Joan Jett and Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana Joins The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

In 2014, Nirvana reunited and brought along a host of female rockers to celebrate their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. While all of the ladies invited delivered legendary performances, it was Joan Jett of The Runaways that stole the show! She took the stage with Nirvana for a rendition of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ that got the crowd on its feet, and honestly – if anyone were qualified to front Nirvana for a night, it was definitely Joan.

Joan Jett Talks About Kurt’s Influence

Jett long ago professed her love of Nirvana. She said that Kurt was “a great guitar player and a great singer,” in a 1996 interview, and that she “used to listen to [Nirvana] all the time. . . day and night.”

All in all, this is a fantastic performance for both Nirvana fans and Joan Jett fans alike – the immense respect that Nirvana has for Joan and Joan for them is what makes the performance that much more special! Kurt couldn’t be there, but something tells me that Joan would have been his very first choice to play his most iconic work on the biggest night of Nirvana’s career!

+ Smells Like Teen Spirit lyrics +

Load up on guns, bring your friends
It’s fun to lose and to pretend
She’s over bored and self assured
Oh, no, I know a dirty word

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido, yeah, hey, yay

I’m worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido, yeah, hey, yay

And I forget, just why I taste
Oh, yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it’s hard to find
Oh, well, whatever, nevermind

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido