Dave Grohl on Foo Fighters, Documentaries, and Modern Music | The Bill Simmons Podcast | The Ringer

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters to discuss his inspirations, timeless music, the concept of a band, touring in vans, kids' relationship with music today, and much more
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[@marcschelz]

Dave needs his own podcast.

[@chrissimms8517]

What does Google mean?

[@EzeICE]

​@@chrissimms8517means it "and infinite amount"

[@JohnnyCrueSixx]

“... and then my stoner cousin gave me 2112 by Rush...” And a legend was born.

[@ocpud2999]

I personally would like to thank his stoner cousin!

[@666bleedthesky]

That Songs For the Deaf record is just a mind blowing record, but his drum work on there is some of the best rock drumming of all time.

[@yrmthr]

The drum and cymbal tracks were recorded separately on that record. Weird technique but the producer knew what he wanted.

[@LylaTheLich]

@@yrmthr it's a weird technique but it produces a ridiculously clean drum recording, you dont get any bleed from the cymbals into the drums. You can do it pretty easily as long as your drummer is consistent

[@Gcssdvnkloiutesc]

@@yrmthr it was Josh’s idea, not the producer who was actually against it and secretly recorded some of the drums without doing that

[@Gcssdvnkloiutesc]

Did they talk about songs for the deaf? When

[@adrianfumi]

Absolutely! When I saw them tour that album, Dave's replacement was having to take some well deserved breaks every couple of songs. Epic show! And in a small venue!

[@geoffrussell2049]

"I don't want to be perfect. I just want to be a BADASS" ~Dave Grohl

[@abrahamruiz8473]

I love how Dave causally dropped “we just finished making a record” and I’m just like, “wait... you guys finished making the new album?!”

[@abrahamruiz8473]

SnowChicken07 start at 40:00 for some context

[@angelosarmiento9511]

Abraham Ruiz Right?! Follow up question: When the hell you guys releasing it?!

[@AliM-kz7oh]

I had a feeling because at the beginning of the year they hinted on Instagram that new music was coming soon

[@amberbailey8241]

who cares? they're past their prime. they put out the same bland shit. they haven't put out a great album since There is nothing left to lose

[@yoshipopthelemur]

@@amberbailey8241 Why are you here then?

[@cjlive5182]

When Dave does a podcast, it IS a documentary!

[@metafuel]

Grohl is a modern day living legend.

[@APisceanSlant]

I'm a fan of Bill. I'm a fan of Dave. Not going to pile on here, but Dave's reaction at 58:23 to yet another interruption, sums up what it was like to listen to this interview.

[@omegahorizon82]

Honestly he Dave talk the whole time!! But I do get your point

[@nathanbranson9149]

ANYWAYS! I wish he would have done this about 5 more times.

[@APisceanSlant]

@@goldenbrownie8436 1) Not an American 2) Kudos on all those words you typed out. They don't really say anything, of substance...but hey, at least you typed them 3) Next time you have a thought, try and really think of a way to express it, coherently 4) Anyway, go fuck your insufferable self 😘

[@rmyrick2451]

APisceanSlant I didn’t see your comment, but I just posted damn near the EXACT same thing. That was such a “Dave is really kindly asking you to shut the hell up” moment. Dave’s the guest, Bill’s the host - when Dave wises up and starts his own podcast, and possibly has you on as a guest, THEN you tell 42 stories about your kid. I love Bill, but I started struggling a little before halfway through. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@MAWF-DEBLETREBEL93420]

58:00

[@yousguys00]

at 43:14 the song Dave is referring to that Kurt Cobain liked the music but wasn't as excited about the lyrics was "Alone+Easy Target" which would later be released on the first Foo Fighter album.

[@nclsrfn]

Yeah i remember reading that kurt liked the verses a lot, chorus not so much

[@justdoit8014]

Yesterday I’ve watched 1990 Nirvana concert live in Leeds which was Dave’s second month in the band... He played Blew without those triplets and it was so real because he was so fresh and young and the whole Nirvana thing didn’t started yet... Kurt is definitely one of the the most gifted songwriters ever and America’s best songwriter of all time... Dave is just another force of a nature, he is punk rock John Bonham and amazing songwriter but above all he is the coolest guy in the business. God bless him!

