Nirvana received the Video Vanguard Award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on 27 September, recognising the band’s lasting influence on music, culture and MTV, writes People.
Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear accepted the award on behalf of the Seattle grunge band, which featured the late Kurt Cobain. Smear, who toured with the group in the 1990s, joined the surviving members on stage.
Novoselic thanked fans and MTV, recalling the band’s iconic music videos and crediting Cobain’s artistic vision for their impact.
He said Nirvana’s music continues to resonate because listeners value authenticity and uncompromising expression.
Introduced by Public Enemy’s Chuck D, the band was praised for its distinctive sound, raw lyrics and fearless approach. Nirvana first performed at the VMAs in 1992, playing ‘Lithium’.
The band’s influence endures through hits such as ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and ‘Come as You Are’. Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
