Foo Fighters facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters at Glastonbury Festival 2023. From left: Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Josh Freese and Pat Smear.
Background information
Also known as	The Holy Shits Dee Gees The ChurnUps
Origin	Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock post-grunge hard rock grunge
Years active	1994–present
Labels	Roswell Capitol RCA
Members	Dave Grohl Nate Mendel Pat Smear Chris Shiflett Rami Jaffee Josh Freese
Past members	William Goldsmith Franz Stahl Taylor Hawkins

Foo Fighters is a famous American rock band that started in Seattle in 1994. It began as a solo project by Dave Grohl, who used to be the drummer for the band Nirvana.

Today, the band includes Dave Grohl (who sings and plays guitar), Nate Mendel (bass guitar), Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear (guitars), Rami Jaffee (keyboards), and Josh Freese (drums). Some past members include drummers William Goldsmith and Taylor Hawkins, and guitarist Franz Stahl.

Dave Grohl started Foo Fighters after Nirvana broke up in 1994. He wanted to release his own music. Before their first album came out in 1995, he asked Nate Mendel, William Goldsmith, and Pat Smear to join him. The band played their first public show in February 1995.

William Goldsmith left the band while they were recording their second album, The Colour and the Shape (1997). Dave Grohl re-recorded most of the drum parts himself. Pat Smear also left the band soon after.

Taylor Hawkins and Franz Stahl joined the band as replacements. Franz Stahl was later fired before their third album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose (1999). The band then became a trio for a short time. Chris Shiflett joined after the album was finished, making the main lineup stronger.

Foo Fighters have won many awards, including 15 Grammy Awards. They have won "Best Rock Album" five times, which makes them one of the most successful rock bands in Grammy history. In 2021, they received the "Global Icon" award at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. They were also added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, the first year they were eligible.

Band History

How the Band Started (1990–1994)

Dave Grohl (pictured in 2019) started Foo Fighters after his band Nirvana ended in 1994.

In 1990, Dave Grohl became the drummer for the famous band Nirvana. While touring, he would write his own songs on guitar. He was a bit shy to share them because he admired Nirvana's singer, Kurt Cobain, so much. Grohl sometimes recorded his songs by himself.

Nirvana broke up after Kurt Cobain passed away in 1994. Many people wanted Dave Grohl to join their bands. He almost became the drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. But Grohl wanted to do something different. He decided to record 15 of his own songs in a studio in October 1994. He played almost all the instruments and sang all the vocals himself. He finished the album in just five days!

Grohl wanted to release these songs secretly under the name Foo Fighters. This name came from "foo fighter", a World War II term for unidentified flying objects (UFOs). He hoped people would think the music was made by a group, not just one person. He later said it was "the stupidest band name in the world" if he had known it would become his career. But the songs became popular, and record labels became interested.

Forming the Band and First Album (1994–1995)

To play the songs live, Grohl needed a band. He asked Nate Mendel (bass) and William Goldsmith (drums) to join. They were from a band called Sunny Day Real Estate. Pat Smear, who had toured with Nirvana, joined as the second guitarist. Grohl then signed a deal with Capitol Records to release the album on his own label, Roswell Records.

Foo Fighters played their first public show on February 23, 1995, in Arcata, California. They also played shows in Portland and Seattle. Their first song, "This Is a Call", came out in June 1995. Their first album, Foo Fighters, was released the next month. Other popular songs from this album included "I'll Stick Around" and "Big Me". The band spent the next few months touring, including their first performance at the Reading Festival in England.

The Colour and the Shape (1996–1997)

Foo Fighters performing at Phoenix Festival in 1996

After touring in 1996, Foo Fighters went to record their second album. Dave Grohl wrote all the songs, but the band worked together on the music. During recording, Grohl wasn't happy with the drumming. He re-recorded most of William Goldsmith's drum parts himself. Goldsmith felt upset and left the band.

Long-time drummer Taylor Hawkins (pictured in 2017) joined the band in 1997.

Grohl needed a new drummer. He asked Alanis Morissette's touring drummer, Taylor Hawkins, for advice. Grohl was surprised when Hawkins offered to join the band himself! Hawkins joined just in time for the release of their second album, The Colour and the Shape, in May 1997. This album had popular songs like "Monkey Wrench", "Everlong", and "My Hero".

Pat Smear left the band in 1997 because he was tired from touring. Franz Stahl, Grohl's old bandmate from Scream, replaced him. Stahl toured with the band for a few months.

There Is Nothing Left to Lose (1998–2001)

In 1998, Foo Fighters went to Dave Grohl's home in Virginia to write their third album. But Grohl and Franz Stahl had trouble writing songs together. Grohl decided to let Stahl go. Soon after, Nate Mendel almost quit but changed his mind the next day. The remaining three members—Grohl, Mendel, and Hawkins—recorded their third album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose, at Grohl's home studio.

This album had several hit songs, including "Learn to Fly", which was their first song to reach the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other singles were "Stacked Actors" and "Breakout".

Chris Shiflett (pictured in 2017) joined as guitarist in 1999.

