Dave Grohl’s musical palate stands out in the realm of rockstars, showcasing an eclectic taste that surpasses conventional boundaries. While he cherishes the Led Zeppelin records of his youth, Grohl’s songwriting reflects a dynamic fusion of influences, spanning from the iconic sounds of Prince to the infectious beats of ABBA.
Amidst his diverse musical explorations, there’s one rock and roll classic that continually captivates him, a timeless source of inspiration that never loses its allure.
Delving into Grohl’s musical journey reveals a childhood where his affinity for heavier sounds distinguished him from his peers. While classic rock and pop resonated through the airwaves, the punk movement left an indelible mark on him, turning his world upside down upon his first encounter. His stint with the hardcore punk legends Scream eventually paved the way for a transformative chapter with the Seattle band Nirvana, forever altering the trajectory of both Grohl’s life and the rock scene itself.
Throughout his tenure with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, Grohl consistently sought to infuse a sense of weightiness into his music. Amidst the distortion and thunderous drums prevalent in his compositions, the focal point remained the meticulous crafting of melodies, a testament to his musical finesse.
As Grohl ventured into songwriting, his ears embraced a wide spectrum of influences. During the creation of albums like “There Is Nothing Left to Lose,” he found himself drawn to the enchanting allure of 1970s AM radio rock, exemplified by bands like 10cc. This inclination shaped the optimistic sounds permeating tracks such as ‘Next Year’ and ‘Learn to Fly.’
Beyond the realm of radio rock, Grohl consistently returned to the timeless allure of The Beatles. His early foray into guitar chords coincided with the acquisition of a Beatles songbook, an education he believes encapsulates all a budding musician needs to learn about crafting a compelling song.
While Grohl often extols the harsher tones of The Beatles, particularly praising ‘Hey Bulldog,’ a special fondness resides in his heart for the Fab Four’s ballads. Despite attempting live renditions of songs like ‘Blackbird,’ it’s ‘Julia’ that holds a unique grip on Grohl’s musical soul. Describing John Lennon’s ode to his mother, Grohl expresses a profound connection, envisioning it as the epitome of a beautiful, life-defining song. “Julia” possesses an otherworldly quality in its delicate blend of guitar and vocals, a composition that continues to mesmerize Grohl, drawing him in with each successive play.
The sentiment towards ‘Julia’ extends beyond Grohl alone. During the recording sessions for what would become Nirvana’s seminal album “Nevermind,” producer Butch Vig recalls Kurt Cobain attempting to play ‘Julia’ between takes of the band’s acoustic material. While Grohl has penned enduring songs of his own, ‘Julia’ remains the aspirational benchmark whenever he endeavors to create a soul-stirring ballad.