Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl On Fear, Creativity, Success 'Addiction' And Nirvana Lessons

Foo Fighters founder, 16-time Grammy winner and Rock & Rock Hall of Famer Dave Grohl talks to MSNBC’s Ari Melber about the life lessons he learned as a drummer for Nirvana, balancing his tremendous drive with the perils of getting “addicted” to accomplishment, and how he approaches global touring, creativity and fear at this stage in his long-ranging career. Grohl also delves into his own values and politics, his time with Pres. Obama, and his relationship and differences with his father. This in-depth discussion is the newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons. (Note: The interview was recorded prior to the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.)
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#AriMelber #MSNBC #foofighters

[@davidmatthews1710]

I never get sick of listening to Dave talk about life and music. He is such a icon

[@LucasPenido]

This should’ve been posted with the date in front of it. This is before the unfortunate passing of Taylor Hawkins. You guys knew what you were doing since Dave hasn’t given an interview since. Show some respect!

[@nicksmith2843]

Right on the money. Embarrassing

[@matthewkurtz9037]

🎯

[@LeadBeatPink]

and why tf is there a cammaro advert in this

[@jismism9515]

Right - I knew something was funny??? BTW: Not really into Grohl's trip 'per say'

[@radiochango]

exactly

[@quentin5837]

This Man and Nirvana helped me through some very very tough times. Not sure if you will ever see this Mr. Grohl, but thank you. Not only did your music help me but the way you carry yourself is absolutely inspiring considering the things you had to endure in front of the world.

[@enriquepastor3626]

X2

[@warpednscared]

Watching Dave with a big smile on his face and laughing while watching a clip of Kurt talking was beautiful!!

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

Right? It took him a long time to get to that point and it’s good to see.

[@jaygeecee13]

As a Boomer, who tried to leave my kids' music to themselves, I came late to Foo Fighters, but better late than never! Dave Grohl is a joy in every way. And when he teams up with Paul McCartney, I totally levitate and leave the planet! It's interesting that he creates music much like Paul has described he does. Genius and so gifted. Great interview.

[@KeonPH]

This is pre-Taylor Hawkins death interview. I haven't seen any interviews post-Taylor Hawkins death aside from his public performance with Paul McCartney.

[@therealwilfreddierkes9980]

That was so awesome. Seeing Paul during the performance give him encouragement, was beyond touching. I was in tears by the end.

[@MrAlanlost]

Is it? Was this posted before the date on the video? I've never seen this and I thought I'd seen everything Dave.

[@KeonPH]

@@MrAlanlost This was when he was promoting his new book.

[@gautexrex]

@@MrAlanlost they have reposted it cause of click views…. There has been total radio silence for 4 months now… the fan base is hungry for any life signals from the Grohl administration

[@MrAlanlost]

@@KeonPH I'm shocked I missed that when it came out. Still a great interview

[@slh35661]

I love how he never takes the bate to talk badly about other people. Instead he keeps the message positive. We need more of this

[@ewanmcconnell7494]

Literally every Howard stern interview with Dave 😂

[@ewanmcconnell7494]

As in Howard tries to bait him and Dave always turns it around into a wholesome message

[@livebaitlarry5783]

bate? i think its bait.

[@SisterFromAnotherPlanet]

@@livebaitlarry5783 I think it's "it's".

[@77Creation]

He’s got that PMA.

[@SteveSmartPoetryandMusic]

Dave Grohl, you are a precious gem. An inspiration in figuring out how we can live as artists, with grace and humility, through both trauma and triumph.

[@ginnyheadrick5734]

Dave Grohl is grounded, funny, and sage. Not every person with his talent can muster those traits. Kudos Foo Fighter!

[@HighlineGuitars]

"The first sound I ever heard upon entering this world was roaring applause." Maybe that should be the standard practice in every delivery room.

[@czgator9000]

Love me some Foo Fighters. RIP Taylor Hawkins.🌹

[@gerrywaneck377]

So inspirational. Thanks from a 73 yo who grew up with Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and The Beatles.

