Dave Grohl has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most powerful frontmen in modern rock, propelling Foo Fighters from a beloved underground alt-rock band to global stadium headliners. Nevertheless, some of his most remarkable contributions have taken place not as a guitarist or singer. Rather, as a drummer, he passionately unleashes his energy. Known for his role as the influential drummer of grunge legends Nirvana, supporting Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. Grohl has also showcased his skills with Queens of the Stone Age alongside Josh Homme. Deep down, Grohl’s true passion lies in drumming above all else.
After the unfortunate end of Nirvana, Grohl could have easily chosen to fade away from the limelight of his previous successes. Instead, he became a significant presence, establishing the Foo Fighters, a band that would revolutionize the sound of alternative rock. With hit songs like ‘Everlong’, ‘The Pretender’, and ‘My Hero’, Grohl showcased his talent for creating catchy tunes and powerful guitar riffs that could fill stadiums.
In addition to being an incredibly skilled musician, capable of playing nearly any instrument and producing a harmonious melody, Grohl is also known for his kind and amiable nature. The type of person who is not afraid to let loose, indulge in some wild behavior, and yet still prioritize spending quality time with the children present. It indicates that he, in contrast to the competitive nature prevalent in the industry, has always been willing to generously praise his peers. Notably, selecting some of his all-time favorite drummers.
Undoubtedly, Grohl’s legendary status has led his fans to wonder about his preferred drummers. Which percussionists inspired and influenced the young musician, shaping him into a rock and roll icon? Here, we delve into the answers…
Dave Grohl’s favourite drummers:
Neil Peart
Neil Peart, a man closely associated with the Foo Fighters singer, had the opportunity to perform with his Rush bandmates. However, Grohl promptly distanced himself from the opportunity. It was rumored that following Peart’s retirement from working with Rush, there was speculation. Dave Grohl potentially assists Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson by taking on Peart’s role behind the kit. It was a daunting prospect for dedicated fan Grohl.
Following Peart’s passing, Grohl paid tribute. He expressed how Peart’s unmistakable sound inspired millions and influenced generations of musicians, including himself, to pursue their dreams with a pair of drumsticks. A talented individual who captivated our ears and hearts with his drumming skills and poetic lyrics. I can still recall the impact that ‘2112’ had on me when I was younger. It was my initial experience of truly paying attention to a drummer. And ever since that day, music has undergone a profound transformation. His exceptional skills, attention to detail, and ability to create compelling pieces were unmatched. He earned the nickname ‘The Professor’ for a reason: we all gained knowledge from his teachings.”
In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, he was asked about the possibility of replacing Peart for a show. His response was humble and realistic, stating that he is not physically or musically capable, but expressing gratitude for the offer. Neil Peart, he’s on a whole different level, a unique breed of drummer.
Neil Peart’s influence on rock music and popular culture will be felt for generations to come. He was not just a drummer, but also a poet, philosopher, and visionary. As the echoes of his drumsticks fade away, his impact on the world of rock ‘n’ roll will never be forgotten. It serves as a reminder of the lasting influence that artistic genius and creative freedom can have.
Meg White
During the same conversation, Grohl also mentioned that he has a deep admiration for a percussionist who is often criticized in contemporary music. When talking about his potential involvement in Rush, Grohl made a comparison. He said, “I understand the arrangements, but I’m like Meg White to Neil Peart.”
Although it may have appeared as a slight towards the renowned drummer, Grohl promptly clarified that he holds White in high regard. She’s amazing on the drums! Grohl expressed his admiration for her drumming skills, stating that her unique sound is instantly recognizable even within a short 15-second recording. This level of distinctiveness has always been highly regarded by Grohl.
“That has consistently been the obstacle.” You want to know when you hear it, like, you’re like, “Oh, that’s John Bonham. Oh, that’s Charlie Watts. That’s Ringo. Oh, that’s Stewart Copeland. That’s Meg White. It’s truly impressive to see recognition given to a talented individual who has frequently been underestimated for her vital contribution to The White Stripes’ success.
John Bonham
One drummer on this list of Grohl’s favorites has been consistently compared to the Foo Fighters man. Ever since he burst onto the scene as the man behind the kit for Nirvana—the legendary John Bonham. A significant portion of that comparison arose when Kurt Cobain mentioned the renowned drummer of Led Zeppelin. He noted that Bonham was similar to Grohl in an interview.
Grohl had a deep admiration for Bonham, frequently acknowledging him as the best drummer of all time. Grohl wrote in Mojo that John Bonham is the greatest rock drummer of all time. Bonham’s playing was a direct expression of his emotions. Although his drumming had its imperfections, there were moments when he found a rhythm so profound that it resonated like a pulsating heartbeat. He possessed a frenzied sense of chaos, yet he also had an unparalleled intuition. And he had a range of options at his disposal – he could swing, he could get on top, or he could pull back.
He mentioned that Led Zeppelin, particularly John Bonham’s drumming, had a profound impact on his musical taste.
We’re grateful that he did because, without Grohl, we would be missing out on two of the more impressive bands in modern rock. Exploring the band’s discography from the start is often how they capture our hearts. Examining the ‘Moby Dick’ solo, the performance Grohl considers the greatest of all time, it’s difficult to dispute the musician’s evaluation.
Stewart Copeland
Similarly, one can praise Stewart Copeland, another drummer favored by Grohl. “I grew up listening to The Police,” Grohl reflected as he assessed the legendary musician’s output. During the interview, Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins fondly recalled their enduring friendship with the percussionist from the Police.
Grohl recalls: “One of the most memorable moments for our band was when we flew Stewart on a private jet from New York to Los Angeles. We invited Stewart to join us on stage and perform ‘Next To You,’ and it was an incredibly enjoyable experience.”
“Then we boarded the private plane,” remarked Grohl, clearly captivated by the experience, “And I simply sat there, contemplating the direction of my life at that moment.” Simply sitting and listening to the tales of ‘the band’ was an unforgettable experience.
Following the unfortunate death of Taylor Hawkins, a tragic event would reunite the two stars once more. Copeland traveled to London to join Grohl in an awe-inspiring tribute performance.
Ringo Starr
Grohl holds a special admiration for a particular drummer, often underappreciated despite his immense talent – Ringo Starr. Starr’s unique style, developed during his time with The Beatles, captivated listeners and inspired young musicians to take up drumming.
We don’t need to explain all the reasons why you might be mistaken if you believe that Ringo isn’t on par with the greatest. Instead, we’ll allow Dave Grohl to encapsulate it for you. In a tribute video for Starr’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Grohl acknowledged the baseless criticism surrounding Ringo’s drumming style. He asked, “What does it mean to be the ‘best drummer in the world’?”
Is the person skilled in technical aspects? Or is it someone who immerses themselves in the music, adding their unique touch? Ringo had an unparalleled ability to evoke emotions.