After the album was finished, the band looked for a new guitarist. They chose Chris Shiflett, who had played in other punk bands. Shiflett first joined as a touring guitarist but soon became a full-time member.

Around 2001, Foo Fighters became friends with the famous English rock band Queen. Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins were big fans. They even helped induct Queen into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Queen's guitarist Brian May also played on some Foo Fighters songs. Foo Fighters and Queen have performed together many times since then.

One by One (2001–2004)

Grohl performing with Foo Fighters in 2003

Near the end of 2001, Foo Fighters started recording their fourth album. After four months, they felt the album "just didn't sound right." The band was having many arguments and almost broke up. Grohl took a break to help another band, Queens of the Stone Age.

After that, Grohl, Hawkins, Shiflett, and Mendel played at the Coachella Festival. Hawkins and Grohl talked about finishing One by One. After a great performance, they decided to stay together. They re-recorded almost the entire album in just ten days at Grohl's home studio.

The album was released in October 2002 as One by One. Popular songs from this album included "All My Life" and "Times Like These". The band toured a lot for this album, including headlining the 2002 Reading and Leeds Festivals.

In Your Honor (2005–2006)

Grohl performing with Foo Fighters in 2006

After touring for One by One for a year and a half, Grohl didn't want to rush into another album. He first planned to write acoustic songs by himself, but the whole band eventually joined in. They built a new recording studio in Los Angeles. Grohl wanted the album to have two parts: one with rock songs and one with acoustic songs.

Their fifth album, In Your Honor, was released in June 2005. Singles from this album included "Best of You" and "DOA".

In June 2006, Foo Fighters played their biggest concert outside of a festival at Hyde Park in London. Lemmy from Motörhead joined them on stage. As a surprise, Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen also joined them to play parts of "We Will Rock You" and "Tie Your Mother Down".

The band also did a short acoustic tour in 2006. Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee (keyboards), and others joined them for these shows. They played acoustic versions of their songs and some lesser-known tracks. In November 2006, they released their first live CD, Skin and Bones, from these acoustic shows.

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007–2009)

Foo Fighters performing live in 2007

For their next album, the band worked again with Gil Norton, who produced The Colour and the Shape. Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace was released on September 25, 2007. The first song, "The Pretender", was very popular and stayed at the top of the Modern Rock chart for 19 weeks. Other singles included "Long Road to Ruin" and "Let It Die".

In October 2007, Foo Fighters started a world tour for the album. They played shows across many countries. During this tour, Pat Smear officially returned to the band as a touring member.

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace was nominated for five Grammy Awards in 2008. Foo Fighters won "Best Rock Album" and "Best Hard Rock Performance" for "The Pretender".

Hawkins (second from left) and Grohl (right) with John Paul Jones (left) and Jimmy Page (second from right) of Led Zeppelin performing at Wembley Stadium, London, in 2008

On June 7, 2008, the band played at Wembley Stadium in London. Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin joined them on stage. They played Led Zeppelin songs like "Rock and Roll" and "Ramble On". Dave Grohl was very excited, calling it "the greatest day of my whole entire life!"

Wasting Light (2010–2012)

Foo Fighters in 2009. From left to right: Hawkins, Shiflett, Grohl, Mendel.

In August 2010, the band started recording their seventh album with producer Butch Vig. This album was special because it was recorded in Dave Grohl's garage using only old-fashioned analog equipment, with no computers. The album won five Grammys. Pat Smear was officially back as a full member of the band and played on every song.

The first song from Wasting Light, "Rope", was released in February 2011. Wasting Light became the band's first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Other popular songs from the album included "Walk" and "These Days".

Along with the album, Foo Fighters released a documentary film called Back and Forth. It told the story of the band's career through interviews with current and past members. The film came out in March 2011 and was later released on DVD.

The band played many big shows during this time. They headlined the Hangout Music Festival and Lollapalooza. They also played two sold-out shows at the Milton Keynes National Bowl in England, where artists like Alice Cooper joined them.

Foo Fighters performing in December 2011

In September 2011, before a show in Kansas City, the band played a funny song in front of a protest group. They made fun of the group's views in a humorous way.

On August 27, 2012, Foo Fighters finished their European tour by headlining the Reading and Leeds Festival. They also played a very long show in Charlotte, North Carolina, lasting almost 3.5 hours with 36 songs.

Sonic Highways and Saint Cecilia EP (2013–2015)

After a short break, Dave Grohl announced in January 2013 that the band was writing new music for their eighth album. Butch Vig returned as producer.

In May 2014, it was announced that the new album would be released in November. Foo Fighters also made an HBO TV series called Sonic Highways, directed by Grohl. For the album, eight songs were written and recorded in eight different studios in eight different American cities. The TV show explored the history and feel of each city.

On August 11, the band announced the new album would be called Sonic Highways and released on November 10, 2014. A big world tour followed.

On May 20, 2015, Foo Fighters were the last musical act to perform on Late Show with David Letterman. They played "Everlong", which was David Letterman's favorite song and had special meaning to him.

On June 12, Dave Grohl fell off the stage in Sweden and broke his leg. The band kept playing while he got medical help. Grohl then returned to finish the show from a chair. Because of his injury, the band had to cancel their remaining European tour dates.

