Dave Grohl South By Southwest (SXSW) 2013 Keynote Speech in Full

Dave Grohl giving his Keynote speech at South By Southwest (SXSW) 2013.

[@ShesHellinHeels]

Who would have thought that skinny, spastic, effing phenomenally gifted drummer from Nirvana would grow up to be this incredibly intelligent, articulate individual? I have LOVED growing up with you, Dave. Thank you for being such an integral part of the soundtrack of my life.

[@BryanSeitz]

Absolute legend

[@kaitlynbullock2113]

This man's life needs to be a movie

[@krisfrederick5001]

I'm pretty sure he or someone else has documented just about most of it.

[@somedaysometime]

he just hasn't released a lot of the footage

[@olas591]

shut up kiddo

[@emmanuelmartinez100]

Tenacious D

[@waylonnicholson371]

He will have a number of biopics. Hopefully not anytime soon.

[@aaandy44]

It’s fucking 2021 and I still find myself coming back to this video when I’m feeling down.

[@ELEVATOR_]

man Dave really laid down some wisdom here

[@theeNellyD]

There goes my hero

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Ditto.

[@AJPrenderville]

There goes my hero. He's an ordinary man

[@sandmansevenseven1512]

To state the obvious you know that dave wrote My Hero about kurt ?

[@101spacegirl]

Mine too.

[@KeenWanderer]

best 49 minutes of my life...whenever im low I watch this and get charged

[@RhythmGrizz]

Ahmad Qureshi me too

[@XtremeKillah101]

I come for Dave’s wisdom but every time I get to 30:20 the laugh in the audience kills me

[@ChingerBurger]

Have a good day :)

[@aaandy44]

It’s fucking 2021 and I still find myself coming back to this video when I’m feeling down.

[@aurorahoya1691]

Me too!

[@Abarbad0]

Dave Grohl for fucking president.

[@shivaumesh1129]

Manu Riaño Grohl/Hawkins 2020

[@OpheliaDarkling]

@@shivaumesh1129 😥

[@IvanLietaert]

As a teacher in highschool, I feel such a strong urge to show this to all of my students!

[@Duffy370]

almost cried listening to this. He is THE hero of every aspiring musician.

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Amen, brother.

[@beckythronson2391]

He's the hero of us who loves music, too.

[@rodrigozamo]

I was there at the panel, and I was crying. Hearing it in person was something else.

[@MrMusicfan007]

Dave would make a really good teacher

[@RetroYoungen]

TheMuseArchive Looking through the comments here, I'd say he already has. :-)

[@jtucker813]

I strongly agree with that lol

[@RhythmGrizz]

Van Taskinen lol wtf you trying to say?

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

lol

[@kashmyaadventures]

His mommy was a teacher, so...

[@rachelcause4114]

I was given a Nirvana tape, by some dude sitting on the floor in one of the most legendary clubs on the gold coast. He said "have you heard of Nirvana"?I said "no "and he just gave me the tape. I think I was one the only person on the coast besides him to have this in my hands. I was blown away and made so many copies for my friends at school. It was the most mind blowing tape I had ever heard. I will always remember the guys name that gave me this tape. Thanks Dom.

[@CLA82529]

"have you ever heard of Nirvana ?" is kind of a life changing phrase for me. Even if i don't listen to them as much as i used too (every single night). I'm grateful for the day my friend ask me that question.

[@Nrowi]

No problem bro I got you

[@BoxOfCurryos]

@@CLA82529 I feel the same way. I don’t listen to Nirvana as much anymore, I’m far from the teenage angst that consumed me that Nirvana helped relieve when I first heard them. But I’ll always be forever in debt.

[@CLA82529]

@@BoxOfCurryos really shame that Kurt died. Their next album could have been a departure from teenage angst sound from what Kurt said in an interview. He also planned to collaborate with Michael Stipe which would have been amazing.

[@closer71]

@@BoxOfCurryos Me too. Never listen to them anymore. But if SLTS comes on a radio where I’m at, I will air guitar it. Ha! Ha! Ha!

[@amyb4381]

Powerful speech... and great advice. Dave went from sort of being the “quiet” one during Nirvana interviews to being so outgoing and well-spoken in all of his interviews and speeches. I love hearing what he has to say!