[@nickfanzo]

Brane Tadic71 thanks king Buzzo!

[@lancasterphoto]

I enjoyed this, but I had the same feedback as a few commenters here: let the guest talk. There were a number of times I wanted to hear where dave was going with a comment or story, only for the host to cut him off and derail it.

[@rmyrick2451]

lancasterphoto that’s super, super evident at 58:30 !!

[@yettadmb1]

I could’ve watched another 10 hours of that.

[@ronnieedforsjr.5969]

Without the interruptions of course

[@tbz1551]

Foo Fighters’ videos were really the best of that generation.

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

If you're thinking of Everlong in particular, the director Michel Gondry is a filmmaker too. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was probably his biggest hit, but The Science of Sleep is really good and clearly jumps off of some of the ideas he had for the Everlong video.

[@tbz1551]

Andrew Beveridge lol “videos” and yes I’m a film buff so was aware. Good info always to share 👌🏻

[@mattfairbanks7621]

Long Road to Ruin video was amazing

[@mspager6756]

The interviewer is stepping all over this interview, so many times this was heading in a good direction and the guy stepped on it

[@jakubw.838]

If anyone could get in between a vicious band feud, it's Dave. He's like the Switzerland of rock music, everyone likes him. And he played with half of the bands, too.

[@RS-pp7ng]

Dave Grohl is a hero and a legend.

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

The thing Dave said about recording with QOTSA, doing it live in the studio in the same room - you hear that come through really well toward the end of Song for the Dead. At the spot where they all stop and then start up again you can hear someone yell as a cue of when to pick back up. Based on the voice I'm pretty sure it was Dave

[@GiuseppeM]

Andrew Beveridge there is a video on KZbin that shows Josh giving Dave directions on drumming, real cool check it out

[@FriedEggSarnie]

Fuck yes! That is one of my favourite moments in rock of all time. Did you ever see the live festival performances of that with Dave? Absolute magic.

[@AP-hr8cq]

got to agree with Dave that QOTSA are the best Rock band in the world.

[@mpk33]

That is Dave's best drumming, hands down. 2nd to that would be his drumming on the Killing Joke self-titled album (2003). Dave drummed on that album so KJ didn't sue Nirvana (or so they say) for stealing the Come As You Are riff from their song Eighties. He was also fabulous on that record.

[@113KILL5]

It is dave

[@sdawg7632]

Knowing that Dave and Robert Smith stayed up till 5am just talking gives me chills, what i would do to be a fly on the wall in that bar 🤔

[@Grace4_All]

There just people, just like you. Great musicians yes but you can be just as cool.

[@krassyteen]

I wish that he wasn't cut off (once again) by the interviewer so he could continue on his story about hanging with Robert Smith!

[@Songbird888]

That would be amazing. I was a huge Cure fan and I worship Dave as a genius multi-talented musician, writer, producer, visionary. More than that, the man himself. Heart of gold, dedicated father, philanthropist, humble, modest. IMO just next level, one of the best human beings on the planet.

[@tia4370]

i've heard this stories dave is telling hundreds of times but i can never get enough of him

[@editedbyblew]

me too! i swear i know more about dave than dave knows about himself

[@lauraroberts91]

🎉

[@warwick802]

Love hearing Dave talk. Massive Foo Fighters fan.

[@justdoit8014]

Here is my story of how I missed the Nirvana show 4weeks before Kurt died. One day an older guy from the same neighbourhood where I grow up come to my house 3 days before Nirvana gig in Slovenia (Feb 1994) to ask if I would like to go to the Nirvana show with him and his girlfriend as he knew how obsessed I was with Nirvana and drumming in general... He came to our house and my father opened the door and called me -Hey Daniel is here to ask you if you want to go with him to watch Nirvana!? I was 13 years old kid from capital of Croatia (Zagreb) which is just an 1 hour and half from the gig that was in Slovenia...for some reason I said No, as I thought they will play in Croatia soon specially because Krist is of Croatian background... 5 weeks later Kurt committed suicide... It’s still upsetting to this day and it is one of the biggest regrets in my life but at least I became a solid rock drummer because of Dave’s influence on me and I’m really grateful for that. That’s my connection with Dave and Nirvana. 🖤💔

[@deijitaetae2882]

I couldn’t hit the arrow fast enough for Dave Grohl. He’s the guy I wanna have a beer with. Thanks for the best podcast I’ve ever enjoyed. P. S. Keep being that supportive Dad of a musician, he’ll be the Kid saying “my parents were awesome”.

