Dave Grohl on Drums Ranking
Nirvana’s Nevermind was released 30 years ago, on September 24, 1991. If not for Dave Grohl, we might not know of the most important band from early 90s. His work on the band’s second record stands the test of time and has influenced countless musicians. But it’s not his best work.
Dave Grohl’s drumming is a lesson that less is more. One of the most captivating drummers of all time isn’t captivating because of his fills. While it pains me to write this, it’s what he’s not playing. A more insecure drummer could have ruined, or at least stood in the way, of Nirvana classics like “All Apologies.” The first Foo Fighters record continues the less is more approach, especially on songs like “X-Static.” It seems like whenever there’s a chance to breath, Grohl gives you a chance to breathe. Possibly the easiest way to think of this is by listening to anything Travis Barker has drummed on in the last 25 years. Grohl is the opposite of that.
The following ranks Dave Grohl on drums. It’s not a ranking of the best songs Dave Grohl happens to play drums on. It’s about Grohl’s drumming. It’s about what he brings to the song, how it’s better or worse because he’s behind the kit.
I did include any unofficial releases, like the Pocketwatch demos, or unofficial live recordings.
The only inclusion from From The Muddy Banks of the Wishkah is “Spank Thru” since this was the first version of the song released that featured Grohl on drums and the only inclusion from Live at Reading is “The Money Will Roll Right In” since it’s the only official release of the song. Songs included from the MTV Unplugged in New York album are Nirvana songs that were first released on this record (“The Man Who Sold the World”) or the first time Grohl is on drums on an official release (“About A Girl”). This same logic was used for Scream, the only songs included from their live record were not on studio LPs.
I did not include anything from Foo Fighters’ There Is Nothing Left to Lose since Taylor Hawkins is credited on drums for each track. Though it sounds like Grohl on drums for certain songs, I decided to omit them since they’re not officially credited specifically to Grohl.
I did not include any guest drumming session on live TV, like when he played with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on SNL or with Paul McCartney on multiple occasions. If it was an official release, like McCartney, Grohl, Krist Novaselic and Pat Smear on “Cut Me Some Slack,” it’s included.
Most every track from Incesticide was previously released on singles or EPs. I credited them to Incesticide for continuity and availability. I credit “D-7” to the Deluxe Edition of Nevermind because I remember trying to track the song down long before file sharing services and spending way too much on a bootleg for one song. In other words, I went with the easiest way to find the song today.
I’m sure there are uncredited Grohl tracks not included in this ranking. I apologize if I missed a song I should know features Grohl.
Finally, not all of these songs are on Spotify so the playlist at the bottom is not complete. You can find most everything not on Spotify on YouTube.
Enjoy the ranking. Feel free to listen as you read. It’ll only take you 17 hours to get through the list.
288. Dave Grohl “Richie Baker’s Miracle” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
It’s just a cymbal swell. But more about this soundtrack later. Much more.
287. The Backbeat Band “Roadrunner” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
The film Backbeat recruited some of alternative rock’s finest at the height of their powers. The film is about the early Beatles and the band performing those songs is made up of Dave Pirner from Soul Asylum on guitar and vocals, Greg Dulli from The Afghan Whigs on guitar and vocals, Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth on guitar, Mike Mills from R.E.M. on bass and Dave Grohl on drums. It’s a short and fun soundtrack worth your time. Unfortunately, this is the one throwaway. Bo Diddley’s original is one of the greatest rumbling guitar songs of all time. This version is fine. But it adds nothing and does not need to exist.
286. Dain Bramage “Home Sweet Nowhere”
One of the only Grohl tracks that seems to have some timing issues. Clearly the band did not have unlimited studio time.
285. Scream “Building Dreams” from No More Censorship
Not a lot could have been done with this one.
284. Scream “It’s The Time” from No More Censorship
Perfectly serviceable.
283. The Backbeat Band “Carol” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
It’s a missed opportunity to let the drummer do more in a song about how the drummer swings. But that’s not the point of this soundtrack.
282. The Backbeat Band “Twist and Shout” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Extremely close to The Beatles’ version.
281. The Backbeat Band “C’mon Everybody” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Seems like Dave Pirner was the only one that really got to be himself on this soundtrack.
280. Foo Fighters “I Feel Free” from Five Songs and a Cover
It’s pretty close to a note for note cover of the Cream song.
279. Zac Brown Band “All Alright” from The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1
278. Scream “Sunmaker” from Fumble
277. Jackson United “Undertow” from Harmony and Dissidence
276. Jackson United “Like a Bomb” from Harmony and Dissidence
275. Scream “Gods Look Down” from Fumble
274. Kristeen Young “Jealous of Loved Children” from The Knife Shift
273. Zac Brown Band “The Muse” from The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1
272. Zac Brown Band “Day for the Dead” from The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1
271. Dain Bramage “Give It Up” from I Scream Not Coming Down
The bass nearly drowns out the drums. That’s difficult to do. Even so, there’s some decent shades of Soul Asylum here.
270. Mission Impossible “Into Your Shell” from Getting Shit for Growing Up Different
He’s learning.
