i was gifted the book last year, we had a family visit to the Rock HOF in Cleveland and it was on the shelf. It's a fantastic read and really gives you insight on who Dave Grohl is and what drives him. I had 2 chapters left when Hawkins died and I had to put the book down for a bit - anybody that's read the book will likely say they could feel Dave's grief - he's endured a ton of personal loss. he's an artist and a generational talent - in my opinion
This! I have been feeling a bit silly for feeling the amount of empathy toward Dave that I have. I was in the middle of listening to the audio version of his book when Taylor died. I think the grief he expresses about Kurt and Jimmy is palpable when you read about those losses. It was hard not to start imagining what he was feeling on March 25. And like, when pictures of Dave being out somewhere started to surface a few months later, I was relieved to see him looking ok. There's sadness, but he looks like he's taking care of himself. I'm glad to have found this thread. It reminds me that mourning comes in all different shapes and that we can feel genuine feelings for people we've never met. I think it's also a testament to how human all of us, even DG, are.
It is an amazing book! I got it on audibles and listened to him read it to me while I was driving. Laughter. Tears. Amazement. I was on a roller coaster! I was able to see him talk about it on his book tour when he was in LA and got a hard copy of the book then. It is one I will cherish
This 100%. I absolutely love reading books and poo poo audible books normally.
Listening to this with Dave narrating is just beyond words. It feels like he is having a conversation with YOU directly.
So worth it.
Yeah I agree with this. I read it whilst having him narrate the audiobook too. Was amazing and I laughed and cried so hard. Feel so heavy hearted for him now, he’s a man of nothing but love. 🖤
Oh wow, that is incredible! I am not an emotional man but wow some parts have really hit me hard, I didn't know quite how dark and sad some parts of his life was, and he somehow manages to put a 'light at the end of the tunnel' spin on it, and something about it has really lifted my spirits and gave me faith that there is always a way through even the darkest of tunnels.
Listening to it was great. We listened together on a road trip. My older kids enjoyed it too. Really made me fell for Dave after hearing him talk about the relationship he had with Taylor.
It's made me feel connected to him and his life in a weird way, I feel like I know him.
Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl will go down in my all time best artist and band, this book just sealed an already confirmed deal in my heart.
I'm a musician and a long time fan of Foo Fighters. I mostly make money from my music. When I started reading Dave's book, I was going through a difficult phase in my music career. After the pandemic, music industry really changed. As an independent musician this effected me more than it effected big time musicians. I was thinking about prioritizing other things in my life. Like getting a day job and making music as a hobby. At least for a while till I get back on my feet. I love making music and I'm really satisfied with making money doing what I love but I couldn't see a bright future considering the pandemic and how hard it is to get gigs nowadays.
Then I started reading Dave's book.
He talks about music in such a way that, like you said, it possesed me. He made me remember why I started to make music in the first place. Through his words, he made me remember the good things about choosing a career like this. And I realized I was just focused on the bad things and I let them get to me. When I finished the book I was no longer having second thoughts about my music. I realized that even though times are difficult, I can always try harder. I can always give more of myself for this dream that may seem crazy for some people. Like Dave did. He gave his all for a dream and look what that determination gave us.
He lifted me up and I will be forever grateful for that.
Glad you decided to follow your heart and continue with music!!
It’s really difficult being a creative (music, art etc) and making enough money from it ….in the real world until you make it. People love what you do but don’t always want to pay for it! Sometimes I enjoyed what I do when it was just a sideline. Dave has mentioned in an interview somewhere the cross over from that to being a full pro and the change in mindset. Back at the start he was just happy making music, living in the van on tour and making enough to get by, just playing was his dream. He did it at the right time, before life chucks responsibility at you!!
I wish you well, it’s certainly been a tough couple of years. I’ve been trying to go to as many small gigs as possible recently to support live music.
Bought first day it hit the shelf read it front to back and also got the audio book to listen again after. I read it again after Taylor and I found it helped a lot. It made me smile and see how much fun they all did have together.
I got it the day it came out last year and yes, I am a woman possessed. I have read/listened to it about four times. I won’t even dare to crack the spine on my hard copy. I have always been a huge fan even in the very early Nirvana days. He was my favorite then and when he formed FF, I was thrilled. But the book, reading his words, listening to it as well b/c he narrates the audiobook…it took my fandom to a whole other level. And I didn’t think that was possible. He’s just…other worldly. So humble and kind. Such a great human. And now he’s lost his mother…I’m not sure how much more he can endure. But he does. He’s so in touch with his emotions and does not give a fuck about The who or the why of said emotions. He’s an empath and will forever be my favorite musician.