[@ytzpilot]

He’s level of talent is like a younger Jeff Lynn, both play multiple instruments, compose mostly themselves and mad perfectionists and creativity, and both can sell out Wembley and have dedicated fans. Even though their music differs their talents are exceptional

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Me too! And also a huge Zep fan!

[@positivelybobby]

So hard to hear him talk about how hard it was losing Kurt, knowing what he and the band is going through now. If you liked this interview, you will love the book. GET THE AUDIOBOOK, which he reads.

[@smoochievespucci2835]

Listened to the audio book while reading along to the hardcover on an airplane!

[@mikepapahotel]

Smart, accomplished guy who's so good to listen to...

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

Dave is obviously insanely talented, but what I like about him the most is his personality. Dude is a freakin treasure.

[@tallley6748]

What a wonderful interview ! Thank you Ari. Thank you Dave. Seeing Kurt again made me cry. He was so young.

[@kichigan1]

He's a Musicologist. He studies it, explores it, records it and join bands that change the history of music. He's very humble as to give reverence to great bands from the past and gives us his story.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I bought his book as an audiobook because I love to listen to him tell stories. I’m so glad I did ……what a pleasure it was to listen to him tell his stories and share his musings on life and the human condition..

[@RPostVideos]

Flea reads his book too and it's really good!! If you get a chance, check it out. Acid for Children

[@PatrickHawkins]

It was so good! Loved the audiobook!

[@lisascogin6210]

I have the hard copy,but to hear him reading it would be awesome!! I’m going to get it ASAP ❣️😎

[@perrycoffey5410]

@@lisascogin6210 they have it on KZbin

[@lisascogin6210]

@@perrycoffey5410 Thanks for the reply 🌟👵🏻🫶🏼

[@firsttorecess1074]

Foo Fighters isnt a grunge band, but Dave is from that era and what I like about him is that he's so much happeir, more postive and optimistic than the singers of that era. Even though he had a more solid parental foundation than Kurt or Chris Cornell, he had his issues with dropping out, needing music to survive, and finding stardom at a young age. It's nice to see someone who was actually able to navigatr the waves and be here to fulfill his ootential and create such a great catalog of music. He's grounded in his family but not everyone (Kurt and Chris) who becomes a husband and a father is able to do that. This was also a great interview by Ari.

[@GameOver-226]

The first album was pretty Grungy, but the rest is mostly Hard Rock.

[@leticiabromley6013]

It's official..Dave Grohl is a member of America's Sweethearts. No wonder he gets to work with the greats. But you know Taylor is deep in his heart.

[@lisareynolds9734]

He’s amazing, so well spoken. Love, love Dave Grohl.❤️❤️❤️

[@JohnTLyon]

I am self-trained. I can't read music either. But I write, play, see and hear music the same way he does. There's more of us than u think! But through it all, he's remained true to himself, music and the artistic spirit that drives us all, famous or not! Kudos, Dave!

[@claudiarichmann9313]

God I miss Nirvana. Thank God for the Foo Fighters. And thank you Dave Grohl.

[@mosescarolina9733]

I just want too hug him❤ YOU TOO ARI!👊

[@fdrstan]

Wow, what a great interview. I’ve seen Dave interviewed many times over the years, but Ari really asked some cool questions. Dave is a humble legend and I look forward to whatever he’s cooking up next.

[@_Only_Zuul]

i like your name and what you say and i wish to subscribe to your information services 🙂

[@briankennedy1192]

If asked I would say Dave Grohl would feel burnt and probably seriously doesn't know what to do for now, he's lucky to have a happy family by the sounds of it maybe he'll take a rest for a couple of years, can't see him ever retiring from the music though.

[@tracevicente]

Listening to this book now! Dave narrates it too!

[@SpookMrsSpooky]

Yeah, that audiobook is what made me fall in love with him and the Foo Fighters back in November. :)

[@Mialamorena1]

This is a public interest story, not hard news. However, it is thoughtful and well done. I am a new Foo Fighters fan and appreciate greatly how their music captures so many elements of the music of numerous generations. David's and the band's really is a Cinderella story. I adore them and their music.🥰🥰🥰

[@ROOKTABULA]

Read the information below the vid, ever? "This in-depth discussion is the newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons."