269. Dain Bramage “Eyes Open” from I Scream Not Coming Down
He doesn’t come in until after the first verse and there’s some timing issues. They’re teenagers! Give ’em a break!
268. Scream “American Justice” from Your Choice
Following one of the best Scream songs on their live album is something that sounds more like soundcheck. Even so, Grohl keeps this thing together. It’s not surprising what he’s able to do on “Endless, Nameless” one year later.
267. Kristeen Young “Rough-Up the Groove” from The Knife Shift
266. Foo Fighters “Cold Day in the Sun” from In Your Honor
265. Scream “No Escape” from No More Censorship
Another song with the bass in front of the drums.
264. The Backbeat Band “Slow Down” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Would have been a B-side if it was released as a 45 in 1960.
263. Scream “No More Censorship” from No More Censorship
I’m guessing Pantera were Scream fans, or at least listened to this title track when they were writing “Cemetery Gates.”
262. Scream “Run to the Sun” from No More Censorship
Jack Black definitely heard this and based multiple Tenacious D songs on its lyrics and structure.
261. Scream “Something In My Head” from No More Censorship
Not the best song he plays on with the word ‘something’ in the title.
260. Scream “In the Beginning” from No More Censorship
The John Bonham influence is clear.
259. Scream “Binge” from No More Censorship
The Judas Priest influence is clear.
258. The Backbeat Band “Good Golly Miss Molly” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Sounds pretty close to every time Grohl plays with McCartney.
257. The Backbeat Band “Twenty Flight Rock” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
The verses are good but the chorus and bridge drums are great, like the best of grunge meets Buddy Holly solos.
256. The Backbeat Band “Rock & Roll Music” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
He’s really hitting hard. It’s the same drums as Ringo but hit way, way harder.
255. Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Rick Nielsen, Scott Reeder “From Can to Can’t” from Sound City – Real to Reel
254. Dave Grohl, Jessy Greene, Rami Jaffee, Jim Keltner “If I Were Me” from Sound City – Real to Reel
253. Tenacious D “COLORS” from Post-Apocalypto
252. Tenacious D “The Government Totally Sucks” from The Pick of Destiny
251. Scream “Fucked Without a Kiss” from No More Censorship
Is it controversial to prefer Dain Bramage to Scream?
250. Dain Bramage “Flicker” from I Scream Not Coming Down
See below.
249. Dain Bramage “Swear” from I Scream Not Coming Down
There’s some clear early potential here.
248. Scream “Take It From The Top” from No More Censorship
The closest to Tommy Lee Grohl gets.
247. Melvins “Porg” from King Buzzo
246. Tenacious D “POST-APOCALYPTO THEME (REPRISE)” from Post-Apocalypto
245. Tenacious D “POST-APOCALYPTO THEME” from Post-Apocalypto
244. Tenacious D “HOPE” from Post-Apocalypto
243. Lemmy, Billy Gibbons, Dave Growl “Run Rudolph Run” from We Wish You a Metal XMas…And a Headbanging New Year
242. Juliette & The Licks “Smash and Grab” from Four on the Floor
241. Jackson United “Stitching” from Harmony and Dissidence
240. Tenacious D “Friendship” from Tenacious D
239. Kristeen Young “Put Down” from The Knife Shift
238. Dain Bramage “Drag Queen” from I Scream Not Coming Down
The breakdown knocked it down a few dozen slots.
237. Dain Bramage “Stubble” from I Scream Not Coming Down
236. Dain Bramage “Flannery” from I Scream Not Coming Down
Before he learned less is more, but even so, it’s some pretty good drums.
235. Scream “I.C.Y.U.O.D.” from Your Choice Live Series Vol. 10
It’s intentionally disjointed but there are some glimpses of future Nirvana drumming.
234. Scream “Dancing Madly Backwards” from Your Choice Live Series Vol. 10
Grohl is definitely the highlight of this song. Definitely.
233. Them Crooked Vultures “Warsaw of the First Breath You Take After You Give Up” from Them Crooked Vultures
232. Tenacious D “Roadie” from Rize of the Fenix
231. Jackson United “Trigger Happy” from Harmony and Dissidence
230. Them Crooked Vultures “Interlude With Ludes” from Them Crooked Vultures
229. Garbage “Bad Boyfriend” from Bleed Like Me
It’s obvious what Butch Vig and friends were trying to accomplish with the initial drum blasts but it doesn’t maintain throughout the song.
228. Nirvana “Plateau” from MTV Unplugged in New York
227. Nirvana “Oh Me” from MTV Unplugged in New York
226. Nirvana “Lake of Fire” from MTV Unplugged in New York
225. Nirvana “Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam” from MTV Unplugged in New York
224. Alain Johannes, Dave Grohl, Jose Homme “A Trick with No Sleeve” from Sound City – Real to Reel
223. Scream “Rain” from Fumble
222. Jackson United “Lifeboat” from Harmony and Dissidence
221. Julette & The Licks “Death of a Whore” from Four on the Floor
220. Pete Yorn “For Us” from Nightcrawler
219. Jackson United “Black Regrets” from Harmony and Dissidence
218. Scream “The Zoo Closes” from Your Choice
Did you know Dave Grohl was in a hardcore band that had the occasional hair metal guitar tone?
