Foo Fighters: A Glance into History and Passion
Wesley Sundberg | Artist: Foo Fighters | USD Radio
The Foo Fighters are one of the most original and historied rock bands of all time. The band consists of lead vocalist/guitarist: Dave Grohl, drummer: Taylor Hawkins, lead guitarist: Chris Shiflett, rhythm guitarist: Pat Smear, and bass guitarist: Nate Mendel. All of the band members have a rich history with rock music in a variety of ways. They were all involved with other bands before the talent amalgamation that is the Foo Fighters was born. Taylor Hawkins appears on Slash’s solo album and worked as the drummer for Alanis Morissette. Chris Shiflett was most notably a part of the band No Use for a Name in addition to other bands. Pat Smear was the guitarist for famed punk rock band Germs and would work with Nirvana on tour. Nate Mendel was initially very dedicated to his band Sunny Day Real Estate prior to deciding to be dedicated fully to the Foo Fighters. Lastly, Dave Grohl was the drummer for many bands including Nivana and Queens of the Stone Age. Most of the members are still dedicated to side projects or appearing on other albums and tours when they are not creating an album as the Foo Fighters.
The Foo Fighters avoid the sound of generic rock by constantly maintaining a passion for their music and a willingness to evolve and change their sound. No one song sounds the same as the last. The group’s passion has led to a consistent evolution of their music in terms of style and sound. In their 2014 album, Sonic Highways, the band travelled across the US to the cities that they believed had the biggest influences on music in America. It is an album of eight unique songs that perfectly represent the cities that they were crafted in. The Foo Fighters are also willing to collaborate with any artists who either performs vocals or plays an instrument which allows them to harmonize with the Foo Fighters and create something more epic than what either artist could do individually. Their latest album, Concrete and Gold, features a wide variety of guests that include: Justin Timberlake, Paul McCartney, and even Shawn Stockman of the R&B group Boyz II Men.
There is an iconic sound specific to the Foo Fighters that has been perfected over time thanks to innovation and powerful roots in the genre of rock itself. This sound is one that involves whaling guitars and meteoric drums which are complemented by Grohl’s explosive voice. They sing songs that shake their listeners to the core and bring about a wonderful energy. This is a band that exudes passion for music that transfers directly to the listener as they find themselves headbanging and singing along to genuinely great music. If you hear one song, the unique melodies, vocals, and sound will definitely have you coming back for more.
The Foo Fighters will be starting their tour in America on April 18th in Austin, Texas. I would highly recommend seeing them live because they put on an amazing performance that has little to no breaks. They interact with the audience and want to perform for the listeners to ensure that they have a great time. Nothing but love and respect for the band that made my first concert so fun and memorable.
Recommended if you like: Queens of the Stone Age, Alice in Chains, and Audioslave
Song Highlights: “Walk,” “The Pretender,” and “Congregation”