[@Mialamorena1]

@@ROOKTABULA Of course.

[@tammysavoie9771]

Dave Grohl is such a genuine person. I could care less about celebrities, politicians and most people I don't know personally. But Dave is one of the few people I would love to hang out with.

[@corinnasanchez5821]

Don't ever stop seeing the music...you're amazing David!!!!

[@ericdavidwallace]

Life changing. What an amazing interview. Dave is someone I really relate to. Such a genuine person. So humble, brave and also a little crazy.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Enjoyed this SO much... Thanks, Ari & Dave!

[@brianm6475]

Great to see Dave “Rocking on”…He is a Maverick in so many ways…and yet still seems like the coolest dude to just hang with…best to ya Dave…🤘🏼

[@averial9831]

Love you Dave - sorry for your loss bud. Hang in there. It, very much, is times like these. ♥️

[@dancollins6171]

Great interview, and great interviewee. Especially the rapid fire questions at the end. (Too quick, really. Ari must've slipped them to him before the interview, right?) I'd love to see Ari do a follow up interview about Taylor and what lies ahead. When Dave's ready. They clearly have a good rapport.

[@jonky5]

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m feeling especially generous today. THANK you, Ari! Thanks for giving us an enjoyable video of an American icon without using him as a political tool!

[@cortical1]

Ari is always quite fair in interviews and factual in his characterizations.

[@johnthompson6374]

Rock and Grohl - The EPIC Battle - Original Song by Nandi Bushell To fully know this story is only a start to understand Dave's soul. ❤

[@thealternativevlog]

Rockers of all ages should speak their minds. Because, us in our 40's and 50's don't pay much attention to what kids in their 20's are doing. Keep speaking. Keep Rocking. Life isn't over just because your kids can rock and roll too.

[@michellelappin8867]

Two of my favorite smart and talented people to listen to : Dave Grohl and Ari Melber. Great interview.

[@juddnelson9582]

What a wonderful interview. Great job Ari!

[@AdrianChazz]

The thing is, on paper, Dave Grohl should exist. The sheer amount of talent and charisma forged by fire by one of the most tragic stories in rock and roll. A man who has gone through a lot of pain and yet remains unbroken. An artist who has seen time and time again that the world will bend at his will and refuses to let it. So, being able to hear him speak, not just now, ANYTIME, it's a miracle. You *can* conquer life, you *can* figure it out, you *can* do it. *Just keep trying.*

[@ewanmcconnell7494]

Just recently read Dave's book. The way he writes is just amazing, he could be telling an anecdote about how a Tesco advert made him feel, or a story only consisting of how he shut his front door on his way to school, and I'd feel something and immediately pick up my guitar and want to write an awesome punk rock n roll tune

[@kelammo]

Grohl is so inviting, I can’t help but listen to every word he speaks. Even rarer- I believe every word ❤️

[@davegrohl8137]

Thanks for the love and encouragement, where are you from?

[@ihateyoutubecomments8100]

The fact that Dave Grohl can sit there and answer the same five questions every single interview for 30 plus years with the same energy and thoughtfulness just blows my mind. Name one other that can do it? I'm waiting...

[@maryhall4232]

Love this! Just so happen to see a person in a Nirvana shirt this noon and my head went to a happy place. Thank you Dave for keeping your head above the fray and being real, esp in Rehoboth. We love your visits!

[@alanashlock3900]

One of THE BEST Drummers Ever! Great Interview!

[@AnnetteTaborn]

That is how you do it. Millions of musicians are like Dave Grohl. Appreciate the gifts you have. ... share. now and forever

[@rbryanhull]

Wow, Ari. Your questions were so thoughtful and inspired great answers!