217. Mission Impossible “Now I’m Alone” from Getting Shit For Growing Up Different
Did you know Dave Grohl was in a hardcore band?
216. The Stinky Puffs “Buddies Aren’t Butts” from A Little Tiny Smelly Bit of The Stinky Puffs
Grohl on a kids song. Nice.
215. Scream “Hit Me” from No More Censorship
In Scream’s first release, he has more in common with 1989 Chad Channing than 1991 Dave Grohl.
214. The Backbeat Band “Bad Boy” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Even when making mostly note for note versions of classic early rock and roll, he’s able to get some fury in the fills.
213. Mission Impossible “Life Already Drawn”
One of the most difficult Grohl drum performances to hear. It makes sense. It’s his second ever release.
212. Scream “Hot Smoke and Sasafrass” from Your Choice
Sounds more like a drum workout than a song but it’s still impressive.
211. Reeves Gabrels, Dave Grohl, David Bowie, Frank Black “Jewel” from Ulysses (Della Notte)
It’s just a miss, but a well intentioned miss.
210. Halsey “honey” from If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power
209. Them Crooked Vultures “Caligulove” from Them Crooked Vultures
208. Chris Goss, Tim Commerford, Dave Grohl, Brad Wilk “Time Slowing Down” from Sound City – Real to Reel
207. Tenacious D “The Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage
206. Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl “Eazy Sleazy” from Eazy Sleazy
This exists and it’s kinda intentionally funny. Quarantine is/was weird.
205. Mondo Generator “Dog Food” from Dog Food
The project from original QOTSA bassist Nick Oliviera doesn’t exactly deliver as much as his former group, but this Grohl track is definitely a highlight.
204. The Backbeat Band “Please Mr. Postman” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Pretty close to the original.
203. Violet Grohl, Dave Grohl “Nausea” from Nausea
One of the most recent releases on this ranking, it’s the first official release from the eldest Grohl daughter. A cover of X’s 1980 song, it’s a really competent cover and possibly should not be on this listing. It’s included since it’s only credited to Violet and Dave so we’re assuming Dave Grohl is on drums. When it was performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Slayer’s Dave Lombardo was on drums (with Krist Novaselic on bass and Dave Grohl on guitar and backing vocals). But since the recording version does not mention metal’s best drummer (1. Lombardo 2. Ulrich 3. Paul (I’m not counting Zeppelin or Who or Cream as metal), I’m sticking with saying Dave Grohl is behind the kit.
202. Mission Impossible “I Can Only Try” from I Can Only Try
A more than competent first release. The fills are really impressive for a teenager!
201. Tenacious D “Dio” from Tenacious D
200. Tenacious D “39” from Rize of the Fenix
199. Them Crooked Vultures “Reptiles” from Them Crooked Vultures
198. Tenacious D “Tribute” from Tenacious D
197. Tenacious D “Kickapee” from The Pick of Destiny
196. Tenacious D “Señorita” from Rize of the Fenix
195. Kristeen Young “I’ll Show You” from The Knife Shift
194. Them Crooked Vultures “Gunman” from Them Crooked Vultures
193. Kristeen Young “Everything Is Mine Because I Am Poor” from The Knife Shift
192. Tenacious D “TAKE US INTO SPACE” from Post-Apocalypto
191. Kristeen Young “This Is War” from The Knife Shift
190. Them Crooked Vultures “Bandoliers” from Them Crooked Vultures
189. Killing Joke “Loose Cannon” from Killing Joke”
188. Juliette & The Licks “Sticky Honey” from Four on the Floor
187. Juliette & The Licks “Killer” from Four on the Floor
186. Dave Grohl “Remission My Ass” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
185. The Prodigy “Stand Up” from Invaders Must Die
184. Killing Joke “Dark Forces” from Killing Joke
183. Killing Joke “You’ll Never Get To Me” from Killing Joke
182. Juliette & The Licks “Purgatory Blues” from Four on the Floor
181. Scream “Poppa Says” from Fumble
180. Jackson United “White Flag Burning” from Harmony and Dissidence
179. Tenacious D “MAKING LOVE” from Post-Apocalypto
178. RDGLDGRN “I Love Lamp” from Red Gold Green EP
177. Dave Grohl “Scene 6” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
176. Kristeen Young “Pictures of Sasha Grey” from The Knife Shift
175. Tenacious D “To Be The Best” from Rize of the Fenix
174. Probot featuring Lee Dorrian “Ice Cold Man” from Probot
173. Dave Grohl “Making Popcorn” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
172. Nirvana “The Man Who Sold the World” from MTV Unplugged In New York
171. Them Crooked Vultures “Spinning In Daffodils” from Them Crooked Vultures
170. Melvins “Annum” from King Buzzo
169. Kristeen Young “Pearl of a Girl” from The Knife Shift
168. Kristeen Young “The Answer to All Your Problems Is in This Little Bottle” from The Knife Shift
167. Kristeen Young “Red” from The Knife Shift
166. Dave Grohl. Josh Homme, Trent Reznor “Mantra” from Sound City – Real to Reel
165. Nirvana “Something in the Way” from Nevermind
164. Juliette & The Licks “Bullshit King” from Four on the Floor
163. Dain Bramage “I Scream Not Coming Down” from I Scream Not Coming Down
If this is a 45 and played at 33 1/3, it might be on modern rock radio.
