Once upon a time I was somebody else

Continuing with my rock and roll bio fest, comes this well researched  and enjoyable book about Dave Grohl by Paul Brannigan. Brannigan is a music journalist, used to be an editor for Kerrang! and as such known Dave for well over a decade, right back to the DC punk scene days. This gives the book a real insider feel to it, as they have both lived through and have participated in some real seminal times in rock and punk. Usually I get annoyed with interviewers who interject themselves into the article or book, but Paul’s knowledge coupled with his light touch makes the work come alive.

This comprehensive book covers Dave’s early years growing up in Virginia, where he learned to drum by pounding on pillows  placed out like a drum set in his bedroom, right up to the recording and release of the landmark Foo Fighters album, Wasting Light. Filled with insights and interviews with Dave and his bandmates, friends, family and industry acquaintances, I zoomed right through this book.  It’s as much a survey of the music scene of the late 80’s to the present as a personal portrait. It lead me to go back and listen to old albums by Scream and Nirvana, side projects Probot and Them Crooked Vultures, as well as going through the whole Foos catalogue. God, that was fun.

I was already a fan of Dave’s and this book really cemented that love.  He just as excited about music as any fan and that fire fuels his work and life. He’s a talented, well-spoken and thoughtful dude. I think the future of Rock and Roll is safe in his capable and enthusiastic hands.