David Eric Grohl (born January 14, 1969) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the drummer for Nirvana and the founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for Foo Fighters. Grohl's career spans multiple decades, and he has become one of the most influential figures in rock music.
Timeline of Career Highlights
1986: Joins the Washington, D.C. hardcore punk band Scream as their drummer.
1990: Joins Nirvana as their drummer, contributing to the band's breakthrough success.
1991: Nirvana releases "Nevermind," which becomes a cultural phenomenon.
1994: Following Kurt Cobain's death, Grohl forms Foo Fighters
1995: Releases Foo Fighters' self-titled debut album.
1997: Foo Fighters release "The Colour and the Shape," establishing them as a major rock act.
2009: Forms supergroup Them Crooked Vultures with Josh Homme and John Paul Jones.
2014: Releases the documentary series "Sonic Highways," exploring the musical history of different American cities.
Bands He Has Played With
- Alanis Morissette he played drums for her band, notably on "Jagged Little Pill"
- Scream: Early career as drummer.
- Nirvana: Drummer from 1990 until Kurt Cobain's death in 1994.
- Foo Fighters: Founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter.
- Them Crooked Vultures: Drummer and backing vocalist.
- Queens of the Stone Age:drummer on several occasions.
- Paul McCartney
Albums With Nirvana
1. Nevermind (1991)
2. In Utero (1993)
3. MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)
Albums With Foo Fighters
click here for full discography
Albums With Them Crooked Vultures
1. Them Crooked Vultures (2009)
Kit
Drums: DW Drums, Tama Drums (during Nirvana era)
Cymbals: Zildjian
Sticks: Zildjian Dave Grohl Artist Series
Guitars: (Foo Fighters) Gibson Trini Lopez, Gibson DG-335
Amps: Mesa/Boogie, Fender
Sound
Dave Grohl's drumming style is characterized by its power, precision, and energy. He is known for his hard-hitting, aggressive playing, which became a defining element of Nirvana's sound.
As a guitarist and vocalist for Foo Fighters, Grohl's music blends melodic rock with hard rock and punk influences, featuring strong hooks, anthemic choruses, and emotional intensity.
Notable Albums
- Alanis Morrisette: Jagged Little Pill
- Nirvana: "Nevermind," "In Utero," "MTV Unplugged in New York"
- Foo Fighters: "The Colour and the Shape," "There Is Nothing Left to Lose," "Wasting Light," "Sonic Highways"
- Them Crooked Vultures: "Them Crooked Vultures"
Grammy Awards
1996: Best Alternative Music Performance for "MTV Unplugged in New York" (with Nirvana).
2001: Best Rock Album for "There Is Nothing Left to Lose" (Foo Fighters).
2004: Best Rock Album for "One by One" (Foo Fighters).
2012: Best Rock Album for "Wasting Light" (Foo Fighters).
Multiple other Grammy Awards across various categories.
Collaborations and Cover Versions
Collaborated with: Paul McCartney, Queens of the Stone Age, Nine Inch Nails, David Bowie, and many more.
Dave Grohl Quotes
I love being a drummer. Everyone thinks you're dumb. What they don't realize is that if it weren't for you, their band would suck.
Gossip and Trivia
Feud with Courtney Love: There has been well-publicized tension between Grohl and Courtney Love (Kurt Cobain’s wife) over the years.
Injuries: Famously broke his leg during a Foo Fighters concert in 2015 but continued the tour with a throne designed to hold his leg.
Documentaries: Grohl has produced and directed several music documentaries, including "Sound City" and "Sonic Highways."
Dave Grohl's Legacy
Dave Grohl's impact on rock music, and his ability to continually reinvent himself have cemented his status as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
Dave Grohl ratings
Dave Grohl Albums
See also Dave Grohl Discography
Gear: Mesa/Boogie amplifier Gibson ES-335 Fender amplifier