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Quizzes > Music

Nirvana quiz: How well do you know the band?

Quick, free Nirvana trivia to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Anh DuyUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Nirvana knowledge quiz on a coral background

This Nirvana quiz helps you test what you know about the band: the songs, albums, and moments that shaped grunge. Expect questions on hits and deep cuts, with a scored result at the end. For more, try the Kurt Cobain quiz or switch gears with a Radiohead quiz.

What is the title of Nirvana's debut studio album?
Nevermind
Bleach
In Utero
MTV Unplugged in New York
Nirvana's first full-length studio album, Bleach, was released in 1989 on Sub Pop Records. It showcased their raw, grunge sound before they achieved mainstream success. You can read more about its recording and impact on Nirvana's biography.
Who was the lead singer of Nirvana?
Kurt Cobain
Pat Smear
Dave Grohl
Krist Novoselic
Kurt Cobain was the founding member, lead vocalist, and guitarist of Nirvana. His songwriting and voice defined the band's sound. Learn more about Cobain's role in Nirvana's history.
In which city did Nirvana form?
Seattle, Washington
Portland, Oregon
Olympia, Washington
Aberdeen, Washington
Nirvana formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987 when Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic started playing together. This small logging town influenced their early punk and grunge aesthetics. For more detail on their early days, see the Aberdeen music scene.
Which record label signed Nirvana in 1990?
Capitol Records
DGC Records
Sub Pop
Geffen Records
In 1990, Nirvana signed with DGC Records, a subsidiary of Geffen Records, which released their breakthrough album Nevermind. Before that, their debut Bleach was on Sub Pop. You can read more about their label transition.
What year was 'Nevermind' released?
1991
1992
1989
1990
Nevermind was released on September 24, 1991, and became a global phenomenon. It propelled grunge into mainstream culture. Details on its recording and release timeline are available.
Which Nirvana song begins with the lyrics 'Load up on guns, bring your friends'?
About a Girl
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Come As You Are
Lithium
The opening lines of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' are 'Load up on guns, bring your friends…' marking one of the most iconic intros in alternative rock. Read more about the song's impact and lyrics.
Who directed the music video for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'?
Dave Grohl
Gus Van Sant
Samuel Bayer
Spike Jonze
Samuel Bayer directed the iconic 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' video, featuring a high school gym pep rally gone wild. It became emblematic of early '90s music videos. More on its production can be found here.
Which instrument does Krist Novoselic primarily play?
Drums
Bass guitar
Keyboard
Lead guitar
Krist Novoselic was Nirvana's bassist, known for his melodic bass lines supporting Kurt Cobain's guitar. He continued playing bass in other projects after Nirvana. Learn more about his role here.
Which Nirvana song contains the lyric 'Here we are now, entertain us'?
All Apologies
Smells Like Teen Spirit
In Bloom
Come As You Are
The line 'Here we are now, entertain us' is central to 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' encapsulating generational disillusionment. It remains one of the most quoted lyrics in rock. More on its meaning is discussed here.
What is the name of the Nirvana compilation album released in 2002?
Live and Loud
From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah
Incesticide
Nirvana
The self-titled compilation 'Nirvana' was released in 2002, featuring hits, rarities, and live performances. It spans their entire career. Details on tracklist and release are available here.
Which Nirvana song was covered by Tori Amos on her 2001 album Strange Little Girls?
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Heart-Shaped Box
Lithium
All Apologies
Tori Amos covered 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' on her 2001 album 'Strange Little Girls,' reinterpreting it with piano and soulful vocals. Her version highlighted the song's melodic elements. Read more about this cover here.
What was Nirvana's original band name before settling on Nirvana?
Skid Row
Nirvana
Bliss
Pen Cap Chew
Kurt Cobain considered several names, including Bliss, but ultimately chose Nirvana. Although the band briefly toyed with Pen Cap Chew, they never officially released material under that name. More on the naming process here.
In which year did Nirvana perform on Saturday Night Live?
1993
1992
1994
1991
Nirvana performed on Saturday Night Live on October 17, 1992, featuring 'Lithium' and 'In Bloom.' It marked one of their most prominent television appearances. Details on that episode are here.
Which Nirvana song was re-recorded acoustically for their 1994 MTV Unplugged session?
Territorial Pissings
All Apologies
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Breed
'All Apologies' was one of the songs Nirvana re-recorded in an acoustic arrangement for their MTV Unplugged performance in New York City. The unplugged version became a fan favorite. More on the session here.
Which instrument did Dave Grohl play in Nirvana?
Keyboard
Drums
Bass
Lead guitar
Dave Grohl joined Nirvana in 1990 as the drummer, contributing to their dynamic rhythm section on Nevermind and In Utero. He later formed Foo Fighters. Read about his career here.
Who directed the music video for 'Heart-Shaped Box'?
Spike Jonze
Samuel Bayer
Anton Corbijn
Kevin Kerslake
Photographer and director Anton Corbijn helmed the eerie 'Heart-Shaped Box' video in 1993, using surreal imagery that complemented the song. More on its production is here.
Which song on In Utero addresses the life and struggles of actress Frances Farmer?
All Apologies
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle
Pennyroyal Tea
Dumb
'Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle' is a track on In Utero that references Frances Farmer's persecution. Cobain was inspired by her life story. Read more about the song's background here.
Which Nirvana song contains the lyric 'I'm so ugly, that's okay, 'cause so are you'?
Very Ape
Dumb
Pennyroyal Tea
Milk It
The lyric 'I'm so ugly, that's okay, 'cause so are you' appears in 'Dumb,' from In Utero. It expresses self-deprecation and empathy. More on the lyric analysis here.
What was the working title for Nevermind before it was finalized?
Metaphor
Named Disgust
Teen Spirit
Sheep
Before settling on Nevermind, the album carried the working title 'Sheep.' Kurt Cobain intended a statement on herd mentality. More on this fact is discussed here.
Nirvana's single 'Pennyroyal Tea' was set for release as the third single from In Utero but canceled after which event?
Kurt Cobain's death
Band's breakup
Recording issues
Label dispute
The planned release of 'Pennyroyal Tea' as a single in April 1994 was canceled following Kurt Cobain's death on April 5, 1994. This cancellation is well documented in Nirvana histories.
Which track on the Incesticide compilation is a cover of a song by The Vaselines?
Been a Son
Molly's Lips
Dive
Sliver
'Molly's Lips' is a cover of The Vaselines' song, featured on Incesticide. Nirvana often performed it live. More details on covers appear here.
In what year did Nirvana win a Grammy Award, and for which performance?
1992, Best New Artist
1996, Best Alternative Music Performance for MTV Unplugged in New York
1994, Best Rock Album for In Utero
1995, Best Music Video for Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana won the 1996 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance for their MTV Unplugged in New York album, awarded posthumously. It remains a significant recognition.
What is the title of the official Nirvana documentary released in 2015?
Montage of Heck
Live and Loud
Something in the Way
Classic Albums: Nevermind
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, released in 2015, is the first official Nirvana documentary approved by Courtney Love. It uses home recordings and animation. Read more about its production here.
On what date did Nirvana headline the Reading Festival in England, a performance later released as a live album?
August 29, 1992
August 30, 1992
September 1, 1992
August 30, 1993
Nirvana's iconic Reading Festival performance took place on August 30, 1992, and was later released as 'Live at Reading.' It's often cited as one of their best shows. Details on the setlist are here.
What was the final studio track Nirvana recorded together, released posthumously in 2002?
Do Re Mi
Sappy
Marigold
You Know You're Right
'You Know You're Right' was recorded in January 1994 and remained unreleased until 2002. It is the last known studio recording of the original trio. More on its history can be found here.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Career Milestones -