162. Dain Bramage “The Log” from I Scream Not Coming Down
From Grohl’s second band, what it would have sounded like if a teenage Grohl joined Hüsker Dü.
161. Scream “Gas” from Fumble
160. Them Crooked Vultures “Elephants” from Them Crooked Vultures
159. Puff Daddy “It’s All About the Benjamins – Rock Remix II” from It’s All About the Benjamins
158. Puff Daddy “It’s All About the Benjamins – Rock Remix II” from It’s All About the Benjamins
I bought this CD single when it was first released and loved it. Relistening, it’s just fine, a perfectly fine use of Grohl on drums.
157. Juliette & The Licks “Mind Full of Daggers” from Four on the Floor
156. Foo Fighters “Oh, George” from Foo Fighters
155. Juliette & The Licks “Hot Kiss” from Four on the Floor
154. Robert Levon Been, Dave Grohl, Peter Hayes “Heaven and All” from Sound City – Real to Reel
153. Probot featuring Wino “The Emerald Law” from Probot
152. Probot featuring Snake “Dictatosausus” from Probot
151. Dave Grohl “This Loving Thing” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
150. Nirvana “About A Girl” from MTV Unplugged in New York
149. Foo Fighters “See You” from The Colour and the Shape
148. Juliette & The Licks “Get Up” from Four on the Floor
147. Tenacious D “Car Chase City” from The Pick of Destiny
146. Josh Homme, Chris Goss, Dave Grohl, Alain Johannes “Centipede” from Sound City – Real to Reel
145. Killing Joke “Total Invasion” from Killing Joke
144. Ghost “I’m A Marionette” from If You Have Ghost
143. The Prodigy “Run With the Wolves” from Invaders Must Die
142. RDGLDGRN “Hey O” from Red Gold Green EP
141. Killing Joke “The House That Pain Built” from Killing Joke
140. Tenacious D “Break In-City (Storm the Gate!) from The Pick of Destiny
139. Scream Dying Days” from Fumble
138. Tenacious D “Low Hangin’ Fruit” from Rize of the Fenix
137. Tenacious D “Rize of the Fenix” from Rize of the Fenix
136. Probot featuring King Diamond “Sweet Dreams” from Probot
135. Dave Grohl “Saints In Love” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
134. Them Crooked Vultures “Mind Eraser, No Chaser” from Them Crooked Vultures
133. Nirvana “The Money Will Roll Right In” from Live at Reading
132. Scream “Crackman” from Fumble
131. Cat Power “Speak For Me” from You Are Free
130. Tony Iommi, Dave Grohl “Goodbye Lament” from IOMMI
Once it kicks in, it’s great. Grohl definitely steals the show with his vocals and drums. You’d think the guitarist from Black Sabbath would have the superior parts. You’d be wrong. The late 90s, early 00s also features Grohl’s best vocal performances so it’s not a shock.
129. The Backbeat Band “Money (That’s What I Want)” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
More proof he’s more Ringo than Bonham.
128. RDGLDGRN “Doing The Most” from Red Gold Green EP
127. Tenacious D “DADDY DING SONG” from Post-Apocalypto
126. Them Crooked Vultures “Scumbag Blues” from Them Crooked Vultures
125. Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nick Raskulinecz “Overture” from 2112 (40th Anniversary)
124. Tenacious D “WOMAN TIME” from Post-Apocalypto
123. Foo Fighters “Walking After You” from The Colour and the Shape
The drums are pretty and they get a little prettier in the last minute as the song crescendos.
122. Dave Grohl and Louise Post “Touch” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
121. Nine Inch Nails “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” from With Teeth
120. Probot featuring Cronos “Centuries of Sin” from Probot
119. Probot featuring Tom G. Warrior “Big Sky” from Probot
118. Probot featuring Eric Wagner “My Tortured Soul” from Probot
117. Nirvana “Spank Thru” from From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah
116. Nirvana “Turnaround – BBC John Peel Session” from Incesticide
115. Foo Fighters “My Poor Brain” from The Colour and the Shape
114. Scream “Caffeine Dream” from Fumble
113. Probot featuring Mike Dean “Access Babylon” from Probot
112. Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novaselic, Pat Smear “Cut Me Some Slack” from Sound City – Real to Reel
A McCartney fronted Nirvana would have been great. I am sincere.
111. Nirvana “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” from MTV Unplugged in New York
He stayed out of the way. That’s all he needed to do.
110. Foo Fighters “February Stars” from The Colour and The Shape
It’s soft when it needs to be soft, hard when it needs to be hard.