[@madeinnetwork]

One of the best speeches I've ever heard. The definition of a Legend.

[@pennylane2643]

I'm crying. That was the best speech I have ever heard. EVER.

[@drunkemonke1995]

It's funny how the opener talks about being perfect musically but in the interview he did after this, Dave Grohl talks extensively about his appreciation for the subtle imperfections in live recordings that remind you that legendary musicians are human

[@milath]

Didn't even notice that it was 45 minutes long I was so enraptured. Seriously great speech and a must watch for any Nirvana, Foo Fighters fan, but more importantly *any musician*. Great message from Dave about finding your own voice and using it to make something that matters. Awesome.

[@hyypersonic]

His opinion on The Voice/American Idol, it's not an opinion... It's the fucking TRUTH. A celebrity judges your craft and either makes your dreams come true or crushes them, that's how today's musicians are supposed to be found? Nah man, that's bullshit. Preach it Dave! Preach it!

[@jpalpharo4304]

SPanunu I find American Idol entertaining but I hate the Voice

[@tforal]

I could listen to him talking all day

[@NYRAPPERFULL]

Dave Grohl is such a badass

[@yaninafernandez7143]

He is just brilliant... How could you not love him????

[@thetouristlives]

Every time I hear Dave speak, I love his mind more and more.

[@sarahcloss1930]

This man is such a huge inspiration to me. When he's talking about him as a kid, it reminds me so much of myself right now. Fucking love you dave

[@smittenthekitteninmittens2679]

I could listern to this guy talk for hours..a living legend

[@sebastiandiaz8989]

I´m a Nirvana fan, Foo Fighters was never my favorite band but I have HUGE respect for Dave, the way he sees things and how he overcome Kurt´s dead is just amazing, words of wisdom from him here

[@MoonlightFireShow]

Thanks for putting me back on a road I should have never left! :) nothing compares to the joy of making music, for the sake of playing and making it!!!

[@Peterwayneburton]

I met Mr. Grohl back stage in Philadelphia in 2006. He was incredibly nice, gracious, and humble. He's always inspired me to keep pursuing my voice and stop overthinking everything. Believing in yourself isn't something you can do easily. It takes work. and practice. Skill and a little bit of luck. Thanks Dave. You are incredible.

[@5954ldydi]

WOW... one of the most captivating, interesting & passionate speeches of music I have ever heard! Bravo to you Dave!

[@pickle9753]

Crushed on him in high school for his background eloquence, and now he’s captured my heart again with his wisdom and proud free spirit, that he’s genuinely earned for himself with all his hard work. ❤️ His mom must be busting with pride everyday!

[@kholstein64]

I went to Jefferson. Graduated in 82. Was friends with his sister Lisa. Took English from his mom at TJ. What's your name? So proud of Dave.

[@DaveGrohlsprincess]

Are you sally? 😀

[@miguelgava1822]

"When Kurt died..." Not even God himself would dare to make a noise at that moment! one of the greatest speeches ever made, Dave rocks :D

[@kiwiintheskywithdiamonds7611]

He always talk about kurt

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

imagine having to sneeze at that exact moment

[@supernatural5354]

Not a fucking sound was made 😶

[@Xalor69]

He grieved in that moment, got choked up. Decades later and the loss still affects him.

[@voltaspeeder17]

Got to love Dave, awesome musician and great human being!

[@youngsage566]

"I'm not even the best songwriter in this room." So humble.

[@jogood4268]

Wherever you are, in whatever stage…you should see this. Gold.

[@00708046]

It is so great when someone we know and love shares their real story with us . It let's us know that the path to success doesn't have to be a followed path or a beaten path . Just a path of honesty and conviction . Dave Grohl has documented so much for music . He has helped link our souls with music from other times and other genres and even with our own thoughts and feelings. Thank you Dave ! Bless your heart and may you heal from your loss . Continue to influence others and share your song ! Taylor is still with you . He's a big part of who you are and you need to bring him to life , on stage with you ! They say that you can't destroy energy and Taylor was both a soft warm wind and a f**kn ball of lightning in one . He's with you bro !

[@kathyvalentine1212]

I don't think I've been this impressed by one musician, Dave Grohl, this much since Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Joan Jett or Iggy Pop... "it starts with the musician" indeed!