[@parkchasemusic456]

Dave Grohl is such an inspiring individual. Such a fan of his music as well as his outlook and humble personality.

[@emirepresa9500]

This just made my month.

[@DanielKimdanielkim90]

Thanks for uploading the video version! Listening to a 2nd time because it is available as a video now.

[@marvinshenk]

I grew up in Virginia like Dave, but I'm 4 years younger. He's the closest thing to a hero in music for me that there is. He has a super strong work ethic and understands how to treat people fairly. He is the kind of guy that will see another in need and help them out.

[@jovantemusic68]

SICK! More like this!

[@Faraz9564]

Thank you Dave for acknowledging just how BADASS QUEENS ARE!!! Big KISS

[@rickfrye9525]

Sound City came up in my queue after listening to some of this and I just watched it and it was really good. It's free on KZbin.

[@nathanieledwards7150]

If you haven't seen "dig". Its the best documentary about the passion of rock n roll you will ever see.

[@reymontcantil199]

Loved this interview

[@ChanMorgan]

This was such a fantastic listen.

[@loveMyFreakinLife]

YES new Grohl interview! The more he ages, the more Dave's looking like a Starbucks barrista! 😂

[@joesoto690]

Dont insult Dave! Blasphemy!!

[@lemoine5]

He’s still hot AF in my book. 😘😍

[@ryanstrohman7429]

11:13 “The guy from Rush” my heart hurts

[@Goddessluv6]

God! I can't wait to hear that new album! Can't wait to hear that riff!!! Daaaaaaaave❤❤❤❤❤❤😭😭😭😭

[@NITE_SHIFTING]

That was an awesome interview.

[@ericpiil1518]

I love that Dave brought up Dig! That documentary was awesome, and a super cool look into early indie rock,

[@jules7111]

Just love this....... Rush yes one of the best concerts I've been to...

[@keithminter]

Would have been good to hear Dave finish some of the stories he started in the interview, shame he was interrupted so many times before he could end!

[@CorvusRedd]

I couldn't agree more when Bill said he imagines that it'd be overwhelming for us younger people having 60+ years worth of all the different types of music we have to listen to. There's so much to listen to where I feel like I can't take it all in fast enough and I often find myself going further and further back in time when it comes to music. I can really relate to Dave's daughter's taste in music too, mine is so ridiculously all over the place that when someone asks me what kind of music I listen to I always say a little bit of everything. It's truly a shame when I come across people that only like metal or only like rap, I just think to myself "you have no idea what you're missing out on" This was a super solid interview though and I think when it comes to interviewing musicians they should touch on these subjects more often, I love hearing about how they wrote something and all that behind the scenes stuff, you just don't normally get that from musicians.

[@djn48]

The concept of a "band" will never die until there are no live shows anymore. It's impossible for one person to play rock songs live (without using pre-recorded material anyway).

[@newton6850]

I love coming to the comments & seeing “old people” (not really that old lol) tell nostalgic nirvana / Kurt stories since I wasn’t even alive yet. I jus discovered nirvana late 2018 & absolutely fell in love with them & especially kurt of course. I tried out the foo fighters first album a couple months ago & it was actually realllyyyyy nice

[@whups1744]

Try the second album.

[@drewisawesomehott]

Their first album kicks ass

[@Marleystrummer]

I was in my last year of high school in 91 when they exploded on to the scene, what a great time to be a teenager, that was our Punk explosion time 🤘

[@newton6850]

Marleystrummer wow so fukin lucky!! Literally the most perfect time / age to be apart of that explosion..

[@Redfivee]

Glad Dave is making his Van Movie.The best Van Doc ever is Another State of Mind.