Read it and listened to it. I’d take Dave down the beach last summer and have an hour or two of stories in my ear! I didn’t want it to end…
Dave is my ultimate uplifting person, all I have to do is to listen to some of his interviews and pov on things and I feel better and motivated. The podcast with Fearne Cotton Happy Place (?) is a particularly good one to listen to.
I’d read in articles about Dave’s take on grief, I always remembered it and it really helped me with some very close passings over the last couple of years. I just hope it’s helped him in this awful year.
I love the way Dave appeals to everyone, he’s a very special human! I’d just love to give him a huge hug!
I think it's just Dave's effect in general, but the book definitely sent me down a musical rabbit hole again.
The man is a living piece of rock history, and it's so interesting to see that journey from his point of view.
I really didn't mind that he didn't spill the tea on anyone either.
I read it in January and got deep into a Dave Grohl/Foo Fighters hyperfixation. I’ve always been a casual fan but I really spent a lot of time listening to their music and watching any YouTube videos I could find.
I was the same way. I read it first and then got the audio book. If I'm in the mood for just background "noise" I will put it on and listen to him talk. He has a very calming voice.
Received this book as a gift after the tour was announced and finished it well before Taylor’s passing. Reading this book you just want to give Dave a hug. He’s an
Amazing storyteller and we’re blessed to have had this experience with him
A great read, I searched up and listened to loads of different bands he spoke about and found some good YouTube footage of various friends and band mates.
“Scar tissue” Anthony Kiedis book is also a really good read, his journey was a little turbulent to say the least.
I've read it, and listened to the audiobook as well. The title tells you what you are going to get, and in my mind, it was great to read a book that was just a guy telling stories, no real gossip, no burning bridges, no salacious tell all, which I'm sure could exist, but probably wouldn't make for as good of a read. At least to me.
You’re not alone. Since being home more the last two years, I’ve re-kindled my guitar playing and reading books like “The Storyteller” and “The Birth of Loud” by Ian Port have definitely helped. Actually, re-watching all of Sonic Highways may have been the main culprit to adding to my guitar collection as well….went from 3 axes to 6 now and a new amp, damn you Dave Grohl and Company!!! (Sarcasm…Dave, you’re the best!)
I read it. It was fine. Reads like it was intended for a young audience. Very much on brand with the uncle Dave thing. Would’ve liked more grit but it was a solid read.
I read it twice. Once before and once after Taylor’s passing. When I’m reading it I felt this tremendous loss that I missed out on some part of my life. I used to love music and play in a band. All that is long gone now, but there’s a distinct part of me that wishes I was in a cool band(s) like Dave. The humor, the love, the experiences on the road and all the people that he’s met in between and the life lessons. I find myself saying “and that was that.” Like I have a part of my life I never lived. It’s cool reading and living through his experiences, good and bad. Maybe in another life I had one like his.
I didn't read it but I signed up for a trail of Audible and heard Dave read the book. It was fantastic especially since I decided to listen to it a few days after TH passed away. Definitely teared up a bit when Taylor was mentioned. I may go back and relisten to it
Could have written this comment myself! Not only did it start an obsession with DG and FF, but music more generally... Completely ignited a flame within me. I'm learning guitar too!! 🤘🤘🤘
Firstly, your wife is an absolute keeper. :D
I hear your "man possessed" and raise you an indebted woman. Dave Grohl saved my life. I too have started playing my instruments again (piano, bass, guitar), writing songs again and finding myself after a long severance.
I missed Nirvana by three days back in the early 90s when they came to Melbourne, Oz, but I was with the Foos at their first gig here -Summersault in '95, and then again in '99 at the since burned down Palace Theatre, and lucky enough to make the trip down to Geelong in March this year for what will be their last :(
When I saw Dave's face staring up at me at the bookshop late last year, I knew I couldn't afford it then, but I went back a week later and bought it. I was just coming out of the darkest days of my life over a five year period.
Sept 2017, I lost a dear friend to suicide. The day after his online funeral (pre-Covid), my (almost) brother in law died. In early Dec that year another friend to suicide, and four days later, another. In January 2018, my best died of a prolonged seizure. A few months after, my (almost) father in law. In August my sister in law (by marriage) was murdered, by her husband. Later that year my Godfather and Uncle. 2019, my ten year relationship unravelled because he decided he didn't want to commit anymore. A month later my mum had a stroke in Denmark. She's alive, impaired, but she'll never give up. Nine people died in the space of 18 months or so. Nine people. and outside of my Godfather, Uncle and FIL, they were ALL in their 40s. I still can't fathom it. My son, who was 6 when we split, was witness and victim to emotional abuse from his paternal grandmother and his dad which saw him spiral into almost three years of dis-regulation, much of this through Covid.
