Charles Barkley recalls first impression of Kurt Cobain, Nirvana upon meeting on SNL

For most, being able to meet Nirvana during their heyday would be a priceless memory. For Charles Barkley, it was simply another day in his life.

Back when the NBA legend turned equal parts informative and hilarious analyst took his talents to Saturday Night Live in New York, Barkley crossed paths with the all-time famous band. During an appearance on Barstool Sports’ Spittin’ Chiclets earlier this week, Barkley recalled his first impressions on Nirvana, including their famed frontman Kurt Cobain.

“I’ll tell you what’s crazy about that, I had no f—ing clue who they were,” laughed Barkley. “First of all, they were really nice. They were really nice, and what’s really funny, if you’ve ever been to SNL and it’s still like this today, it’s in a little dumpy building.

“The dressing rooms (are tight), so every time they opened up their dressing room door, it was like one of those big — you’ve ever seem one of those atomic bomb flumes? It was a flume of pot, rushing into my locker room.”

Hilariously, Barkley told the story that he believes he and his entourage received a second-hand high from being around Nirvana at SNL.

“I had friends that came by during the week, they said, ‘Yeah, we don’t have to spend money on pot. We just have to wait for them to open the door and get a contact high.’ I mean, they were so nice. I remember my friend was like, ‘Yo, they’re like the most popular group in the world.’ I’m like, ‘Yo man, I don’t know them. That’s not my type of music.’ I’m back to Luther Vandross,” explained Barkley. “I’m in that demographic back then. I’m not a grunge guy, but people are telling me, ‘Dude, they’re the s–t right now. They’re like the No. 1 band in the country.’ I’m like, ‘Well they’re very nice.’

“I remember meeting Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, they were awesome. But it was so funny. Every time they opened up their door, it was like (sniff), a contact high. But they were awesome.”

It might’ve been under unusual circumstances, but what a story from Barkley on Nirvana, giving the sports world a glimpse into one of the best bands of all time.

One has to wonder whether Charles Barkley got into some grunge following his meeting with Nirvana, or if his senses were slightly slowed from the encounter. Nevertheless, it makes for some good reminiscing.