More than three decades after their legendary first appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards stage, Nirvana returned to accept the honorary Video Vanguard Award.

The iconic Seattle grunge band, formed in 1987 by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, was honoured at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for its enduring and defining influence on music, contemporary culture and the history of MTV itself.

It is noted that Kurt Cobain died by suicide at the age of 27 on 5 April 1994. On stage, the band’s other two members were joined by Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear, who toured with them in the 1990s, according to People.

@entertainmenttonight Nirvana's Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear remembered the late Kurt Cobain while accepting the Video Vanguard Award at the #VMAs and reminded everyone to "come as you are." #nirvana #kurtcobain ♬ original sound – Entertainment Tonight

“Thank you so much to Nirvana fans around the world and to everyone at MTV. This award brings back so many memories of making those videos,” Novoselic said from the stage, immediately after a tribute featuring Nirvana’s iconic music videos and archival footage of Cobain was shown.

“The ideas for those videos were born from the vision of one of the greatest artists of all time, Kurt Cobain. Kurt was one of a kind. None of us could have imagined that our band, our sound or our aesthetic would mean so much to so many people. But, in the end, the music took on a life of its own. It forged its own path. Nirvana continue to touch people so deeply because audiences still crave authenticity, or something real and unconventional. Something that tells you it is okay to simply be yourself. Kurt would have loved this legacy,” Novoselic concluded.

The band was introduced by Chuck D of Public Enemy, who praised the group for remaining true to its vision.

“Their sound was powerful, beautiful and boldly open. Their lyrics were poetic, raw and deeply human,” he said.

“Their music videos marked an era. They were completely authentic and always fearless at a time when the establishment had reached the point of becoming a stereotype,” he added.

This year’s 2026 VMAs ceremony, hosted by Snoop Dogg, took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.