 2018

It’s the reunion they said could never happen: but it’s not the one the internet wanted.

Yes, just over two months after a campaign was started for Nirvana to reform with Nickelback’s Chad Kroger taking over from Kurt Cobain on vocals and guitar, ‘Nirvana’ have reformed for a six song set at the Cal Jam festival.

Sadly, however, Chad was nowhere to be seen, with Dave Grohl - back behind the kit - Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear joined first by John McCauley, of Deer Tick, and then rock legend Joan Jett for the final three songs. In addition, Brody Dalle, formerly of The Distillers, took over on bass for the last track, allowing Novoselic to play a little accordion.

Jett had performed with the band before, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2014, and it was she who enjoyed the honour of leading the band through ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’.

The set came after a full Foo Fighters show, as they headlined the two day festival in San Bernardino, California.

The Nirvana setlist was:

’Serve The Servants’ (with John McCauley)

’Scentless Apprentice’ (with John McCauley)

’In Bloom’ (with John McCauley)

’Breed’ (with Joan Jett)

’Smells Like Teen Spirit’ (with Joan Jett)

’All Apologies’ (with Joan Jett and Brody Dalle)

You can watch the full set below (and yeah, skip to 13:15 for the one you came for):

Fans seemed to respond well to the set, with both McCauley and Jett praised for doing justice to the originals and not straying into easy imitations.

Regardless, how wrong can you really go when Dave Grohl is on sticks?

(Image: Getty)