On September 10, 1991, Nirvana released a song that would help change the direction of rock music — and become one of the defining tracks of a generation.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the lead single from Nevermind, introduced millions of listeners to Nirvana and helped propel Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl from the alternative-rock underground into the mainstream.
The transformation happened remarkably fast. The song wasn’t originally expected to become the enormous crossover hit it ultimately became. Nirvana’s management had anticipated that “Come as You Are” would have greater mainstream potential, while “Smells Like Teen Spirit” would help build the band’s audience through college and alternative radio. Instead, listeners responded — and the song took off.
Its accompanying music video became just as important. Directed by Samuel Bayer and set around a chaotic high-school pep rally, the video became an MTV phenomenon and helped carry Nirvana — and the grunge movement — into mainstream pop culture.
35 Years Later, Nirvana Is Back in the MTV Spotlight
The anniversary arrives with remarkably timely news.
Just one day before the 35th anniversary of the single’s release, MTV announced that Nirvana will receive the 2026 Video Vanguard Award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, recognizing the band’s lasting influence on music, culture and music video.
The timing carries another piece of Nirvana history: the announcement came on September 9 — exactly 34 years after Nirvana’s first VMA appearance in 1992. The band performed “Lithium” that night and went on to collect five VMAs between 1992 and 1994.
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will air September 27 on CBS and MTV and stream on Paramount+. As of the announcement, details of any Nirvana performance or tribute had not been revealed.
More than three decades after its release, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains the song most closely associated with Nirvana’s extraordinary rise — and one of the defining sounds of the 1990s.
Thirty-five years later, it still smells like Teen Spirit.
Photo: Col. Hans Landa / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 3.0