[@theresaheyer537]

great stuff!thank you!!!!!

[@mikesmith5355]

Yes!!cannot wait to listen to this

[@daves.2111]

15:55 FRESH POT!!

[@1982pencil]

He’s totally right about the age range thing. When I was 13, I went to a Springsteen show and saw him play electric guitar. I saw him slide down the catwalk with his Tele and was completely enthralled. I had played music since I was 5 (classical piano and cello), and I kept playing those instruments after that show, but everything was about guitar. Now, at 35, I’m not a professional musician, but I play guitar in rock cover bands with my friends. I also play bass and recently picked up drums. It’s my absolute passion. One other thing: at that time, I also fell completely in love with 60s music. I snuck a CD of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band into school. I listened to the White Album on the school bus. Good times.

[@vickyallen501]

This was a really good interview.

[@johnunderwood3132]

Great interview. And I’m 50 so same era of music. Which I think was the best time

[@jeffogranetto]

Great interview

[@UFBear15]

Bill has been putting out some epic material for those born before or during the 80's

[@TheCoolhanddan83]

Dave is 1000% right about the music documentary DIG! It single handily made me a tremendous fan of Brian Jonestown Massacre’s music. The intro theme to Boardwalk Empire is BJM for anyone that’s familiar.

[@simonchaddock3694]

Nice one dave i love heari ng all the stories carry on man

[@omarvelez9224]

Great episode!!!!!! 👏👏👏

[@russellwoodstechno]

i knew this was going to be good

[@jamesmiddleton8335]

18:02 this is the whole reason i watch dave groul interviews for so long each night. There is nothing like hearing similarities between yourself and someone you look up to

[@RockNRollasPodcast]

Rock N Rollas Podcast!

[@gabe_klassen]

I love the El Mocambo shirt! I live in Toronto and I’ve never seen one of those before. Rumours are that it’s reopening this spring, which is exciting news!

[@kenneth6211]

I rebuilt it, and played my first show there. Got to meet Eddie Kramer, and now I’m working with his protégée to record my first album.

[@kenneth6211]

I also have that same shirt, blown away by how cool Dave really is

[@MysterDaftGame]

The most wholesome, casual, passionate, talented artist on earth now...

[@jameshickey100]

What great interview

[@devinzorn4569]

I soooooo want a three hour conversation with Dave.

[@jasonm6042]

20:20 Dig was an amazing documentary. Especially because I was in Portland hanging out with the Dandies and BJM crazies during all of it.

[@pepppery]

That was a great question about music leaning towards singular artists, as opposed to bands. 36:00 mark.

[@timbenson8501]

100% agree Dave. DIG is an awesome doc.

[@FeelinGoodwithDuddy]

Love this

[@eventingirl001]

I hope Dave does another sonic highways. It was so well done and the album is my favorite.

[@Coda-tq5lp]

yes indeed.

[@thunder_heads]

Omg the story with Robert Smith!!!! Robert and dave are my favourite musicians

[@kenneth6211]

I played my first show at the El Mocambo when I was 15, and I rebuilt it a few years ago. So cool to see Dave wearing the same shirt I have too. 🤘🏻

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

Wow famous for SRVs Little Wing cover, deadly bra, fair dinkum cool. Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central Queensland, 455,000sq.a🤘

[@robinbrown7375]

" Bass is the best just so you know." Dave Grohl. Agreed!!! The Bass is an amazing instrument! I wish he could have expanded on that point!

[@jef8931]

Dw, you nailed that basketball analogy.

[@dianedollion6126]

I can start my day with Funkadelic, have lunch with the Beastie Boys, drive home with Led Zep and fall asleep to Bach. Now I know I am ok. Thanks Mr Grohl and rock on !

[@philipreedwallace]

Dave I remember seeing the Foo Fighter with William on drums. You guys blew my mind. It was a small venue in Nashville . Saw you again when Franz joined. Taylor was still new and very young looking lol. Those shows I will never forget . Because I was a huge Nirvana fan before anyone in Nashville. Lol born in 71. Saw you guys on your make up date. And you guys still rock!!!!

