Dave Grohl is one of modern rock’s biggest names. From his days as the drummer in Nirvana to leading Foo Fighters, Grohl’s career has spanned decades and genres. He’s worked with everyone from Queens of the Stone Age to diving into disco-inspired tracks with the Foos. But when it comes to the roots of his passion, there’s one band that stands above the rest for him—Led Zeppelin.
The Band That Made It All Possible
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Grohl shared how much of an impact Led Zeppelin had on his life and career. He believes the band didn’t just influence him—they laid the foundation for everything that followed.
“Heavy metal would not exist without Led Zeppelin, and if it did, it would suck,” he said plainly.
That one sentence sums up Grohl’s view of their legacy. To him, Zeppelin wasn’t just another classic rock band—they were the blueprint for intensity, passion, and innovation in rock music.
More Than Just Music
Grohl is especially vocal about his admiration for Zeppelin’s drummer, John Bonham. As a drummer himself, it’s no surprise Bonham is one of his heroes. But Grohl’s love for Zeppelin goes beyond that.
“They were more than just a band,” he said. “They were the perfect combination of passion, mystery, and expertise.”
He explained how Zeppelin always seemed to be chasing something new. They weren’t satisfied doing the same thing. They explored different sounds, styles, and moods. For Grohl, that adventurous spirit shaped his own approach to making music.
A Band That Felt Like Escape
Growing up, Zeppelin offered Grohl more than just songs to play along with. Their music gave him a way out—a form of escape.
“There was a fantasy element to everything they did,” he recalled. “It was a major part of what made them so important.”
He even joked about how their influence might’ve reached beyond music, saying:
“Who knows if we’d all be watching Lord of the Rings right now if it wasn’t for Zeppelin.”
The Critics Didn’t Get It—At First
While Zeppelin is now widely praised, Grohl pointed out they weren’t always appreciated by critics during their prime.
“They were too experimental, too fringe,” he said.
And it’s true—despite record-breaking sales and sold-out shows, critics often didn’t know how to categorize or understand what the band was doing. But Grohl argues that’s what made them special.
A Legacy That Shaped Rock
Led Zeppelin never liked being labeled as the creators of heavy metal, but their sound influenced generations of rock bands. For Grohl and many musicians like him, Zeppelin’s music was the launchpad. Without them, he believes we might not have much of the rock music we know today.
