If you had told someone in 2020 that Post Malone—a rapper-turned-rockstar—would be responsible for one of the most critically acclaimed Nirvana tribute performances, they might not have believed you. But here we are in 2025, and not only did he deliver, but that very performance is getting a vinyl release on Record Store Day.

For those who missed it the first time, Malone’s Nirvana tribute set aired in April 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. His grunge-infused performance, raw energy, and surprising authenticity quickly won over even the most dedicated Nirvana fans. And now, that legendary set is getting a limited-edition vinyl pressing—making it a must-have collector’s item for both Post Malone fans and Nirvana enthusiasts alike.

But this isn’t just about nostalgia or a cool vinyl drop—all proceeds will go toward MusiCares’ Addiction Recovery and Mental Health division, giving fans another great reason to add this to their collection. Let’s dive into why this tribute mattered, what made the performance special, and why its upcoming vinyl release is such a big deal.

The Origins: Post Malone’s Unexpected Nirvana Tribute

Back in April 2020, live music was on pause due to the global pandemic. With concerts and festivals canceled, artists turned to virtual performances to stay connected with their fans. That’s when Post Malone surprised the world with a full-length Nirvana tribute concert, streamed from his Salt Lake City home.

While Post Malone is no stranger to rock influences (his love for metal and alternative music is well-documented), a Nirvana tribute set was still unexpected—and yet, it worked so well.

Why Nirvana?

Post Malone has long been a fan of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana’s music. Unlike some modern artists who casually reference grunge culture, Malone’s passion for Nirvana is genuine and deep-rooted. His performance wasn’t just a casual cover set—it was a respectful, powerful homage to one of the most influential bands in rock history.

And it wasn’t just Malone. He was joined by:

• Travis Barker (Blink-182) on drums

• Brian Lee on bass

• Nick Mac on guitar

Together, they recreated Nirvana’s sound with raw intensity.

The Setlist: A Perfect Blend of Hits and Deep Cuts

One of the standout aspects of Malone’s tribute set was the thoughtful song selection. Instead of sticking only to Nirvana’s biggest hits, he included deep cuts that true Nirvana fans appreciated.

The Setlist Included:

• “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle”

• “Drain You”

• “Come as You Are”

• “Lounge Act”

• “School”

• “Heart-Shaped Box”

• “Something in the Way”

• “About a Girl”

• “Stay Away”

• “Lithium”

• “Breed”

• “On a Plain”

• “Very Ape”

• “Territorial Pissings”

This selection reflected Post Malone’s deep appreciation for Nirvana—he didn’t just go for commercial hits; he picked songs that highlighted Nirvana’s raw energy, emotion, and grunge aesthetic.

The Performance: Raw, Authentic, and Unexpectedly Perfect

Post Malone’s Nirvana set wasn’t just a typical cover performance—it was genuinely one of the best Nirvana tributes ever broadcasted. Here’s why:

He Captured Nirvana’s Unpolished Sound

• Malone didn’t try to imitate Cobain’s voice—instead, he delivered the vocals with his own raw, emotional grit.

• His rough, unfiltered approach gave the performance a real, live-concert energy, rather than a sterile, overproduced cover session.

The Band’s Chemistry Was On-Point

• Travis Barker’s drumming was intense and energetic, capturing the wild spirit of Dave Grohl’s original playing.

• Brian Lee and Nick Mac held the rhythm section together seamlessly, adding to the authentic grunge feel.

The Production Was Low-Key But Perfect

• The show was streamed from Malone’s home, giving it an intimate, garage-band feel—a setting true to Nirvana’s punk-rock ethos.

• They nailed the balance of energy and emotion, proving that you don’t need a massive arena to deliver a powerful rock performance.

The Internet Loved It

• The stream quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and widespread acclaim.

• Even Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic praised Malone’s performance, tweeting his approval of the tribute.

• Fans were shocked by how natural Malone sounded performing Nirvana songs—and many called for an official release.

4. The Vinyl Release: What Fans Can Expect

After years of fan demand, Post Malone’s Nirvana tribute set is finally getting an official release on vinyl—and it’s dropping on Record Store Day 2025 (April 12).

Limited Edition Pressing

• The vinyl will be a special, limited-edition release, meaning it won’t be widely available for long.

• Expect unique album artwork, possibly featuring imagery from the original live stream.

• Since it’s a Record Store Day exclusive, copies will be available only in select independent record stores.

Why This Vinyl Release Matters

It Preserves One of 2020’s Best Live Performances – Many fans consider this one of the best Nirvana tributes ever, so having it on vinyl is a collector’s dream.

It’s a Must-Have for Post Malone and Nirvana Fans – Whether you love Post Malone or Nirvana (or both), this is a unique crossover event in music history.

It Supports a Good Cause – All proceeds will go toward MusiCares’ Addiction Recovery and Mental Health division, making this release even more meaningful.

The Legacy: Post Malone, Nirvana, and the Future of Rock Crossovers

Post Malone has always blurred genre lines, effortlessly moving between rap, rock, country, and pop. His Nirvana tribute wasn’t just a one-off experiment—it proved that he has the chops to take on rock music seriously.

Could a Rock Album Be Next?

Given the success of this performance, many fans are wondering:

• Will Post Malone release an original rock album?

• Could he collaborate with more rock legends?

• Is a Nirvana-inspired project in his future?

Malone’s ability to bridge genres could bring grunge and alternative rock back into the mainstream, introducing new generations of fans to Nirvana’s legacy.

Final Thoughts: A Tribute Worth Owning

Post Malone’s Nirvana tribute set was one of the best musical surprises of 2020, and now it’s finally getting the vinyl release it deserves. With a limited-edition pressing on Record Store Day, this album is bound to become a collector’s item for fans of both Post Malone and Nirvana.

Beyond its historical significance, the proceeds from this vinyl will help fund addiction recovery and mental health programs, adding another layer of importance to this release.

So, whether you’re a longtime Nirvana fan, a die-hard Post Malone supporter, or simply someone who appreciates great live performances, this vinyl is an essential addition to your collection. Mark your calendars for April 12, 2025, because this is one release you won’t want to miss.

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