    Identify pivotal moments in Nirvana's history, from their formation in Aberdeen to the release of landmark albums, to understand the band's evolution.

  2. Identify Iconic Lyrics -

    Match famous lines to their respective songs, enhancing your memory of Nirvana's most memorable verses and lyrical style.

  3. Differentiate Album Tracks and B-Sides -

    Distinguish between Nirvana's mainstream hits and lesser-known tracks, deepening your knowledge of their complete discography.

  4. Analyze Musical Themes -

    Examine recurring motifs and influences in Nirvana's music, such as grunge aesthetics and personal introspection, to gain insight into their creative process.

  5. Evaluate Your Trivia Skills -

    Assess your grasp of Nirvana trivia through challenging questions that test both casual fans and superfans alike.

  6. Apply Knowledge to Achieve a High Score -

    Use your understanding of Nirvana's songs, history, and lyrics to tackle the quiz confidently and aim for a perfect result.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Formation and Lineup Milestones -

    Nirvana officially formed in 1987 when Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic teamed up in Aberdeen, Washington, and solidified their sound after Dave Grohl joined on drums in 1990. This trio's chemistry propelled them from the Pacific Northwest indie scene to global stardom (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame archives). Remember: Cobain + Novoselic + Grohl = the classic '90s grunge formula.

  2. Breakthrough Albums and Chart Success -

    The band's debut, Bleach (1989), laid the groundwork, but Nevermind (1991) shot to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, displacing Michael Jackson (Billboard). In Utero (1993) reinforced their edge with rawer production by Steve Albini. Chart performance and album sales underscore Nirvana's seismic impact on rock music.

  3. Signature Song Structures -

    "Smells Like Teen Spirit" uses a four-chord riff (F5 - Bb5 - Ab5 - Db5) that's easy to learn yet instantly recognizable (Guitar World archives). Try the mnemonic "Funky Boys Always Dance" to nail the sequence. This simple structure revolutionized grunge's power-chord approach.

  4. Iconic Lyrics and Themes -

    Kurt Cobain's lyrics blend raw emotion with cryptic imagery, from teenage angst in "Come as You Are" to anti-establishment lines in "In Bloom." Academic analyses (Journal of Popular Music Studies) highlight recurring motifs of alienation and authenticity. Quote snags - like "Here we are now, entertain us" - make great flashcards for lyric recall.

  5. Cultural Legacy and Influence -

    Nirvana pioneered the grunge movement, inspiring countless bands (Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters) and earning a 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their DIY ethos reshaped '90s alternative rock and endures in modern indie circuits. Jot down key influence points - genre birth, lasting fandom, and major awards - to see the full scope of their legacy.

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