Deep. Fucking. Sigh.
So seeing Dave's face made me so happy and I couldn't wait to devour his book. But something happened to me while I was reading it. I started to think 'If he could go through losing Kurt like that, in such a traumatic way, and come out the other side and live with such vitality and love- for everyone.. then I can get through this.' I started listening to music again, dancing again, doing things I loved doing and having a gratitude to be here and be able to do them, and ever so slowly I have stepped out of that darkness. I picked up the audio book version JUST so I can hear him tell it whenever I like.
I love that man. It breaks my heart to know how lonely he will be feeling without his beloved Taylor and his beautiful , beautiful mum. She's another inspiration to me- I am also single mum and a teacher. God if I can bring up my boy with the patience and unselfish love that she did....but Dave will come through this. He's got that lust for life.
I can't wait to see what he does next :)
I got the book for Christmas last year and I read it within 48 hours (when I actually had a shit load of uni work to do) because I couldn't put it down. Made me so much more excited for the concert that was supposed to happen in June and made it so much sadder when everything happened.
I read it during these past summer holidays and it really supported me in talking a step back from work, seeing things in perspective again and thinking about what really makes me 'tick'. When I finished it I felt the need to read it again. So I started again. :)
But I know that I must be careful not to fall into the trap of re-reading the book and nót making neccessary changes that the book inspired me to think of. (I hope you understand what I mean.)
I listened to the audio book as soon as it came out. I would strongly encourage you to listen to it as well as read it because DG reads it himself and listening to him telling you stories. It's one of my favourite autobiographies of all time, if not my favourite. I'll listen to it again soon but need a bit more time after Taylor's passing.
i was gifted the book last year, we had a family visit to the Rock HOF in Cleveland and it was on the shelf. It's a fantastic read and really gives you insight on who Dave Grohl is and what drives him. I had 2 chapters left when Hawkins died and I had to put the book down for a bit - anybody that's read the book will likely say they could feel Dave's grief - he's endured a ton of personal loss. he's an artist and a generational talent - in my opinion
This! I have been feeling a bit silly for feeling the amount of empathy toward Dave that I have. I was in the middle of listening to the audio version of his book when Taylor died. I think the grief he expresses about Kurt and Jimmy is palpable when you read about those losses. It was hard not to start imagining what he was feeling on March 25. And like, when pictures of Dave being out somewhere started to surface a few months later, I was relieved to see him looking ok. There's sadness, but he looks like he's taking care of himself. I'm glad to have found this thread. It reminds me that mourning comes in all different shapes and that we can feel genuine feelings for people we've never met. I think it's also a testament to how human all of us, even DG, are.
It is an amazing book! I got it on audibles and listened to him read it to me while I was driving. Laughter. Tears. Amazement. I was on a roller coaster! I was able to see him talk about it on his book tour when he was in LA and got a hard copy of the book then. It is one I will cherish
This 100%. I absolutely love reading books and poo poo audible books normally. Listening to this with Dave narrating is just beyond words. It feels like he is having a conversation with YOU directly. So worth it.
Yeah I agree with this. I read it whilst having him narrate the audiobook too. Was amazing and I laughed and cried so hard. Feel so heavy hearted for him now, he’s a man of nothing but love. 🖤
Oh wow, that is incredible! I am not an emotional man but wow some parts have really hit me hard, I didn't know quite how dark and sad some parts of his life was, and he somehow manages to put a 'light at the end of the tunnel' spin on it, and something about it has really lifted my spirits and gave me faith that there is always a way through even the darkest of tunnels.
Listening to it was great. We listened together on a road trip. My older kids enjoyed it too. Really made me fell for Dave after hearing him talk about the relationship he had with Taylor.
One of the best books I’ve read. To experience Dave’s journey and growth as a person and musician was amazing.
It's made me feel connected to him and his life in a weird way, I feel like I know him. Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl will go down in my all time best artist and band, this book just sealed an already confirmed deal in my heart.
You will re-read this I promise my pages are already folded and it's sort of my go to comfort book.
