Classic Rock Musings, Rants & Raves

OK, I know that in certain circles mentioning Dave Grohl in the same breath as “classic rock” is sacrilegious. But the facts speak for themselves. Over the years, Grohl has ingratiated himself into the world of classic rock with an almost fanatic fervor. In 1993, he was involved in recreating the music of The Beatles’ early years for the movie Backbeat. The very next year, Kurt Cobain ended his life and Nirvana came to a screeching halt. But for Grohl, a whole new world opened up and welcomed him with open arms. His new band Foo Fighters made all the right moves to pop rock stardom, but Grohl’s restless work ethic placed him on the stage and in the studio with dozens of metal bands and assorted classic rock artists.

In late 1994, he jumped at the chance to help out Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Saturday Night Live (he has played with Petty many times since). But Grohl’s classic rock credentials have really come to the fore in the 21st century. In 2000, he played drums and sang on Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi’s solo album. For the 2003 Grammys, he joined Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Van Zant for a spirited cover of the Clash’s “London Calling.” And, of course, at the 2008 Grammys, Grohl and the Foo Fighters enlisted Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones to conduct the backing orchestra for their dramatic live set outside the doors of the Staples Center.

Now, Grohl has the distinction of joining Paul McCartney — during the former Beatle’s June 1 homecoming concert at the Anfield football stadium in Liverpool with Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison in attendance, no less — for three songs. I was lucky enough to receive a DVD of McCartney’s set, and was astounded by Grohl’s enthusiasm (Yeah, I guess anyone would be pumped to play with McCartney). To see the Foo Fighter leader shake his guitar like a 15-year-old at a Metallica concert during “Band On The Run” was a real shock to the system. Whether Grohl’s behavior alarmed and energized McCartney is still being looked into. The fromer Nirvana timekeeper seemed much more at home behind the drums during “Back In The USSR” and “I Saw Her Standing There.” That way, McCartney could keep his eye on him.

So, what’s it all mean? Well, it’s just another sign of the torch being passed on. As the classic rock legends of the 60s and 70s age and fall by the wayside, it’s up to a new generation to keep the rock and roll dream alive. Few have been as successful, tactical and sincere as Grohl. Here’s to a future legend.

Check out the video clips below of Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl from the June 1, 2008 concert in Liverpool, England.

“Band On The Run”

“Back In The U.S.S.R.”

“I Saw Her Standing There”

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