The classic rock act Dave Grohl called “the hottest band in the world”
When contemplating arena-filling rock bands, they often belong to a bygone era. This isn’t a critique; the evolution of music is constant, and time is an unavoidable factor. The notable aspect is that there are not many groups consistently releasing new music while still selling out massive stadiums worldwide. One exception to this trend is the Foo Fighters. Their tours sell out within minutes of ticket releases, and they continue to produce new music, exemplified by their 2023 success, But Here We Are.
Foo Fighters continue to fly the flag for rock music, and in their success, they inspire the next generation of musicians. Some people who buy those fast-selling tickets will look at Grohl and co on stage and have it cemented in them that that’s what they want to do. This is why stadium bands remain hugely important, as they are a gateway for the next generation into the music world.
No one can attest to this more than Dave Grohl himself, who decided he wanted to be a professional musician after seeing who he affirms is “the hottest band in the world”, praise which is commonly reciprocated by the group, who announce themselves on stage every night with that same proclamation.
When Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were presented with the ASCAP Founders Award, Grohl was responsible for introducing the rock and roll duo. In doing so, he revealed just how much of an inspiration Kiss were to him, recalling buying his first album and having it confirm he wanted to be a professional rock star.
“Picture this,” he said, “Springfield, Virginia, 1976. A skinny young boy with shaggy brown hair on a yellow yard sale bicycle brings home a copy of the album Destroyer, his first Kiss record. Everybody remembers their first KISS record, and this is how I remember mine.”
He continued: “With nuclear anticipation, I let the needle drop on that legendary intro to ‘Detroit Rock City,’ perhaps the greatest introduction to any rock and roll album ever recorded. It filled my speakers and my imagination. 34 minutes and 27 seconds later, Kiss had filled my soul. I was now a member of the infamous Kiss army… Before long, my room had become a fucking shrine. Posters of these four musical monsters lined my walls, action figures filled my shelves, and Kiss albums overtook my once A.M.-friendly record collection. I was converted…”
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were moved by Grohl’s speech and praised him for doing to people today what they did to him. Simmons later said, “Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters are carrying the flag that we hope will inspire the next generation of young kids.”
Music tends to go in a circle like that; there will be people out there now with a Foo Fighters shrine in their bedroom, records on repeat and a worn-down guitar in the corner that they are trying to play ‘Everlong’ on. Grohl understands the importance of bands like Kiss, and this is why he puts so much effort into his studio and live work.
Acknowledging his love for his childhood heroes, he welcomed them onto the stage in the way they are most used to, “So, without further adieu, it is my great honour to say; you wanted the best, and you got the best. The hottest band in the world – Kiss!”
