Nirvana are back in the headlines. On 27 September 2026, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear reunited on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards to accept the Video Vanguard Award, paying a heartfelt tribute to Kurt Cobain in the same week that Nevermind turned 35.
Three studio albums were enough to change rock for good. Here is the story - and to wear your grunge heart on your sleeve, browse our rock music clothing.
Nirvana Fact File
| Formed | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Aberdeen, Washington, USA |
| Genres | Grunge, alternative rock, punk rock |
| Classic line-up | Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), Dave Grohl (drums, 1990-1994) |
| Other members | Chad Channing (drums, 1988-1990), Pat Smear (guitar, 1993-1994) |
| Years active | 1987-1994, with occasional reunions since |
| Labels | Sub Pop, DGC |
| Studio albums | 3 (Bleach, Nevermind, In Utero) |
| Kurt Cobain | Born 20 February 1967, Aberdeen, Washington; died 5 April 1994, aged 27 |
| Signature song | "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991) |
Career History
| Year | Album | Label/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Bleach | Sub Pop - debut, UK No. 33 |
| 1991 | Nevermind | DGC - US No. 1, 13x Platinum in the US |
| 1992 | Incesticide | Sub Pop/DGC - rarities compilation |
| 1993 | In Utero | DGC - US and UK No. 1 |
| 1994 | MTV Unplugged in New York | DGC - live album, US and UK No. 1 |
Chart positions refer to the US Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. Certifications are from the RIAA.
Early Years in Aberdeen
Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic met through the Melvins' practice space in Aberdeen, a small logging town in Washington State, and started the band in 1987. After several name changes and drummers, they signed to Seattle's Sub Pop, which released the raw debut Bleach in June 1989 with Chad Channing on drums.
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Nevermind and the Breakthrough
Dave Grohl joined in 1990 and the band moved to major label DGC. Nevermind arrived on 24 September 1991, led by "Smells Like Teen Spirit", and in January 1992 it knocked Michael Jackson's Dangerous off the top of the Billboard 200. Grunge went global almost overnight.
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In Utero and MTV Unplugged
Rather than repeat the formula, Nirvana made the rougher, more abrasive In Utero in 1993, and it still went straight to No. 1 in both the US and the UK. That November they recorded MTV Unplugged in New York with Pat Smear and cellist Lori Goldston, favouring deep cuts and covers over the hits. Kurt Cobain died on 5 April 1994, aged 27, and the band came to an end. MTV Unplugged in New York was released that November and topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Legacy and Latest News
Nirvana were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, their first year of eligibility, and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. In 2025 the surviving members played the FireAid benefit in Los Angeles and played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" with Post Malone for Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary. Then, in September 2026, came the Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs, presented by Chuck D, where Novoselic described Cobain as "one of one".
Awards
Grammys
- Best Alternative Music Performance, MTV Unplugged in New York (1996)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
MTV Video Music Awards
- Best New Artist in a Video and Best Alternative Video, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1992)
- Best Alternative Video, "In Bloom" (1993)
- Best Alternative Video and Best Art Direction, "Heart-Shaped Box" (1994)
- Video Vanguard Award (2026)
Other Honours
- Brit Award, International Breakthrough Act (1993)
- American Music Award, Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist (1995)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (2014)
Away From the Spotlight
After Nirvana, Dave Grohl founded Foo Fighters, who were later joined by Pat Smear. Kurt Cobain's daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, was born in August 1992. The surviving members reunite only for special occasions.
FAQs
When and where did Nirvana form?
Nirvana formed in 1987 in Aberdeen, Washington, when Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic started the band.
How many albums did Nirvana release?
Nirvana released three studio albums: Bleach (1989), Nevermind (1991) and In Utero (1993). The live album MTV Unplugged in New York followed in 1994.
Who were the members of Nirvana?
The best-known line-up was Kurt Cobain on vocals and guitar, Krist Novoselic on bass and Dave Grohl on drums, with Pat Smear joining on guitar in 1993. Chad Channing drummed on Bleach.
How old was Kurt Cobain when he died?
Kurt Cobain was 27. He was born on 20 February 1967 and died on 5 April 1994.
How many copies has Nevermind sold?
Nevermind has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide and is certified 13 times Platinum in the US.
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Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Arctic Monkeys Career Story: Albums, Records and Opening Night and Oasis: The Albums, the Reunion and the Road to Live '27.
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