The artist Dave Grohl called the “nicest in the world”
People say that the entertainment world is a cutthroat industry. They say it’s a dog-eat-dog, and the only way to rise is by being willing to step on everyone around you to get the leg up. However, while brutality might be a way to get to the top, kindness will keep you there. History remembers the nice guys as stories of artists’ temperament and personalities become just as much part of their legacy as their music. For Dave Grohl, a man largely considered to be one of the sweetest hearts in the music world, it’s a person’s friendliness that he remembers.
There are plenty of stories out there about Grohl’s own kindness. As a legend in the music game, he’s always been a vocal supporter of the younger generation, always willing to share his praise and admiration for other artists. He seems to be friends with everyone, from new names like Phoebe Bridgers to other icons like Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks. But that kind of wide circle and broad respect is only ever got through genuine kindness. It’s not the kind of reputation that talent alone can create.
However, the importance Grohl places on making sure he’s being nice and friendly to his peers, fans and staff working his shows is something he saw first in another artist. “There was an Ozzfest in England in 1998, and Korn cancelled. So we got the call,” he remembered of the time when Foo Fighters played Ozzy Osbourne’s festival. But the thought of replacing the huge American rock act was made even worse when he saw the lineup of the day. “It was Slayer, Pantera and Black Sabbath. We had to go on after Pantera,” he said, “I was so terrified: ‘There’s gonna be a riot. I’m gonna get drawn and quartered. No one’s going to like our band.’”
But it was actually Pantera’s guitarist, Dimebag Darrell, that put Grohl at ease. “We played, and I looked to the side. The guys from Pantera are watching us and singing the lyrics to our songs,” he remembered. The band kept that kind energy up backstage as the bands made friends. Grohl said, “I was nervous and scared; I didn’t think I fit in. But they were so open to us.”
That experience and the kindness and enthusiasm he was shown by the band stuck with him. It was the type of energy that he wanted to emulate as he said, “That backstage hospitality we try to have it all came from Pantera.”
It might seem like an unexpected revelation given Dimebag Darrell’s reputation as one of mental music’s most intense musicians. He was widely regarded as one of the genre’s best, as he shredded like no other. Especially given metal’s stereotype for being scary, aggressive or unfriendly, Darrell’s personality was quite the opposite.
“Dimebag Darrell was the nicest fucking guy in the world. He could walk in and do a shot of Crown Royal with Justin Bieber, with Rick Nielsen, with James Brown,” Grohl said. “He was everybody’s best friend. And you could feel that energy when he was playing,” he added in what is perhaps the ultimate compliment and one that everyone should be striving for.
Perhaps that’s the legacy that deserves to live on. After Darrell was tragically assassinated in 2004, his memory as an incredible guitar player endures. But for Grohl, he endeavours to keep his legacy of kindness and friendly spirit alive.