In July, one thousand Italian fans gathered in Cesena, Italy, to play "Learn to Fly" together. They asked Foo Fighters to come play in their town. Dave Grohl was very impressed, and the band did play in Cesena in November.

Grohl performing at Fenway Park in 2015 on a custom-built throne while recuperating from a broken leg

For their North American tour, Grohl performed from a special moving throne that he said he designed himself while on pain medication! The tour was even called the "Broken Leg Tour."

On November 23, 2015, the band surprised fans by releasing a free collection of songs called Saint Cecilia. Along with it, Grohl announced that the band would be taking a break.

Concrete and Gold (2016–2019)

To stop rumors that they were breaking up, Foo Fighters released a funny video in March 2016. It showed Dave Grohl leaving the band, but ended by saying, "For the millionth time, we're not breaking up. And nobody's going solo!"

Grohl announced that the band would spend 2017 recording their ninth album. On June 1, 2017, their new song "Run" was released and became a hit. The band also confirmed that their touring keyboardist, Rami Jaffee, was now an official sixth member.

On June 20, 2017, the band announced their new album, Concrete and Gold, would be released in September. Other songs like "The Sky Is a Neighborhood" were also released. Concrete and Gold came out on September 15, 2017. It was influenced by bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. The album also featured guest appearances from Justin Timberlake and Paul McCartney (who played drums on one song!). The band toured for this album until October 2018.

Medicine at Midnight and Studio 666 (2019–2022)

In October 2019, the band announced they were recording their tenth album. By February 2020, Grohl said the album was finished. However, its release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In November 2020, the band started promoting the album. Its title, Medicine at Midnight, and release date, February 5, 2021, were announced. They released three songs before the album: "Shame Shame", "No Son of Mine", and "Waiting on a War". In January 2021, the band performed at the US Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden.

On February 10, 2021, Foo Fighters were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. They were officially inducted on May 12, 2021. For Record Store Day in July 2021, Foo Fighters released an album of disco cover songs called Hail Satin under the name Dee Gees. It included covers of Bee Gees songs.

On February 25, 2022, Foo Fighters released a comedy horror film called Studio 666. The band members starred as themselves, recording in a haunted mansion where Dave Grohl becomes possessed. The movie was filmed in the same house where they recorded Medicine at Midnight.

Death of Taylor Hawkins and But Here We Are (2022–present)

On March 25, 2022, the band's drummer, Taylor Hawkins, sadly passed away in Bogotá, Colombia. The band canceled their upcoming tour dates.

In September, Foo Fighters held two special tribute concerts for Taylor Hawkins in London and Los Angeles. Josh Freese played drums at both concerts. Taylor's 16-year-old son, Shane Hawkins, also played drums on the song "My Hero" at the Wembley Stadium concert.

Foo Fighters performing at Glastonbury 2023. Drummer Josh Freese (in background) joined the band earlier that year.

In January 2023, Foo Fighters announced they would be playing at festivals again. On May 21, they released a funny video with several famous drummers, announcing that Josh Freese was their new drummer.

The Foo Fighters' eleventh album, But Here We Are, was released on June 2, 2023. The band said the album was a "brutally honest and emotionally raw response" to everything they had been through in the past year, especially after Taylor Hawkins' death.

At the Glastonbury Festival 2023, the band played a surprise set under a secret name, 'The ChurnUps'. It was their first time back at the festival since 2017.

Musical Style

Foo Fighters' music is often described as alternative rock, post-grunge, and hard rock. When they first started, people often compared them to Nirvana. Dave Grohl has said that Kurt Cobain taught him the importance of simple, stripped-down music.

The band often uses a style where quiet parts suddenly become loud, which Grohl said was influenced by Nirvana's love for both rock and pop music. The band mixes melodic sounds with heavy rock elements. Grohl once said, "We all love music, whether it's the Beatles or Queen or punk rock." He added that they love the energy of punk rock but also enjoy a beautiful melody.

Band Members

Timeline

Albums and Tours

Studio albums

Concert Tours

Awards and Achievements

Foo Fighters won their first Grammy Award in 2000 for their music video "Learn to Fly". They have won many more since then, totaling 15 Grammys.

They have won "Best Rock Album" four times for their albums: There Is Nothing Left to Lose; One by One; Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace; and Wasting Light. They also won "Best Hard Rock Performance" three times for the songs "All My Life", "The Pretender", and "White Limo".

At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, the band won "Best Rock Video" for "Walk". In 2011 and 2014, they were named "Major Label Artist of the Year" by Radio Contraband. They also won "Song of the Year" for "Something from Nothing" and "Album of the Year" for Sonic Highways in 2014.

In February 2012, Foo Fighters were nominated for six Grammy Awards, including "Album of the Year" for Back and Forth. They won five of these awards.

In September 2021, the band received the first "Global Icon Award" at the MTV Video Music Awards. The next month, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was their first year being eligible for this honor.

Images for kids

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  Foo Fighters performing in 2017

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  Foo Fighters performing at Download Festival Paris in June 2018

See also

In Spanish: Foo Fighters para niños