Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dave Grohl

How Dave Grohl built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

David Eric Grohl is an American musician best known as the founder, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the rock band Foo Fighters. He is also recognized for his time as the drummer for the influential grunge band Nirvana from 1990 to 1994. Grohl's career spans decades and he has become a prominent figure in rock music, contributing significantly to the genre as a performer and songwriter. He is a highly respected and influential figure in contemporary music.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 1985: Joins Dain Bramage

In December 1985, Dave Grohl joined the hardcore punk band Dain Bramage.

March 1987: Grohl quits Dain Bramage

In March 1987, Dave Grohl quit Dain Bramage without warning to join Scream.

1987: Tour and Iggy Pop Performance

During a 1987 tour stop in Toronto, Dave Grohl played drums for Iggy Pop at a CD release party at El Mocambo.

May 4, 1990: Scream Live Album Recording

On May 4, 1990, Scream recorded a live album in Alzey, Germany, later released as Your Choice Live Series Vol.10.

1990: Grohl joins Scream and later Nirvana

In 1990, Scream broke up, and Dave Grohl became the drummer for Nirvana, marking a significant turning point in his career.

1990: Melvins introduce Grohl to Nirvana

In 1990, during a tour stop, Buzz Osborne of the Melvins introduced Dave Grohl to Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic of Nirvana.

1991: First Appearance on Nevermind

In 1991, Dave Grohl first appeared on Nirvana's second album, Nevermind, which went on to be a massive success.

1991: Recording of Nevermind

In early 1991, Nirvana entered Sound City Studios in Los Angeles to record Nevermind, a pivotal album in their career.

1992: Release of Pocketwatch Cassette

In 1992, Dave Grohl released his own material on a cassette called Pocketwatch under the pseudonym "Late!"

1993: Cobain interview about songwriting contributions

In a 1993 interview with MTV, Kurt Cobain expressed his excitement about the possibility of Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl contributing more to Nirvana's songwriting.

October 1994: Demo Recording at Robert Lang Studios

In October 1994, Dave Grohl scheduled studio time at Robert Lang Studios and quickly recorded a fifteen-track demo, playing all instruments himself except for a guitar part on "X-Static".

1994: Cobain's Suicide and Nirvana's Disbandment; Grohl Forms Foo Fighters

In 1994, after Kurt Cobain's suicide, Nirvana disbanded. Subsequently, Dave Grohl formed Foo Fighters as a one-man project, starting a new chapter in his musical journey.

March 1995: Performance with Pearl Jam during Australian Tour

During Pearl Jam's March 1995 Australian tour, Dave Grohl performed with the band for a song or two at three shows, amidst rumors of him potentially replacing their drummer.

July 1995: Release of Foo Fighters' Self-Titled Debut Album

In July 1995, Foo Fighters' self-titled debut album was released, remixed from Dave Grohl's demo, marking the official start of the band's journey.

1995: Foo Fighters Album Release

In 1995, Dave Grohl released the album Foo Fighters and assembled a full band to tour and record under the Foo Fighters name.

May 1997: Release of The Colour and the Shape

In May 1997, The Colour and the Shape was released, featuring singles like "Everlong", "My Hero", and "Monkey Wrench", establishing Foo Fighters as a rock radio staple.

1997: Directing Foo Fighters music videos

In 1997, Dave Grohl began directing Foo Fighters music videos, expanding his role beyond music performance.

1997: Grohl works on the soundtrack to the movie Touch

In 1997, Dave Grohl began work on the soundtrack to the 1997 movie Touch, performing all instruments and vocals himself, except for contributions from Louise Post, Barrett Jones, and John Doe.

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1999: Recording of There Is Nothing Left to Lose

In 1999, Foo Fighters recorded the album There Is Nothing Left to Lose in Dave Grohl's basement studio in Alexandria, Virginia, following their departure from Capitol Records.

2000: Collaboration with Queen's Brian May

In 2000, Queen guitarist Brian May added guitar flourish to Foo Fighters' cover of Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar", strengthening the bond between the two bands.

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2013: Release of Sound City documentary

In 2013, Dave Grohl released his debut documentary, Sound City, showcasing his skills as a filmmaker.

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2014: Release of Sonic Highways documentary miniseries

In 2014, Dave Grohl released the documentary miniseries Sonic Highways, further solidifying his presence in film.

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2021: Release of 'What Drives Us' documentary and autobiography 'The Storyteller'

In 2021, Dave Grohl released the documentary film What Drives Us and his autobiography, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, adding to his diverse creative portfolio.

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