Nirvana's Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear Reunite at MTV VMAs 2026 to Receive Video Vanguard Award | Just Jared

Nirvana has arrived at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (September 27) in Los Angeles, Calif.

Band members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear reunited on the carpet at the Peacock Theater ahead of this year’s award show, where they’ll be receiving a huge honor.

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Nirvana to be honored with Video Vanguard Award at MTV VMAs

The former rock band is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award tonight for their contributions to music and impact on pop culture over the years.

It was first announced they would be honored with the award earlier this month, on September 9th, which marked 34 years since they first performed on the VMAs stage, shaping music, culture and MTV forever.

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Nirvana first formed in 1987 by Krist and the late Kurt Cobain. Three years later, the recruited Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear joined the band on tour, playing guitar and singing backing vocals from 1993 to 1994, and joining for all reunion performances since.

The band released three studio albums: Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero.

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Also receiving a special award tonight is Taylor Swift, who will be honored with the MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. She is also set to premiere her “Patient Zero” music video during the broadcast!

Make sure to tune in for the VMAs tonight on CBS, beginning at 7:30pm ET and airing live from coast-to-coast. The show is being hosted by Snoop Dogg and there are so many performers and presenters expected to appear on stage throughout the night. Check out the full list of nominees and winners.

See all of the celebrities hitting the carpet at the 2026 MTV VMAs!

Posted To:2026 Mtv Vmas Dave Grohl Event Photos Krist Novoselic MTV VMAs Nirvana Pat Smear