[@marcjordan29]

That was awesome... They need to lead with ari being the interview host... You KNOW he is going to dig in lyrically... Excellent all the way round

[@__SummerRose]

Great interview thanks. Love, love, love Dave Grohl ~ hurry back to Australia 💖

[@TamarChante]

Excellent interview! Thanks so much :)

[@pbeezum]

Great to see you Dave. You made part of my world, thanks.

[@tamsinspooner2702]

A great guy. Thanks Dave!! It's heart wrenching to know he is suffering with grief.

[@PattySoffer]

Amazing human. Thank you.

[@arianprofit]

Very good interview and well thought out questions. Enjoyed it!

[@lindawilliams2211]

Thank you Ari. This was a beautiful Interview. I love Dave, he is so special . ❤ I Love watching him play the drums the most. But there is nothing he cannot do. Love you both Ari & Dave. Peace. Bless you Dave, I hope you are Doing well and all the Foos. Speaking of Bob Dylan, I stood in the rain in the late 90's to watch him play. It was at a Memphis In May concert. Most everyone left. I thought, What is wrong with you guys? lol. I stood in the rain for about 2 hours With a smile on my face. Enjoyed every second . 😃 😊 Dave, Violet has a beautiful voice. I cannot wait to see her future... the sky Is the limit... ❤

[@heatherh3330]

Lol... Dave every good Dad is a Sherpa ❤️ I'm so happy to see this interview!

[@kathyterpstra6857]

He's great in so many ways. Love his smile.

[@davegrohl8137]

Thanks for the love and encouragement, where are you from?

[@MyAmbianceLiveNow]

I hear that song in my head all the time Dave

[@barbr8012]

I just love Dave Grohl and have such high respect for him. I could say so much as to why; but, for those that understand, you know what I am talking about. I read his book and highly recommend. There are several funny things that happened with Taylor and I am not going to give anything away to ruin it. Love the Foos and so miss dear Taylor!!!

[@glennahendren5055]

Excellent interview!! Thank you! An Amazing talent, Mr. Grohl is.

[@asharpbflat7179]

Seeing him smiling in this one and i just cannot imagine how dark and painful this year must feel for him now. It scares me to think of Dave since Taylor's death and I'm very sure there will be no Foo Fighters anymore. Dave will always do music, but maybe not as a front man for quite a while, and it's heartbreaking. I'm sure this one hits just even harder than Kurt. How dark must everything feel for him now. And from a family dad's pov. Hope his family will also give him strength, they'll be moaning together. I totally get he'll be unable to being interviewed at the moment. Dave, we need you to heal and come back as how you've always been. Please stop doubting who you were, it leads to nothing, and if you need it, please seek help too. You're the voice of compassion, love and empowerment. Yes, new generations have voices of their own, but so many people of my generation (x) still need YOU, to remind us again and again, not to give up on the world. It always helped me to hear you, being that positive and kind, humble mind. (Sorry english isn't my native language.)

[@ww7883]

It's a good book. Worth the read.

[@Grungycat67]

Dave is an incredible human being. And his talent is unmatched 🩷

[@rmyrick2451]

Well. I love Dave and his music so much, I only wish this had been much more recent. I know he’ll speak when he’s ready, or maybe he won’t, but I was under the impression with the tweets laid out by Ari, MSNBC and on his show’s specific Twitter page, that it was taped recently. 😕

[@SpookMrsSpooky]

Same here. A LOT of people thought that.

[@mattg082]

In September they will do a LA and London tribute to Taylor. Dave will be playing, and they’ll have other musicians filling in on drums. As well as different takes on stuff. So I think that’s when we will see that happen. He came to my neighborhood area in New Orleans recently to hang out, and he’s been spotted just watching other bands, being a crowd member. But I think it’ll be under wraps till September

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@mattg082 thanks for sharing this info.

[@TobleroneCraft]

He truly is the Nicest Guy In Rock

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Well…one of them for sure! I also place Brian May in that category.

[@birdiedog5]

Taylor Hawkins, Chris Martin from coldplay

[@GhostFirl_66]

Foo fighters saves my life. I owe you it all. All of me.

[@davegrohl8137]

Thanks for the love and encouragement, where are you from?

