Post Malone announces Nirvana tribute fundraiser for COVID-19 relief

In the midst of a lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, Post Malone has revealed his plans to host a Nirvana tribute show livestream on April 24.

The Sunflower hit-maker took to Instagram announcing the show on Wednesday morning, revealing that it would be broadcast via YouTube this Friday at 6 p.m ET.

Malone, 24, also attached a mysterious phone number — 817-270-6440 — to the post, inviting fans and followers to text him ahead of the fundraiser.

The tribute is intended to raise money for the World Health Organization‘s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, according to Rolling Stone. Additionally, Google will reportedly match all donations made up to US$5 million.

In the past, the much-beloved rapper, born Austin Post, has covered a number of Nirvana songs during his own sets, including the 1991 fan favourite Lithium during a surprise set at Coachella in 2016.

Though he did not provide a detailed description of what else the show would entail, Malone will perform a variety of his favourite songs by the iconic Kurt Cobain-fronted grunge band.

During his critically acclaimed Stoney tour in fall 2017, Malone even performed All Apologies at the House of Blues in Boston, Mass. The 1993 track served as the second single from Nirvana’s final album, In Utero.

A fan even managed to capture a video of the performance. Following the gig, they shared it to YouTube and it quickly went viral, amassing millions of views in a short span of time.

Malone is an avid fan of rock music. Before the success of his rap career, he was part of a hardcore metal band, according to a 2016 GGN interview with Snoop Dogg.

Back in 2019, at the 61st annual Grammy Awards, Malone even performed with Red Hot Chili Peppers — one of his favourite bands. He played the guitar along to their 2016 single Dark Necessities while also providing backup vocals during the chorus.

A video announcing Malone’s Nirvana tribute can be seen here. The livestream kicks off on this Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. ET.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

3:19 What’s cancelled or postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic?

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.

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