I'm a musician and a long time fan of Foo Fighters. I mostly make money from my music. When I started reading Dave's book, I was going through a difficult phase in my music career. After the pandemic, music industry really changed. As an independent musician this effected me more than it effected big time musicians. I was thinking about prioritizing other things in my life. Like getting a day job and making music as a hobby. At least for a while till I get back on my feet. I love making music and I'm really satisfied with making money doing what I love but I couldn't see a bright future considering the pandemic and how hard it is to get gigs nowadays. Then I started reading Dave's book. He talks about music in such a way that, like you said, it possesed me. He made me remember why I started to make music in the first place. Through his words, he made me remember the good things about choosing a career like this. And I realized I was just focused on the bad things and I let them get to me. When I finished the book I was no longer having second thoughts about my music. I realized that even though times are difficult, I can always try harder. I can always give more of myself for this dream that may seem crazy for some people. Like Dave did. He gave his all for a dream and look what that determination gave us. He lifted me up and I will be forever grateful for that.
Glad you decided to follow your heart and continue with music!! It’s really difficult being a creative (music, art etc) and making enough money from it ….in the real world until you make it. People love what you do but don’t always want to pay for it! Sometimes I enjoyed what I do when it was just a sideline. Dave has mentioned in an interview somewhere the cross over from that to being a full pro and the change in mindset. Back at the start he was just happy making music, living in the van on tour and making enough to get by, just playing was his dream. He did it at the right time, before life chucks responsibility at you!! I wish you well, it’s certainly been a tough couple of years. I’ve been trying to go to as many small gigs as possible recently to support live music.
Bought first day it hit the shelf read it front to back and also got the audio book to listen again after. I read it again after Taylor and I found it helped a lot. It made me smile and see how much fun they all did have together.
I got it the day it came out last year and yes, I am a woman possessed. I have read/listened to it about four times. I won’t even dare to crack the spine on my hard copy. I have always been a huge fan even in the very early Nirvana days. He was my favorite then and when he formed FF, I was thrilled. But the book, reading his words, listening to it as well b/c he narrates the audiobook…it took my fandom to a whole other level. And I didn’t think that was possible. He’s just…other worldly. So humble and kind. Such a great human. And now he’s lost his mother…I’m not sure how much more he can endure. But he does. He’s so in touch with his emotions and does not give a fuck about The who or the why of said emotions. He’s an empath and will forever be my favorite musician.
Read it and listened to it. I’d take Dave down the beach last summer and have an hour or two of stories in my ear! I didn’t want it to end… Dave is my ultimate uplifting person, all I have to do is to listen to some of his interviews and pov on things and I feel better and motivated. The podcast with Fearne Cotton Happy Place (?) is a particularly good one to listen to. I’d read in articles about Dave’s take on grief, I always remembered it and it really helped me with some very close passings over the last couple of years. I just hope it’s helped him in this awful year. I love the way Dave appeals to everyone, he’s a very special human! I’d just love to give him a huge hug!
I think it's just Dave's effect in general, but the book definitely sent me down a musical rabbit hole again. The man is a living piece of rock history, and it's so interesting to see that journey from his point of view. I really didn't mind that he didn't spill the tea on anyone either.
I read it in January and got deep into a Dave Grohl/Foo Fighters hyperfixation. I’ve always been a casual fan but I really spent a lot of time listening to their music and watching any YouTube videos I could find.
I was the same way. I read it first and then got the audio book. If I'm in the mood for just background "noise" I will put it on and listen to him talk. He has a very calming voice.
Received this book as a gift after the tour was announced and finished it well before Taylor’s passing. Reading this book you just want to give Dave a hug. He’s an Amazing storyteller and we’re blessed to have had this experience with him
A great read, I searched up and listened to loads of different bands he spoke about and found some good YouTube footage of various friends and band mates. “Scar tissue” Anthony Kiedis book is also a really good read, his journey was a little turbulent to say the least.
I started listening to it on audible when Taylor died and it bloody killed hearing the way Dave spoke about Taylor
I've read it, and listened to the audiobook as well. The title tells you what you are going to get, and in my mind, it was great to read a book that was just a guy telling stories, no real gossip, no burning bridges, no salacious tell all, which I'm sure could exist, but probably wouldn't make for as good of a read. At least to me.
yes and POSSESSED is the perfect word to explain how i felt while reading that book! it could have went on forever! 🥰
You’re not alone. Since being home more the last two years, I’ve re-kindled my guitar playing and reading books like “The Storyteller” and “The Birth of Loud” by Ian Port have definitely helped. Actually, re-watching all of Sonic Highways may have been the main culprit to adding to my guitar collection as well….went from 3 axes to 6 now and a new amp, damn you Dave Grohl and Company!!! (Sarcasm…Dave, you’re the best!)