109. Dave Grohl “Play” from Play
If this was broken up into chucks, highly edited and released as an EP, it could be a perfect instrumental release. Instead, it’s yet another impressive outing by a guy who really loves his work.
108. Mission Impossible “Helpless”
Grohl’s teenage drums are so good they make the other teenagers sound bad.
107. Scream “Show and Tell” from Your Choice
When you listen to this after you listen to Probot, it becomes so much more clearer. It’s sounds like fun metal, if that is a thing. It should be a thing. This is just fun drumming.
106. Probot featuring Lemmy “Shake Your Blood” from Probot
He sounds like he’s trying harder on this song than any other sound on Probot. I wish more effort was spent on the lyrics.
105. Foo Fighters “Monkey Wrench” from The Colour and the Shape
The mini gallups in pre chorus do it for me.
104. Scream “Mardi Gras” from Fumble
This is why Grohl is in Bill and Ted part 3.
103. Nine Inch Nails “All The Love in the World” from With Teeth
If you cut Grohl’s drums around minute four, this song doesn’t break the top 200.
102. Queens of the Stone Age “Mosquito Song” from Songs for the Deaf
It’s a highly ranked song due to the restraint. Grohl isn’t used until minute 3 and when he it, he sounds like part of an orchestra, not a band.
101. Scream “Fight” from Your Choice
Clocking in at a little more than a minute and only because it’s from a live record, it’s the most straightforward hardcore song in Grohl’s catalogue. It’s exactly what you want in hardcore drums.
100. Nirvana “On A Plain” from Nevermind
My appreciation for this version grows after listening to the Unplugged version.
99. Foo Fighters “Wattershed” from Foo Fighters
The polar opposite of the 98 pick. He should be forced to only drum fast songs under 2 minutes, 20 seconds on one album per year.
98. Cat Power “Shaking Paper” from You Are Free
He should be forced to use only brushes on one album per year.
97. Scream “Land Town Down” from Fumble
Even in songs I don’t enjoy, there are multiple drum parts I enjoy. There are multiple drum parts I like in this, specifically the bridge. Somewhat related, I wonder if Silverchair liked Scream. I wouldn’t be shocked if this helped inspire parts of Frogstomp.
96. Probot featuring Kurt Brecht “Silent Spring” from Probot
Another one where the drums are all I really enjoy about the song. Sounds like a continuation of Scream.
95. Dave Grohl “August Murray Theme” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
A slow burn that highlights the drums. They sound more Albini-like than the drums on In Utero.
94. BLAST! “The Pulse” from For Those Who’ve Graced the Fire
In and out, everything you need in one minute and six seconds (it’s more like one minute and four seconds but there’s an extra two seconds of silence on the track).
93. Dave Grohl “Outrage” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
This would fit really nicely on a Desert Sessions release.
92. Nirvana” Come As You Are” from Nevermind
Yes, the riff is lifted from “Eighties” but the drums are better than the drums on “Eighties.”
91. Foo Fighters “Wind Up” from The Colour and the Shape”
The first hits sound like the start of every bad hair metal ballad before transitioning into a wonderful power pop anthem that shouts out Animal from The Muppets. Maybe. He does sing about an animal.
90. Queens of the Stone Age “Another Love Song” from Songs for the Deaf
A less confident player would have done a lot more during the verses. Keeping it simple, stupid.
89. Queens of the Stone Age “If I Had A Tail” from …Like Clockwork
If Grohl ever becomes QOTSA’s full time drummer, fine, awesome, yes, please. You can tell it’s him but it’s not at all showboaty.
88. Zac Brown Band “Let It Rain” from The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1
Brown definitely does not use Grohl to his fullest potential but he’s the only artist on this list smart enough to let you know Grohl is playing on this record by putting his name in the title.
87. Queens of the Stone Age “Smooth Sailing” from …Like Clockwork
Funky Queens results in some unorthodox grooves.
86. Probot with Max Cavalera “Red War” from Probot
Yeah, Grohl can hang with Sepultura.
85. BLAST! “For Those Who’ve Graced The Fire!” from For Those Who’ve Graced The Fire!
These guys really know how to use Grohl. It starts with drums, the mix has the drums in front of the guitars and the result is the guy at Guitar Center just going off. Think of Garth in the first Wayne’s World movie. He likes to play.
84. Nine Inch Nails “The Idea of You” from Not The Actual Events
There are a few dozen songs in the Nine Inch Nails catalogue that have the whisper-scream over a piano line and distorted guitar thing going on but none of them have drums like this.
83. Nirvana “Rape Me” from In Utero
Like more great Nirvana songs, Grohl stays out of Cobain’s way and only takes over when it’s appropriate. The drums are so memorable because they’re not everywhere.
82. Tenacious D “Lee” from Tenacious D
My appreciation for this version increased tenfold after seeing D perform this while touring this record. The drums really make the song. That’s not typical of most D songs.
81. Nirvana “D-7 – Live at the BBC” from the Nevermind Deluxe Edition
Pretty sure every band I’ve been in has been trying to do a version of this type of song that builds and builds and builds.
