Nirvana members reunite at VMAs to accept Video Vanguard Award

Surviving members of Nirvana—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—reunited at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles to accept the Video Vanguard Award. The honor recognizes the band’s profound impact on music videos and popular culture, marking the first time since 2003 that a band, rather than an individual, has received the lifetime achievement prize.

Public Enemy rapper Chuck D introduced the group, praising Nirvana for staying true to their vision and defining an era with their raw, poetic, and fearless artistry. During the ceremony, a video montage showcased the band’s iconic visual legacy, including clips from ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ ‘Come as You Are,’ and ‘Heart-Shaped Box.’

Krist Novoselic delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the group, offering a poignant tribute to the late frontman Kurt Cobain. Novoselic credited Cobain as the creative visionary behind the band’s aesthetic, stating, “Kurt was one of one.” He reflected on the enduring relevance of their music, noting that Nirvana continues to resonate because audiences still crave authenticity and something real. The reunion comes decades after the band’s landmark 1992 VMA appearance and the 1994 death of Cobain.