Dave Grohl, the iconic frontman of Foo Fighters and former drummer of Nirvana, has contributed to some of rock’s greatest anthems. Yet even legends have moments of envy. In a recent interview, Grohl shared four songs he wishes he’d written, spanning a surprising range of genres from punk to pop to universal classics.
Kim Wilde – “Kids In America”
A departure from Grohl’s usual rock and grunge territory, this 1980s pop anthem holds a special place in his heart. Grohl admitted to being infatuated with Wilde during his youth, saying, “Every punk-rock boy I knew was hopelessly in love with Kim Wilde, and so was I.” His admiration for the track led him to record his own version, which he described as a tribute to both Wilde and the song’s “iconic, anthemic” vibe.
Patty & Mildred Hill – “Happy Birthday to You”
Grohl’s second pick comes with a dose of humor. The universally sung birthday song is a money-making machine, and Grohl joked about the fortunes it could have brought him: “It would be like owning the rights to pizza.” Beyond financial envy, Grohl said it might even help him earn respect from his kids, who see his rock-star status as just another “dad job.”
Bad Brains – “Sailin’ On”
Returning to his punk-rock roots, Grohl highlighted Bad Brains’ 1982 hardcore track. Hailing them as “America’s greatest hardcore punk-rock band,” he reflected on their raw energy and unmatched live performances. “I was in love with their music – it was so fast, so distorted, so dissonant,” Grohl recalled, showing deep respect for the pioneering band.
John Lennon – “Imagine”
Grohl’s final pick is perhaps his most personal. As a child, Grohl learned to play guitar by strumming along to Lennon’s records, making the former Beatle a formative influence. Of “Imagine,” Grohl said, “It’s a beautiful song with a really timeless quality,” praising its universal message and Lennon’s genius as a songwriter.
A Diverse Palette of Influence
The four songs highlight Grohl’s eclectic tastes, ranging from punk rebellion to pop anthems to introspective classics. His admiration underscores a universal truth among artists: even the most accomplished creators continue to be inspired by and learn from their peers.
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