80. Queens of the Stone Age “Gonna Leave You” from Songs for the Deaf
He comes to the front and pulls back when needed. Maybe this should be a production credit rather than a nod to the musician but I can’t imagine Lars Ulrich or Travis Barker ever fading to the background.
79. Tenacious D “The Metal” from The Pick of Destiny
I still smile when I listen to this song. This is the drumming highlight on the record and it also calls out grunge for failing to destroy metal, which is technically true but Nirvana did destroy hair metal and that also makes me smile.
78. Nirvana “Lounge Act” from Nevermind
How was this not a hit? I think it’s way catchier than “Come As You Are” and maybe that’s why I’m doing this and not running a label or whatever.
77. Foo Fighters “Big Me” from Foo Fighters
Doing this project shined a light on the beauty of brevity. Get in, get out, leave them wanting more. “Big Me” does exactly that. Clocking in at 2 minutes, 12 seconds, it’s a hell of an ear worm that’s over before you realize it was on.
76. Nirvana “Tourette’s” from In Utero
I love this song so much and wish this is what hardcore punk sounded like.
75. Mike Watt “Against the 70s” from Ball-Hog or Tugboat?
The Pearl Jam/Nirvana/Minutemen collaboration you probably don’t know.
74. Nirvana “Been a Son” from Incesticide
No offense to Chad Channing, but this version is way better than the original.
73. Foo Fighters “This Is a Call” from Foo Fighters
Every instrument is correctly presented in Foo Fighters’ first song. I guess it’s easier to make sure every part shines equally when you’re playing every part.
72. Foo Fighters “Floaty” from Foo Fighters
A garage rock, 4-track version of a wall of sound.
71. Tenacious D “Deth Starr” from Rize of the Fenix
If you eliminate the first minute of this track, it might have cracked the top 50. There’s at least one track on every D record with insane Grohl drums. This is that track on the band’s 2012 full length.
70. Nirvana “Very Ape” from In Utero
The drums are solid while the guitar sounds like it’s falling apart. One of many Nirvana songs with one part getting weaker while another grows stronger. The pre chorus fills can not be improved.
69. Tenacious D “Rock Your Socks” from Tenacious D
“6-6-6!” followed by drum theatrics.
68. Queens of the Stone Age “God Is In The Radio” from Songs for the Deaf
Are Queens a jam band? Real jam band vibes around minute 3. I like it and I don’t like jam bands.
67. Queens of the Stone Age “Six Shooter” from Songs for the Deaf
Yet another drum riff as memorable, if not more, than the guitar riff.
66. Them Crooked Vultures “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” from Them Crooked Vultures
The Grohl song with the mos accoutrements.
65. Foo Fighters “New Way Home” from The Colour and the Shape
Around minute four, when the very long outro begins, you understand what the first four minutes was all about.
64. Nirvana “Molly’s Lips – BBC John Peel Session”
I wish there were more Nirvana interpretations of male/female indie pop groups.
63. Foo Fighters “For All the Cows” from Foo Fighters
I love this song but why did they play it on Saturday Night Live? Once again, big fan of this song, but this not a single. Anyways, more great quiet-loud-quiet.
62. The Backbeat Band “Long Tall Sally” from Backbeat – Music From The Motion Picture
Grohl is on drums for the entire Backbeat soundtrack, which is great because it’s a chance for the lifelong Beatles fan to play a bunch of songs the early Beatles plays.
61. Dave Grohl “Vile” from Rising Son: The Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi
Sounds like a companion piece to Foo Fighters’ “White Limo” in the best possible ways.
60. Scream “C.W.W. Pt.2” from Your Choice Live Series Vol. 10
If you listen to the first Scream record it’s not entirely clear why Nirvana would want Grohl. The first track from Scream’s live album makes it very obvious why Kurt and Krist would like to play with Dave.
59. Nirvana “Drain You” from Nevermind
The most Animals of The Muppets drumming in the Nirvana catalogue.
58. Dave Grohl “How Do You Do” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
How was this not a hit? Reissue this thing to radio. Skip Record Store Day, make this one of the anthems.
57. Foo Fighters “Alone + Easy Target” from Foo Fighters
The first four songs on the Foo Fighters first record may be the best first four songs of any band. The drums in the chorus are a good reminder of what band this guy used to be in.
56. Nirvana “Polly” from Nevermind
Grohl is barely on this. That was the right decision.
55. Foo Fighters “Good Grief” from Foo Fighters
Yet another intro that’s as memorable as a guitar riff.
54. Foo Fighters “Enough Space” from The Colour and the Shape
The bass and drum intro is a chef’s kiss of getting a crowd to headbang.
53. Melvins “Isabella” from King Buzzo
The drums on this make it my favorite Melvins song.
52. Foo Fighters “Hey, Johnny Park!” from The Colour and The Shape
If the entire song was like the first 25 seconds of this song, it would be in the top 10.
51. Dave Grohl “Spinning Newspapers” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
The drums are this song. From a driving beat to a chilled out breath, tracks like this are proof Grohl would have been a fantastic film composer.