[@Hollman36]

Kathy Valentine u forgot kurt Cobain

[@TheMrAwesomeDx]

My hero. Thank you Dave Grohl.

[@Turismo860]

that was an unbelievable speech

[@jaynine65]

I want to watch this every day! I love you Dave Grohl!

[@chiarafattore8977]

I've watched this so many times, I've started memorizing parts of it specifically the frankenstein part

[@georgelehl628]

This man is a world treasure. I hope everyone knows that!

[@CB2904-l9l]

The complete eerie silence the moment he said "when Kurt died" was insane. Not a single noise that entire part.

[@cielobourguetaltamirano5812]

CB minute?

[@Slagdar]

He just breed confidence inside you with his speech. I've been the basement gamer type for years. and it wasn't until I was 19 that I started playing my Bass. Whenever I had to play for someone else in the room my hands started shaking, I just froze, alway's worried about my ability to play and the opinion of others on my playing. but after hearing this I had a new look on my situation. Yesterday was the first time I played publicly, and my hands wheren't shaking. thanks Dave.

[@bigtakeshi]

This will be heralded as one of the greatest speeches in music history.

[@xXxPieDiePiexXx]

This is one of the best things I've ever heard....... :o

[@roscotube09]

It's just amazing when One Direction is referred to so greatly by the non-musically talented masses in the world, then enters Dave Grohl making an indirect remark on the group, and him and the musically filled audience just mockingly laugh at them for a few seconds as if they are just a bunch of subtle people. Dave Grohl, you are simply amazing and a legend.

[@paulkowlessar]

There goes my hero . . .

[@ziggen2434]

***** He's ordinary

[@DozifJuggles]

Watch him as he goes!

[@jaynine65]

Kudos my hero!

[@RevDickbutt]

I'm a musician from Texas, I want to make rock cool again. But i'm addicted to opiates. I'm going to rehab tomorrow. This. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not scared anymore. I don't want to hate myself. Thank you, Dave. If you only knew how much you and you're music means to me. The musician comes first. Your words give me so much strength.

[@milesfowler7837]

hey I know that this is an old comment but I hope youre doing good mate

[@candice446]

How are you these days?

[@mlester72]

@RevDickButt we'd love to know if you're ok.

[@RevDickbutt]

@@mlester72 I’m alive, I’m 10 years sober (completely sober). Life is good. Happy to be alive. Thanks for checking :)

[@SonyTrinitron]

I watch this at least once each few months. It's so inspirational and it translates to just about anything in life.

[@montello33]

I am hooked.

[@shitlistt]

Phenomenal!!! I was hooked throughout the entire speech.

[@iamften]

Amazing and inspirational. Like many "poets" who write their poetry to music, he has a way with words. I can name the songs that turned my life around and where I was when I first heard others. His music has gotten me through the last 3 months without losing my mind. I'm glad he found his voice.

[@VeronikaCatt]

Amazing speech. I could have listened for another hour.

[@J0NNYJETSET]

I've watched this about 4 times now, every time I feel the same way. Every musician feels this way, goes through the same scenarios. He words it in the perfect way.

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

I love Dave Grohl. One of the, if not the most, honest, humble, genuine, authentic, creative, normal guys who just happens to front one of the biggest bands in history. I'd say this is an example of what can happen when a person actually releases themselves to the desires of their heart, with reckless abandon.

[@MegaSkillz101]

This was an amazing Keynote! What Dave says can be translated in to how we live of lives, absolutely amazing words for an absolutely amazing man!

[@MyDadsMusic1]

Absolute Brilliance, as always, what more can I say!

[@PhenyxinNC]

One of you. One of us. One of them. Damn.

[@m.pelayo1702]

one of the best I've ever heard. Keep listening to it and learning something new from it every time

[@lauramache3039]

best speech i`ve ever heard

[@markanthonygarrett6264]

This man is awesome! I really love this topic!

[@emilynsator864]

People adore Dave so much because everything he is saying made a lot of sense and we all can relate. And Mr. Garrett you sir did something great too by motivating a lot of people. I just saw your video and they are all amazing! People should watch it! Cheers!

[@Indigo1218]

This was incredibly beautiful and inspiring. I needed this speech.

