Dave Grohl’s willingness to collaborate with diverse artists is a hallmark of his career. A glance at his extensive discography showcases his openness to working with those whose material resonates with him. From contributing to a St. Vincent record to laying down grooves for Nine Inch Nails, or even joining Boygenius onstage for a lighthearted moment, Grohl’s adaptability is evident. Although he’s now most recognized as the frontman of Foo Fighters, Grohl has admitted that no band has ever felt as natural for him to drum for since Nirvana ended — except for one.
Grohl’s journey back to the drums after Nirvana’s disbandment in the mid-1990s was anything but straightforward. The emotional toll of losing Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s iconic songwriter, left Grohl in a place where even the idea of playing music was daunting. Without Cobain’s songs tying everything together, the notion of drumming again seemed nearly insurmountable.
When Grohl eventually emerged from this difficult period, his first inclination was to join Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. At the time, Petty was facing challenges with his drummer, Stan Lynch, and Grohl stepped in for a performance. Though the experience was enjoyable, Grohl realized his passion lay in creating something heavier and more aligned with his own musical instincts. This led him to establish Foo Fighters, a band that offered him a new creative outlet. Still, as Foo Fighters underwent lineup changes and internal evolution, Grohl sought additional avenues to channel his energy beyond leading the band from the front.
One such opportunity arose in a band he already admired. Grohl had long been vocal about his appreciation for Kyuss during his Nirvana days. When Josh Homme, Kyuss’s guitarist, launched Queens of the Stone Age, Grohl jumped at the chance to join them. Homme’s invitation to play drums on Songs for the Deaf was a perfect fit for Grohl.
The collaboration was a revelation. While Homme’s stoner-rock sensibilities shaped much of the album’s sound, Grohl’s drumming became the true standout. His explosive fills on ‘No One Knows’ and intricate rhythms on ‘Hanging Tree’ showcased a versatility and creativity that stood apart from Foo Fighters’ material at the time. These performances highlighted Grohl’s ability to push boundaries and explore new musical territory.
Though his time with Queens of the Stone Age posed some logistical challenges upon returning to Foo Fighters, Grohl’s connection with Homme remained strong. Reflecting on their collaboration, Grohl once said, “I’ve known Josh since 1991. To this day, I can’t think of another band I would rather play drums for.” This sentiment underscores the unique bond he felt with Homme and the creative synergy they shared.
Grohl’s stint with Queens of the Stone Age also influenced his work with Foo Fighters. On subsequent albums, he experimented with time signatures, as heard in tracks like ‘Times Like These.’ Even when the band returned to a rawer sound on Wasting Light, Grohl’s performance carried a sharpened edge, blending venom and precision that reflected his growth as a musician.
In hindsight, Grohl’s time with Queens of the Stone Age was not merely a side project but a pivotal chapter in his career. It reaffirmed his identity as a drummer while showcasing his enduring ability to evolve and thrive in diverse musical landscapes.
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