50. Nirvana “Dumb” from In Utero
Starting the song with Grohl puts this song in the top 50 of Dave Grohl’s drumming. Also, it has the best sounding crash cymbals of any Grohl track.
49. Foo Fighters “Weenie Beenie” from Foo Fighters
The song I wish I could see Grohl play on drums whilst a different Grohl sings and plays guitar.
48. Nine Inch Nails “The Line Begins To Blur” from With Teeth
I’d love to know how these drums were recorded compared to how In Utero’s drums were recorded. Anyway, every time Reznor uses Grohl, he gets a very strong snare presence and this is no exception.
47. Queens of the Stone Age “Do It Again” from Songs for the Deaf
It really, really swings. And it’s a shame that this song has some of the most “radio announcements” on the album, clocking in at over a minute. I love concept albums, it just makes it a little more difficult to really dig into a mix tape/CD/playlist.
46. Foo Fighters “X-Static” from Foo Fighters
Right before the first verse, when the bass and drums kick in, that’s the part that gets stuck in my head.
45. Queens of the Stone Age “Fairweather Friends” from …Like Clockwork
Like most of Grohl’s drums on this album, it gets good around the bridge. Unlike every other song on this album, Elton John and Trent Reznor sing backup.
44. Probot featuring Jack Black “I Am the Warlock” from Probot
Remember Grohl’s one-off metal project? He plays drums on all the tracks and, somewhat surprisingly, the Jack Black is the best one on the Southern Lord release.
43. Nine Inch Nails “Getting Smaller” from With Teeth
If NIN was a hardcore band.
42. Queens of the Stone Age “I Appear Missing” from …Like Clockwork
Every once in a while I let a friend know that Grohl is still one of the best drummers working and I always sound like a middle aged dad. I stand by my proclamation. Anyway, this is one of the songs I use as proof of relevance. It doesn’t always work because I think it really gets good around minute 4.
41. Foo Fighters “My Hero” from The Colour and the Shape
Another example of Grohl’s drums being as memorable as Grohl’s guitar riffs. What other drummer has this many memorable parts?
40. Queens of the Stone Age “My God is the Sun” from …Like Clockwork
The Grohl song that’s inspired the most air drums.
39. Nirvana “Stay Away” from Nevermind
From the galloping intro to the rolls in the pre chorus, how could you improve these drums?
38. Nirvana “Lithium” from Nevermind
Is this the song that most people remember Grohl for in Nirvana? When the drums hit in the first chorus?
37. Foo Fighters “Up In Arms” from The Colour and the Shape
When the song goes from a ballad to a power pop anthem around second 50, that’s just fun.
36. Nirvana “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter” from In Utero
Keep your Loveless by My Bloody Valentine, I’ll take this distortion over any other from the 90s. Rather than try to match the fury, Grohl aides it, keeping the beat when needed and exploding when allowed. Because the releases are used sparingly, they’re more powerful than anything he did in Scream.
35. Nirvana “Francis Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle” from In Utero
A less confident drummer could have ruined this masterpiece with a bunch of frivolous fills. Grohl keeps is simple and the song benefits.
34. Killing Joke “Seeing Red” from Killing Joke
The transition from the verses to the chorus may be the signature Dave Grohl drum sound.
33. Nirvana “Serve the Servants” from In Utero
My favorite song and Grohl pretty much just stays out of Cobain’s way. If anything, the drums are understated.
32. Nirvana “Milk It” from In Utero
What would be a throwaway song from another band is a more caustic. lo-fi version of a Pixies inspired blast.
31. Queens of the Stone Age “Hanging Tree” from Songs for the Deaf
What he does with the snare in the first 20 seconds of this song is better than anything Travis Barker has done with a snare drum in the last 25 years.
30. Killing Joke “Asteroid” from Killing Joke
How has this not been used in countless movie battle scenes?
29. Nirvana “Territorial Pissings” from Nevermind
It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing drums for this song, making it an essential Grohl-on-drums song.
28. Foo Fighters “I’ll Stick Around” from Foo Fighters
It’s dumb to live in the past but I wish it still sounded like this. The simple fills, the buried vocals, the fuzzy guitars, the effortless sing-a-long chorus, it’s all here in their second single.
27. Melvins “Skeeter” from King Buzzo
The proof that Grohl would have been a very competant full time metal drummer.
26. Queens of the Stone Age “The Sky Is Fallin'” from Songs for the Deaf
There’s a lot going on in this song and the drums are no small part. Yet there’s still room to breath. It’s stoner rock with a few moments of quiet meditation.
25. Nirvana “You Know You’re Right” from Nirvana
The closest to a drum solo in the Nirvana catalogue. So good and so sad knowing it’s the end.
24. Nirvana “All Apologies” from In Utero
Hits so hard. The last minute just hits so hard.
23. Nirvana “Son Of A Gun – BBC John Peel Session 1990” from Incesticide
Listen to the original Vaselines version and try to convince me the drums on this version don’t completely change the song.
22. Them Crooked Vultures “New Fang” from Them Crooked Vultures
This song was built around the drums, right?
