An absolute highlight of tonight’s FireAid — before it was even over — was the comet-like reappearance of the remaining members of Nirvana onstage together playing the band’s songs again. The lineup included drummer Dave Grohl, bassist Krist Novoselic, rhythm guitarist Pat Smear and a rotating front line featuring St. Vincent, Kim Gordon and Joan Jett, each stepping in for the late Kurt Cobain. But it was the final frontwoman who brought the house down.
As the band readied its last song, Novoselic walked to the mic and introduced Violet Grohl, the drummer’s 18-year-old daughter. A novelty to be sure, but when they launched into the opening chords of “All Apologies,” it became something else entirely. The younger Grohl eased into a hypnotic version of the now classic tune with an assurance that belied her age.
The teen has played with the band in the past, most notably at The Art of Elysium benefit in 2020. Grohl performed Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” alongside her father, Novoselic and Smear at the Hollywood Palladium. But that pales in comparison to keeping it together while performing a beloved tune with rock icons in front of a global audience. Even more surprising is that her father managed to keep it together while watching his daughter command the stage.
