Local musicians talk about their favorite Dave Grohl songs
About 50 acts will perform over seven days at the Music Is Art Festival starting Sunday at Courthouse Square. In conjunction with the dedication of Dave Grohl Alley on Aug. 1, Ticket asked the participating groups to talk about their favorite songs by Grohl, leader of Foo Fighters and drummer for Nirvana. Here are some of the responses.
l '' There have been many songs associated with Dave Grohl over the years that have been near and dear to my heart. In fact, Foo Fighters was my first concert that I ever went to when I was 16, back in 1999. It is a day I will never forget. I have loved just about everything Dave has done Nirvana was my favorite band when I was 14, so songs like 'Milk It' and 'Scentless Apprentice' from the 'In Utero' album come to mind. 'Songs For The Deaf' from Queens Of The Stone Age is one of my favorite albums of all time, and certainly one of the best albums of this decade.
''However, if I am going to pick a favorite Dave song, it's going to have to be a Foo Fighters song. 'Stacked Actors' was my favorite for years, but my pick is going to be 'Summer's End' from the most recent album, 'Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace.' A bit of an underrated song for sure, but I just love the vibe that it gives off. I thought they were crazy not to release it as a single. It doesn't fit the criteria for modern 'rock' radio, but I had hoped that they would take a risk and release it. Everything about it the melody, the drum track, the laid back nature of it, just brings me absolute joy when I listen to it. The guitar lines at the end of the song are some of the best they have ever done, and it makes my hair stand on end and brings a smile to my face every time I hear it.
''Dave has been a huge influence on me as a musician, and even as a person. Without question, he and Eddie Vedder are my favorite living musicians, and there is no greater honor than to play at this festival celebrating him. I, along with my bandmates, cannot wait and are holding out hope that just maybe, he'll be there.''
- Jeffrey John, lead singer and guitar player for Theo's Rebellion.
l ''Favorite Dave Grohl song ... there are so many to pick from and all of them are so upbeat, energetic and inspirational it's hard to just pick one. But the one for me has to be 'Learn to Fly.' The video was hilarious. It was a song that came soon after the end of Nirvana. To me it defined the huge change in his career and defined what he would soon become - looking upwards when times are rough. Early Foo Fighters take me back to hanging out with my brother (comedian Mark Riccadonna), the awkward days of high school (Brookfield) and even more awkward days of music. Nirvana changed everything as we knew it, then it was gone so fast. The Foo Fighters have a positive message and brought fun back into rock 'n' roll.''
- Ronnie Riccadonna, lead singer for Dizzy Whore
l ''Foo Fighters' 'Hero.' This song just always hit home to me as a tribute to those we lose in our life and especially those we look up to or are our heroes! I have lost several major family members recently and this song always helps me to think about and miss them but in a positive and healthy way, a great song and tribute to our lost loved ones!''
- Michael Fonce, guitar player for Sonic Age
l ''Foo Fighters' 'Hey Johnny Park!' It speaks to me personally, as I have felt what the song says lyrically about walls being built between yourself and those you care about.''
- Paco, guitar player for Aura
l ''We all know Dave (as), the drummer with Nirvana. As a guitarist myself, I respect his guitar playing. 'The Pretender' is personally my favorite.''
- Al Cooley, guitar player for Shades of Gray
l ''I love the song 'Times Like These.' I have been on stage since 1977, and it speaks to me in a personal way. Dave is one of the best songwriters since John Lennon, who is my personal hero. 'Times Like These' is the epitome of how a musician feels.''