21. Dave Grohl “Final Miracle” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
20. Dave Grohl “Bill Hill Theme” from Touch: Music From The Motion Picture
The best Dave Grohl performance not available on Spotify. Grohl did the entire soundtrack in two weeks after the Foo Fighters were done touring the first record and before recording The Colour and the Shape. It’s got some of the best parts of the first Foo Fighters record/Pocketwatch demo and some of the innovative drumming that isn’t heard again until Songs for the Deaf.
These two tracks are related and a reminder of just how good Grohl is with a limited amount of time.
19. Nirvana “Heart-Shaped Box” from In Utero
Depending on the time of day, this could be in the top 5. The fills, the accents, the subtle stuff he’s doing during verses, it’s a drum performance in a song by a band at their musical peak.
18. Nine Inch Nails “The Collector” from With Teeth
This song is perfectly fine without the drums but one of the best on the record with the drums. Grohl makes this one
17. Nirvana “Breed” from Nevermind
The song in which Dave Grohl fills all of the space. Somewhat related, this is the best Krist Novaselic bass tone.
16. Nirvana “Pennyroyal Tea” from In Utero
Unfortunately, this song should be charting in 2021.
15. Them Crooked Vultures “Dead End Friends” from Them Crooked Vultures
The guy with the ZoSo tattoo really liked playing with John Paul Jones.
14. Nirvana “(New Wave) Polly – BBC Mark Goodier Session” from Incesticide
The song the band released more than any other, this version of “Polly” stands out for speedy reasons.
13. Nirvana “Endless, Nameless” from Nevermind
Even when Nirvana is trying to be Sonic Youth it’s restrained chaos. The secret song on Nevermind never goes off the rails. And though it’s the closest to a noise track they’ve released, there’s a clear beginning, middle and end.
12. Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” from Nevermind
This is one of the greatest songs of all time. And we might know it if Chad Channing stayed on as Nirvana’s drummer. But it’s highly unlikely. The drums in the pre chorus alone may have inspired more kids to pick up drumsticks than anything ever released on Sub Pop.
11. Queens of the Stone Age “No One Knows” from Songs for the Deaf
The best rock and roll drummer of the last 30 years doesn’t get to shine until the chorus but then he really shines. So shiny, and at the time, new.
10. Nirvana “Scentless Apprentice” from In Utero
The most memorable Nirvana drum part. The song I’ve attempted more than any other on electronic drums at Guitar Centers in the 90s in the greater Chicagoland area.
9. Cat Power “He War” from You Are Free
He really knows how to stay out of the way. The simple accents, almost childlike, elevate this already outstanding song.
8. Queens of the Stone Age “Song For The Deaf” from Songs for the Deaf
Is this the closest Grohl ever gets to being in a jam band?
7. Killing Joke “The Death & Resurrection Show” from Killing Joke
My second favorite Grohl drum performance, Jaz Coleman shot his shot with Grohl’s inclusion on this 2003 reunion album. Cashing in on Nirvana lifting the riff from “Eighties” on “Come As You Are,” Coleman and co. got a free (!!!) Grohl on drums for the band’s second self-titled album. Unlike most every other inclusion on this list, all of the parts were done before Grohl was added. Typically drums come first. This time drums came last. The band gave Grohl exact parameters and the result is jaw dropping. This nearly 7 minute opener is a clarion call for sonic destruction. It is perfect.
I highly recommend the 2013 ‘doc’ about Killing Joke, also titled The Death & Resurrection Show, to see more of Coleman’s musicianship and manipulation.
6. Nirvana “Aneurysm” from Incesticide
The fills. The fills! Ah, the fills! Working on this and listening to these songs has shed so much light on how conservative Grohl is behind the kit. He has the reputation of Animal in The Muppets (obviously helped by his cameo as Animal’s replacement in The Muppets), but he’s way more Ringo than Animal. He does not get in the way, at least sonically. His appearance, specifically in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video makes him more Muppet-like than his performance.
5. Nirvana “In Bloom” from Nevermind
The best loud-quiet-loud song from the best loud-quiet-loud band. And it swings.
4. Queens of the Stone Age “First It Giveth” from Songs for the Deaf
The perfect fit of Homme’s guitar and Grohl’s drums.
3. Queens of the Stone Age “Song for the Dead” from Songs for the Deaf
100% of the time I sit behind a kit I attempt to play the intro. I am not a drummer so I’ve never actually played the intro.
Grohl shows off almost his entire arsenal in the first 60 seconds. No band understands how to use Grohl more than QOTSA.
2. Nine Inch Nails “You Know What You Are?” from With Teeth
If Grohl wasn’t on this track, it would begin at second 22. I get tired just listening to the first minute. Just a powerhouse performance.
1. Foo Fighters “Everlong” from The Colour and the Shape
William Goldsmith never had a chance. The Foo Fighters drummer is only on a handful of tracks from the band’s second record (first recorded as a band) and if “Everlong” is what Grohl had in his mind when he retook drum controls, it’s extremely clear why Goldsmith had to go.
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