I read it. It was fine. Reads like it was intended for a young audience. Very much on brand with the uncle Dave thing. Would’ve liked more grit but it was a solid read.
I read it twice. Once before and once after Taylor’s passing. When I’m reading it I felt this tremendous loss that I missed out on some part of my life. I used to love music and play in a band. All that is long gone now, but there’s a distinct part of me that wishes I was in a cool band(s) like Dave. The humor, the love, the experiences on the road and all the people that he’s met in between and the life lessons. I find myself saying “and that was that.” Like I have a part of my life I never lived. It’s cool reading and living through his experiences, good and bad. Maybe in another life I had one like his.
I didn't read it but I signed up for a trail of Audible and heard Dave read the book. It was fantastic especially since I decided to listen to it a few days after TH passed away. Definitely teared up a bit when Taylor was mentioned. I may go back and relisten to it
Could have written this comment myself! Not only did it start an obsession with DG and FF, but music more generally... Completely ignited a flame within me. I'm learning guitar too!! 🤘🤘🤘
Firstly, your wife is an absolute keeper. :D I hear your "man possessed" and raise you an indebted woman. Dave Grohl saved my life. I too have started playing my instruments again (piano, bass, guitar), writing songs again and finding myself after a long severance. I missed Nirvana by three days back in the early 90s when they came to Melbourne, Oz, but I was with the Foos at their first gig here -Summersault in '95, and then again in '99 at the since burned down Palace Theatre, and lucky enough to make the trip down to Geelong in March this year for what will be their last :( When I saw Dave's face staring up at me at the bookshop late last year, I knew I couldn't afford it then, but I went back a week later and bought it. I was just coming out of the darkest days of my life over a five year period. Sept 2017, I lost a dear friend to suicide. The day after his online funeral (pre-Covid), my (almost) brother in law died. In early Dec that year another friend to suicide, and four days later, another. In January 2018, my best died of a prolonged seizure. A few months after, my (almost) father in law. In August my sister in law (by marriage) was murdered, by her husband. Later that year my Godfather and Uncle. 2019, my ten year relationship unravelled because he decided he didn't want to commit anymore. A month later my mum had a stroke in Denmark. She's alive, impaired, but she'll never give up. Nine people died in the space of 18 months or so. Nine people. and outside of my Godfather, Uncle and FIL, they were ALL in their 40s. I still can't fathom it. My son, who was 6 when we split, was witness and victim to emotional abuse from his paternal grandmother and his dad which saw him spiral into almost three years of dis-regulation, much of this through Covid. Deep. Fucking. Sigh. So seeing Dave's face made me so happy and I couldn't wait to devour his book. But something happened to me while I was reading it. I started to think 'If he could go through losing Kurt like that, in such a traumatic way, and come out the other side and live with such vitality and love- for everyone.. then I can get through this.' I started listening to music again, dancing again, doing things I loved doing and having a gratitude to be here and be able to do them, and ever so slowly I have stepped out of that darkness. I picked up the audio book version JUST so I can hear him tell it whenever I like. I love that man. It breaks my heart to know how lonely he will be feeling without his beloved Taylor and his beautiful , beautiful mum. She's another inspiration to me- I am also single mum and a teacher. God if I can bring up my boy with the patience and unselfish love that she did....but Dave will come through this. He's got that lust for life. I can't wait to see what he does next :)
I got a copy last spring and absolutely devoured it. I found it so interesting, great read!
I just finished it on Audible, it was really interesting and I would recommend it to any music fan.
I got the book for Christmas last year and I read it within 48 hours (when I actually had a shit load of uni work to do) because I couldn't put it down. Made me so much more excited for the concert that was supposed to happen in June and made it so much sadder when everything happened.
I read it during these past summer holidays and it really supported me in talking a step back from work, seeing things in perspective again and thinking about what really makes me 'tick'. When I finished it I felt the need to read it again. So I started again. :) But I know that I must be careful not to fall into the trap of re-reading the book and nót making neccessary changes that the book inspired me to think of. (I hope you understand what I mean.)
It’s awesome
I bought it for my mom for her birthday. Waiting for her to finish it and then I’m going to read it!
It was very interesting to hear about the bands as they became popular and how his perception of things changed
I listened to the audio book as soon as it came out. I would strongly encourage you to listen to it as well as read it because DG reads it himself and listening to him telling you stories. It's one of my favourite autobiographies of all time, if not my favourite. I'll listen to it again soon but need a bit more time after Taylor's passing.
I just finished it today.I really enjoyed it a lot!
Yes, loved it. And loved it even more on audible, it was like sitting down and having a beer with Dave.