The hype was real: the Heaven is Rock and Roll show that took place this past Saturday culminated with singer-songwriter St. Vincent and Beck performing with the surviving members of Nirvana. Yes, indeed Dave Grohl, alongside Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear performed such classics as “In Bloom,” “Lithium,” “Heart-Shaped Box,” “Been a Son” and more. St. Vincent and Beck meshed right into the storied tracks, with St. Vincent, in particular, adding that strong touch she did when she first performed with the iconic band during their 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. The crowd is fully immersed in the performance as they sing along to each song inside the packed Hollywood Palladium.
It should be noted that the event was a success with performances by Marilyn Manson, Cheap Trick and L7 also mesmerizing the crowd. The punk-rock themed stage and decorations a la CBGB set the perfect background for the mighty riffs and rapid drum fills that Nirvana is known for, their grunge movement heavily inspired by the rebellious spirit of punk rock. St. Vincent’s “Lithium” performance was perhaps the most impressive of the evening: the performer took command of the song, honored its spirit and still made it her own. One could be forgiven for musing about a Nirvana tour with St. Vincent at the helm—dreams don’t cost a thing.
Setlist:
1. Lithium
2. In Bloom
3. Been a Son
4. Heart-Shaped Box
5. The Man Who Sold the World
You can listen to Beck’s surprising vocal edge during “In Bloom,” Pat Smear’s furious pace in “Been a Son” and Dave Grohl’s daughter Violet Grohl’s unique take of “Heart-Shaped Box” in the video below.
Photo Credit: Owen Ela
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