Nirvana's members pay tribute to late singer Kurt Cobain after accepting top prize at MTV VMAs

Nirvana’s surviving members reunited on Sunday to receive the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

The Seattle grunge rock band, which formed in 1987, was awarded the prestigious prize in recognition of its lasting impact on music and culture.

While accepting the trophy, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear paid emotional homage to Nirvana's lead singer Kurt Cobain, who took his own life in 1994.

Praising the late musician as "one of the greatest artists of all time," Krist said, "Kurt was one of one."

He further said, "None of us could have imagined that our band, our sound or our aesthetic would mean so much to so many people. But ultimately, the music had a life of its own."

"It charted its own course. Nirvana continues to resonate so deeply because people are still hungry for authenticity or something real, something uncompromising. Something that tells you it’s just okay to come as you are," continued Krist.

Concluding the emotional speech, Krist added, “Kurt would have loved that legacy. Thank you all so much."

For those unaware, Kurt took his own life in April 1994, bringing Nirvana to an end. But even after more than three decades, the band's influence has continued to grow.