[@kam3zwed]

Amazing interview. So genuine and laid back, great discussion not just the typical interview questions

[@Coda-tq5lp]

So where is the documentary about the vans? Really wanna watch it!

[@winston21211]

Love the El Mocambo shirt. So many great bands played the venue in Toronto. Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1983 is one of the best live recordings ever.

[@destha8358]

I got goosebumps when the first time a heard my hero in 1997, the man who wrote 'em was instantly my hero..

[@danieljennis4482]

I think just about every musician has mentioned the beatles as being their inspiration, its amazing to think just four guys had soo much influence on music and yet paul still thinks otherwise

[@uzi978]

45:36 - Dave starts talking about @NoLifeShaq !!

[@travaskanazori555]

OMG! He even impersonates him! Awesome!

[@funsavoury2591]

YOOOOOO 😭 nolifeshaq got them clouts lmaooo legends out here watching my guy

[@cam0.]

Dats tuff

[@cubpernicus]

YASSSSSS

[@cmj_87]

Can relate to Dave's daughter. Love it

[@danwroy]

Grateful this is only an hour

[@Worstpersonsingular]

Great podcast

[@larryyxz177]

'Can't Stand Losing You,' is a documentary of Andy Summers's Version of the Police. It came out in 2015 and is on Amazon Prime

[@derekpink]

As soon as Dave said “goalie” I knew where he was going. Same exact feeling. Goalie, catcher, drummer.

[@Gio-mt3lb]

Great podcast love Dave Grohl one of the best drummer ever.

[@cmj_87]

The renaissance of music is definitely upon us. I see it everywhere. Punk is not dead & I'm signing my 8yo up for drum lessons. Community & togetherness... bringing people together... that's what music does.

[@Largentina.]

3 years later....so where was that renaissance at lol?

[@cmj_87]

@@Largentina. new music has definitely taken off in the last few years. Especially with the quarantine sessions, artists have become even more innovative. (some of) Our kids are really fortunate to be growing up in this era of worldwide connectedness.

[@russellwoodstechno]

my one best guy friend i've had for 20 years was the also the best bandmate i ever had.

[@KSandy-iy6fg]

19:10 the documentary "Dig! ( The BJM and Dandy warhols)" The best music documentary i've ever seen too

[@barrymaaslow3480]

DIG! That ish is amazing!

[@mattkraig]

Dave Grohl is my hero, no pun intended 🙂

[@deadarmd]

Watch him as he goes

[@RYANDEOROCK]

I hope Dave has a part in that van movie about the aerosmith van recently found in the woods.

[@chrisdelisle3954]

And yet, both Stewart Copeland and his son HAVE done documentaries on the Police, Bill: "Everyone Stares (The Police Inside Out)" is Stewart's take on the band utilizing footage he shot during their original heyday by himself, and "Better Than Therapy." Stewart's is really interesting because he gives a candid narration of everything going on with the band at the time. "Better Than Therapy" is a doc about the reunion: the rehearsals, the tour and everything around it.

[@stephaniewheeler3331]

Dave is the best. Just...the best.

[@flea182]

bill you are killing me man

[@carlfolcojr.3497]

2112 was my first real music I went nuts over in like 88 when one of my crazy family had introduced me to Rush. "And the meek shall inherit the Earth".

[@taranguapo]

Let Dave talk!

[@BrucesPhonograph]

Bands are out there. The Struts are awesome

[@aidenferry23]

that monologue by dave about how the people that stay bands the longest are the ones who lived the van life is great

[@heyb6268]

Well Dave - you and bonham definitely have got the most air drums out of me by far so I think it’s safe to say you’re golden lmao

[@markarren7480]

the song they did with Rick Astley is just amazing.

[@russellwoodstechno]

i immediately looked it up and you're 1000% correct.

[@Timothy2706]

"Dig" is the most amazing documentary about music EVER.

[@briankennedy1192]

@Trey Indica seen it. You will dig!

[@GhostRider-mm6ky]

I never was a big Foo Fighters fan but i respect each musician especially Dave man. I met him in New Orleans after Katrina one of the white guys that actually endured it and just a great dude cheers 🍻