[@GameOver-226]

​@@davegrohl8137 Omg, that's Fake Grohl!

[@shanarobinson7672]

This interview was amazing!!!

[@josephr.lejeune4539]

Beautiful. Thank you!

[@rhondalemley4898]

I love Dave He is an amazing human ❤️

[@SKragseth]

Great interview!

[@janet6087]

The book is awesome to read. Great inspiration and positive feelings as reading.

[@Davenat]

This was a great interview.

[@maru90404]

He is so awesome!

[@kellys8051]

Two of my favorite people in the world. Great interview!

[@underyourscars7181]

💜Love Dave!

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Love me some Dave!!!♥️✊🏽💯

[@martislade5434]

I. Love. Him.

[@beachboy13600]

definitely my favorite rock star

[@DownwardElevator]

Dave is the Keanu Reeves of music.

[@MrAlanlost]

What an amazing person. Dave Grohl is a personal hero of mine. Excellent interview by Ari and such class by not trying to pull in a comment about Taylor. This segment is great stuff! Thanks to Ari, Dave and MSNBC

[@logankowarsky2445]

Dave's wearing a Foufs shirt in video's pic. Legendary bar in my town, Montréal Canada. If you know, you know!

[@thechazdarby]

I love this guy so much.

[@cerisestudiobyelenyv7353]

This was an amazing, super intelligent interview!

[@SpookyRedz]

I love both bands but man , that guy gave and gave

[@franco7363]

Actually a great interview.

[@p.scottl3447]

Firsts after big loss really can be quite difficult. Some of them are strange firsts like Dave talks about, not just like first Holidays after someone passes.

[@gerrithoevers]

My freshman year I joined the high school band but couldn't read music or play an instrument. I ended up playing tuba for 3 years but never learned to read music. I used to take my tuba home and taught myself to play intro songs to TV shows. I think if you're determined to learn something you can do anything.

[@Gittere71]

What a great dude and a great interview

[@philipevans1027]

Just an amazing man with true goals in life . Family 1st love you m8

[@mailbox4820]

Dave is fabulous

[@miriamluskberry]

Love Dave Grohl. The best of the best.

[@slothin21]

I feel so bad for Dave. Losing both Kurt and now Taylor is crushing. He will have pressure on himself to make music, but this one might take a while. Taylor was the backbone of this band.

[@atrainofthought99]

Agreed same and he also lost his mom 5 months after Taylor 💔

[@STEVEVARVOUNIS]

What an awesome guy, that Dave.

[@joannabrinkley8266]

“Learn to fly”…..literally and figuratively. I was into Everlong and it’s dreamlike state-which reminds Me of the Composer: Kaija Saariaho Who also was gifted w/synesthesia-as a Girl She asked Her Mom if She could turn off Her pillow-due to Her ‘seeing’ musical Brain….Dave is in STELLAR Company…literally and figuratively! *I always appreciate hearing how People move with and through the tides of grief….it’s kinda like an undertow-where the fear of facing it keeps you swimming away/exhausted, instead of allowing it to take You out of Your depth to a different perspective…You still see the Beach, but now a safe way back. Digging this Mavericks Series!

[@AudioReplica2023]

Synesthesia- I first heard about this from Adam Nelly YT channel but never thought about researching about it since I thought it was only me in my head thinking like that. An interesting topic since not everybody experience it the same way.

[@lakerunner5085]

Bumped into a truck driver today who had toured with the Foo Fighters but was in town working for Taylor Swift and he said Grohl is so down to earth, said you’d never know he had money.

[@chclnp]

Great interview Ari, Dave is amazing!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Ari….if you could ever interview Robert Plant…….He’s been a maverick all his life…..and you would be the perfect person to approach him from that angle. Dan Rather did an excellent job…but seeing this interview…..I think you would be the one.

[@nancysnyder2840]

I can’t admire Dave Grohl anymore than I do now!! 😃

[@davegrohl8137]

Thanks for the love and encouragement, where are you from?

[@Alex-js5lg]

I LOVE the idea that Dave was hardwired from birth to need applause.