[@zacharyvonmatterhorn8678]

To me, the definition of the perfect musician is Dave Grohl -- a brilliant drummer, great guitar player and a song writer that continues to grow. Plus, his beard is just too epic. Dave Grohl is the best.

[@ChernovFan100]

7:14 - Brilliant

[@Rustiryan]

He's so cool with it

[@thommytaranto]

That was the most amazing speech I've ever heard. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@palacinkasmarmeladou]

I could listen to this guy 24/7

[@jacestephenweatherall1732]

I could imagine Kurt and Taylor jamming together in heaven, rip both of them.

[@NWDAMU503]

wow daves a story teller.. gotta love dave

[@brz549]

Thank you Dave! Beautifully written and spoken!

[@bongoestevez]

Amazing! i'm so glad i watched this before band practice!

[@TheeDopeAjax]

Legend

[@GeordieHandle]

FRESH POTS!!!

[@thegoodguylives]

bahahahaha i still quote this!

[@mattburns1601]

That was absolutely amazing the best 47 minutes of my life. Such enthusiasm for music. So inspirational!

[@ChadEditorZ]

such an inspiration. his words still resonate with me to this day and will keep on resonating till i die thank u dave grohl

[@leenajad]

Unbelievably perfect speech..

[@mariaborsikova9029]

The best speech ever !!! Love Dave, FF

[@aurorahoya1691]

The world is a better place because of Dave Grohl.

[@darbytat2]

I've watched this several times, and I'm sure I'll watch it again. Bravo, Dave.

[@ryandanford5289]

Hearing Dave talk about coming up via DIY is so kickass

[@StephWilsonAndCo]

Human of the Year.

[@scottchernoff423]

This was an incredible speech. Dave has been a huge role model for myself, and Foo Fighters have been a large part of my life, helping me through the hard times (I owe a lot to The Colour and the Shape) and helping me celebrate the great times. The Musician comes first...words I'll keep in mind from Dave -- he may not be the best at everything, but because he really knows how to do everything and do it well. Thank you for posting this

[@natzm100]

3rd time watched and I still love it x I just love Dave Grohl and all of his work! Always have, always will!

[@frasercooper538]

A true inspiration and fkn legend. Kudos My Hero

[@waseemrkhan]

must for all musician great motivational speech \m/

[@stephcurran]

absolutely amazing

[@kimberlyexosphere9386]

what a great way to start my morning at the station..;) thx so much for posting

[@richsackett3423]

Mr Grohl is the coolest substitute teacher EVER!

[@HillaryCampbell]

I'm in love with him.... in a non-sexual way; in a "I hope I come back as someone as awesome as Dave Grohl" way". He is perfect.

[@Grant25]

+Hillary Campbell interesting...

[@j21corera27]

And I’m in love with Hilary lol

[@lukedelalio3155]

Absolutely wonderful and moving.

[@TheLiz0526]

Love it!

[@GetUAClue]

This interview further affirms the adage "Last of a dying breed". Love Dave. Love NIRVANA 4EVA!

[@GetUAClue]

At 01:06 I turned gay for five seconds.

[@user-pg3sw6kk7v]

inspired me to keep going

[@n.o.mcitizenoftheworld]

Thank you for uploading this, he's motivated me to learn guitar and work hard on my projects :)

[@rofofo96]

Dave, you are my beatles. You did it dude. This is inspiring. Thanks for your words.

[@danieladams8085]

If his life was put into a movie i will buy!!!.. Starting from scream to nirvana to foos to mr David ghrol. His life his legacy his music

[@ChadEklund]

Dave killed it!

[@RandyCasey72]

Rare is it these days can I sit for 45 minutes and smile at everything I watch in a video. Thanks for keeping it real all these years Dave.

[@gomendieta]

awesome speech!!..thanks for share..estoy emocionado!!

[@antony9384]

Cool man

[@AndrewFerrisOnline]

On seeing how long the video was, I never imagined I would be able to last to the end. As Dave left the stage, I wondered A) where had the time gone and B) Why is he finishing, I want to hear more. A true legend.

[@snapascrew]

This is seriously the most inspirational video I've ever watched.

[@m.pelayo1702]

SUch a good speech! every time I listen to it I'm still learning something new. You are a big inspiration