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Jon Stewart’s Nirvana Interview Reveals Lost Song

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The existence of an unfinished track was among the revelations that emerged when surviving Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, and Nevermind producer Butch Vig, sat down Saturday night with Jon Stewart. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s blockbuster album, the two-hour interview was broadcast on Sirius XM’s Lithium channel.

According to Newsday, Vig said the incomplete “Song in D” came from the Nevermind recording sessions but never received lyrics. To which Grohl reportedly quipped, “Sounds like another box set!”

Grohl and Novoselic also recalled how Nevermind felt like a dream come true. “It didn’t really seem like this would happen. It was almost like a scam.” That might explain the band’s frugal living conditions during the recording: Nirvana’s members split a room in a $70-a-night hotel. Then again, rappers Kid ‘n Play were fellow residents of the Oakwood Corporate Apartments, where Grohl apparently met them at the free breakfast buffet; also among the hotel’s denizens were “The Final Countdown” rockers Europe.

The interview was held in a “town hall” style, where the live studio audience and callers at home could ask questions. Other topics discussed, according to Newsday, included the use of a click track (at Vig’s request, Grohl used a metronome for his drumming on “Lithium” and “Something in the Way”), alternate producer choices (along with Vig, candidates included Neil Young producer David Briggs and R.E.M./Smithereens producer Don Dixon), and, of course, Kurt Cobain’s absence. “I wish Kurt was here,” Novoselic said. “There’s a big hole here.”

Stewart’s interview with Grohl, Novoselic, and Vig ran on Sirius XM’s all-Nirvana music channel, which will be on the air until Wednesday. Sirius XM will re-broadcast the interview on that channel at 3 p.m. today and at noon on Tuesday.

The deluxe reissue of Nevermind is due out tomorrow, featuring B-sides, alternate mixes, live recordings, and studio rarities. Check out our complete Nevermind coverage.

WATCH: Nirvana’s Nevermind — Jon Stewart Hosts Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl & Butch Vig on SiriusXM

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