# Nirvana Accepts Video Vanguard Award Without Performance

> Nirvana's surviving members win MTV's Video Vanguard Award without performing.
- Title: Nirvana Accepts Video Vanguard Award Without Performance
- Summary: Nirvana's surviving members win MTV's Video Vanguard Award without performing. Nirvana's surviving members accepted MTV's Video Vanguard Award on the 34th…
- Keywords: nirvana, mtv, video vanguard award, dave grohl, krist novoselic, pat smear, kurt cobain, nevermind, lithium, in utero, rape me, sound city
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nirvana-vma-vanguard-award-dave-grohl-chuck-d-1235631076
- Author: Andy Greene,Brian Hiatt
- Published: 2026-09-28T01:18:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nirvana, mtv, video vanguard award, dave grohl, krist novoselic, pat smear, kurt cobain, nevermind, lithium, in utero, rape me, sound city
## Nirvana Wins Video Vanguard Award
Public Enemy's Chuck D presented Nirvana's surviving members with MTV's Video Vanguard Award on Sunday.

> I don't think there's ever been a band exactly like Nirvana
## Only Novoselic Spoke at Ceremony
Only Krist Novoselic spoke, and there was no performance at the award ceremony.

> This award brings back so many memories of making those videos
## Kurt Cobain's Legacy
Novoselic said the award honors Kurt Cobain's vision for authenticity and uncompromising art.

> Kurt was one of one... Nirvana continues to resonate so deeply because people are still hungry for authenticity
## 34th Anniversary of Lithium Performance
MTV announced the award on the 34th anniversary of Nirvana's 1992 performance of 'Lithium' at the VMAs.

> MTV announced the band was receiving the award on the 34th anniversary of Nirvana's unforgettable performance of Nevermind's 'Lithium'
## Nirvana Filmed Seven Videos
Nirvana filmed seven music videos before Kurt Cobain's 1994 death, including 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and 'Come as You Are'.

> Nirvana filmed seven music videos, including memorable clips for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', 'Come as You Are', 'In Bloom', and 'Heart-Shaped Box'
## Surviving Members Reunite Since 1994
The surviving members have played together since 1994, including a 1997 Bumbershoot performance and a 2010 secret Foo Fighters show.

> It first happened Aug. 29, 1997, when the Foo Fighters played Bumbershoot in Seattle
## Key takeaway

Nirvana's surviving members accepted MTV's Video Vanguard Award on the 34th anniversary of their 1992 performance without performing.