After Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s death, drummer Dave Grohl founded Foo Fighters. Their 1995 self-titled debut and subsequent releases (2000’s One By One, 1997’s The Colour and the Shape and 2011’s Wasting Light) cemented them as stadium-shaking leaders of modern rock music.
Foo Fighters were first given their moniker during World War II after pilots reported seeing glowing spherical objects that became known as Foo Fighters after pilots reported seeing them during aircraft fights.
The band
Foo Fighters were founded as a one-man project by drummer Dave Grohl following Nirvana’s dissolution following Kurt Cobain’s death. While Grohl received several offers to drum with other artists after leaving Nirvana, he instead assembled an all-star lineup for their debut album: 1995’s The Colour and the Shape, an album filled with wall-shaking tunes and driving rhythms which revolutionized modern rock music.
Foo Fighters are an American rock band best known for their classic album Black Flag (2001) and Talking Heads (1983) as major influences, yet have created their own distinct aesthetic. Over 10 albums released, which won them several Grammy awards: 2000 (There Is Nothing Left to Lose), 2003 (One by One), 2007 (Echoes, Silence Patience & Grace), 2011 (Wasting Light) and 2021’s Medicine at Midnight release are some examples. Furthermore, numerous members from Foo Fighters have also participated in side projects – guitarist Pat Smear (2001) and bassist Nate Mendel (both 2014).
Lead vocalist Dave Grohl
Grohl hails from Springfield, Virginia. At age 12, he began playing drums under his mother’s instruction and was heavily influenced by her rock collection. Over time, his musical tastes progressed from classical through punk and metal genres and were particularly impacted by Nirvana.
His demo tape quickly created widespread attention within the music industry and led to several key hires – former Nirvana touring guitarist Pat Smear as well as members of Sunny Day Real Estate; drummer William Goldsmith and bassist Nate Mendel.
Foo Fighters founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter Dave Grohl is also co-founder and drummer for rock supergroup Them Crooked Vultures; has played with Queens of the Stone Age and Tenacious D; as well as having directed their music videos.
Guitarist Taylor Hawkins
Grohl found in Hawkins a like-minded drummer whose drumming style reflected his own, disciplined and never showy. Additionally, Hawkins shared Grohl’s passion for then unfashionable classic and heavy rock influences and added an exciting energy to live performances of his group.
Hawkins was an irrepressibly friendly presence, sharing wide smiles at shows and encouraging Grohl to embrace his humorous side. A natural rock star himself, his sun-bleached good looks only added to this aura.
Hawkins was an oasis of purity in an age of grid-snapped studio recordings and autotuned vocals; his live performances inspired stadium audiences with infectious energy and good vibes as Grohl described them. His playing took inspiration from Ringo Starr, Phil Collins and Neil Peart of Rush; at 50 he passed away unexpectedly.
Bassist Nate Mendel
Nate Mendel has had an illustrious musical career. From playing with Sunny Day Real Estate and Juno to Foo Fighters and Metallica tours.
Mendel’s musical passion began at an early age. Beginning as an elementary school pupil with violin studies, later transitioning to bass guitar. Following a 20-year digression into punk rock music and later joining Foo Fighters in 1995.
Dave Grohl (lead vocals, drums), Pat Smear (guitar), Taylor Hawkins (drums) and Chris Shiflett (guitar). Mendel plays on an Fender Precision bass guitar equipped with various pedals such as an Ashdown AEB-1 Scroll and an EQ8-D pedal; both are listed on his official artist page.
Drummer Chris Shiflett
Shiflett’s versatility as an artist extends from his Southern California punk rock roots to his twangy country takes on Americana. He leads groups like Jackson United and Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants; in addition to hosting his popular podcast Walking the Floor which shines light on singer-songwriters, road warriors, and heroes of contemporary American roots music.
Lost at Sea is the result of all that experience coming together – 10 original songs that transcend genre and generational differences, featuring musicians like bassist Jack Lawrence (Jack White, Wanda Jackson), drummer Julian Doro (Eagles of Death Metal), steel guitarist Luke Schneider and mandolinist Sierra Hull each contributing their unique influences to create one cohesive record.