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Travis Barker Reveals Unreleased Hardcore Tracks Recorded with Post Malone During 2020 Nirvana Tribute
Travis Barker, the drummer of Blink‑182, confirmed that he and rapper‑singer Post Malone recorded a pair of hardcore songs during the 2020 Nirvana tribute livestream. The tracks, according to Barker, will never be released.
The Nirvana tribute was streamed live on YouTube on April 24, 2020, and featured 15 covers performed by Post Malone with Barker on drums and a backing band that included Brian Lee and Nick Mack. The set included songs such as “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle,” “Lounge Act,” and “Heart‑Shaped Box.” The livestream attracted more than 20 million views and raised money for COVID‑19 relief. The performance received support from Nirvana’s surviving members, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, and was praised for its faithful yet contemporary interpretation of the grunge classic.
During an episode of the “Broken Record” podcast, Barker recalled how quickly the tribute came together. He said he had initially thought the idea was a joke, only to learn that he had two days to prepare. Barker also noted that he was unsure how familiar Post Malone was with Nirvana’s catalog before they performed, but was impressed by the rapper’s execution. “He killed it. He sounded like Kurt,” Barker told listeners.
While the Nirvana covers were the public focus, Barker revealed that the same studio session produced a handful of hardcore tracks. “We actually recorded a couple of hardcore songs too, which will never see the light of day,” he said. “We made crazy songs while we were there too. It was fun.” The comments were made in a casual, reflective tone, and Barker did not provide details about the songs’ style or why they remain unreleased.
The collaboration illustrates a broader trend of cross‑genre partnerships in the music industry. Barker has a long history of working with artists outside the punk and alternative rock sphere, including hip‑hop acts such as Yelawolf and Asher Roth. Post Malone, meanwhile, has blended pop, hip‑hop, and rock elements across his discography. Their joint effort on the Nirvana tribute and the subsequent hardcore recordings demonstrate how artists from different backgrounds can converge in a single project.
From an industry perspective, the tribute livestream was significant for several reasons. First, it provided a high‑profile platform for artists to support a global pandemic relief effort. Second, it showcased the viability of live streaming as a revenue and engagement tool during a period when traditional touring was largely suspended. Finally, the event highlighted the enduring influence of Nirvana’s catalog, with contemporary artists paying homage to the band while reaching new audiences.
The unreleased hardcore tracks remain in the vault, according to Barker. No record label or publisher has announced plans to release them, and no official statement has been issued regarding potential future use. As of September 2026, the only publicly available recordings from the session are the Nirvana covers, which continue to be streamed on YouTube and other platforms.
In summary, Travis Barker’s disclosure adds a new layer to the story of the 2020 Nirvana tribute livestream. While the tribute itself remains a celebrated charity event, the hidden hardcore recordings underscore the breadth of material produced during that session and the decision to keep it unreleased. Fans of both artists can still enjoy the tribute set, but the hardcore tracks will likely remain unheard.
The Nirvana tribute was streamed live on YouTube on April 24, 2020, and featured 15 covers performed by Post Malone with Barker on drums and a backing band that included Brian Lee and Nick Mack. The set included songs such as “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle,” “Lounge Act,” and “Heart‑Shaped Box.” The livestream attracted more than 20 million views and raised money for COVID‑19 relief. The performance received support from Nirvana’s surviving members, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, and was praised for its faithful yet contemporary interpretation of the grunge classic.
During an episode of the “Broken Record” podcast, Barker recalled how quickly the tribute came together. He said he had initially thought the idea was a joke, only to learn that he had two days to prepare. Barker also noted that he was unsure how familiar Post Malone was with Nirvana’s catalog before they performed, but was impressed by the rapper’s execution. “He killed it. He sounded like Kurt,” Barker told listeners.
While the Nirvana covers were the public focus, Barker revealed that the same studio session produced a handful of hardcore tracks. “We actually recorded a couple of hardcore songs too, which will never see the light of day,” he said. “We made crazy songs while we were there too. It was fun.” The comments were made in a casual, reflective tone, and Barker did not provide details about the songs’ style or why they remain unreleased.
The collaboration illustrates a broader trend of cross‑genre partnerships in the music industry. Barker has a long history of working with artists outside the punk and alternative rock sphere, including hip‑hop acts such as Yelawolf and Asher Roth. Post Malone, meanwhile, has blended pop, hip‑hop, and rock elements across his discography. Their joint effort on the Nirvana tribute and the subsequent hardcore recordings demonstrate how artists from different backgrounds can converge in a single project.
From an industry perspective, the tribute livestream was significant for several reasons. First, it provided a high‑profile platform for artists to support a global pandemic relief effort. Second, it showcased the viability of live streaming as a revenue and engagement tool during a period when traditional touring was largely suspended. Finally, the event highlighted the enduring influence of Nirvana’s catalog, with contemporary artists paying homage to the band while reaching new audiences.
The unreleased hardcore tracks remain in the vault, according to Barker. No record label or publisher has announced plans to release them, and no official statement has been issued regarding potential future use. As of September 2026, the only publicly available recordings from the session are the Nirvana covers, which continue to be streamed on YouTube and other platforms.
In summary, Travis Barker’s disclosure adds a new layer to the story of the 2020 Nirvana tribute livestream. While the tribute itself remains a celebrated charity event, the hidden hardcore recordings underscore the breadth of material produced during that session and the decision to keep it unreleased. Fans of both artists can still enjoy the tribute set, but the hardcore tracks will likely remain unheard.
