Dave Grohl’s love for rock and roll is undeniable, and the Foo Fighters frontman never shies away from paying tribute to the classics.
While covering hip-hop tunes may not be his go-to, Grohl often sprinkles in guitar riffs from his favorite rock acts during Foo Fighters’ live gigs, wearing his influences on his sleeve.
However, there’s one band Grohl believes is simply untouchable: Led Zeppelin.
Known for their energetic and often unpredictable performances, Foo Fighters have a reputation for flying off the rails during shows.
Whether it’s Grohl attempting Freddie Mercury’s high notes in a cover of Queen’s “Under Pressure” or the band rocking out to Kiss, no one is surprised when they throw a curveball into their set. But when it comes to Led Zeppelin, Grohl draws a line in the sand.
For Grohl, Zeppelin isn’t just a band; they are practically deities in the world of rock. The minute “Good Times Bad Times” hit the airwaves, Jimmy Page and company set a template that would define hard rock and heavy metal for generations.
To Grohl, Zeppelin’s influence is immeasurable. Their blues-infused hard rock sound didn’t just shape the music world; it created it.
However, the weight of Zeppelin’s shadow looms large, and not all of their successors managed to capture the same magic.
While Page and Robert Plant crafted iconic riffs, many imitators followed in their footsteps, often lacking the same creativity or power. This led to a wave of hard rock bands that fell short of Zeppelin’s mastery, a trend Grohl indirectly helped push aside during his time in the grunge scene.
Grohl believes that some music is simply sacred, and for him, Led Zeppelin is untouchable.
When asked about covering Zeppelin songs, Grohl bluntly stated, “No one should cover Zeppelin. That’s like slapping your Grandma in the face.” It’s a bold statement, but one that shows just how much he reveres the legendary band.
Even though Grohl has tackled Zeppelin tracks before, he’s done so with the highest respect—and some legendary help.
At Wembley Stadium, Grohl and the Foo Fighters were joined by Zeppelin’s own Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones for a raucous rendition of “Rock and Roll.” For Grohl, having these rock gods share the stage was like being anointed in rock and roll royalty.
As much as Grohl worships John Bonham’s drumming, even he acknowledges that some bands are beyond covers. In his mind, it’s impossible to improve on Zeppelin’s perfection. Because, really, who can reshape “Whole Lotta Love” when the ultimate version already exists?
