Dave Grohl, Lemmy Kilmister, Billy Gibbons - 'Run Run Rudolph' [Audio]

Dave Grohl, Lemmy Kilmister, Billy Gibbons – ‘Run Run Rudolph’ [Audio]

2011-12-10

Story by Anne Erickson

Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons come together on Christmas track

Years before “White Limo” brought Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters together with Motorhead frontman Lenny Kilmister for a musical masterwork, Grohl and Kilmister collaborated on a jolly rendition of, “Run Run Ruldolph.” Yes, you read that correctly. The hard rocking gents bonded over a song about a reindeer with a bright red nose, along with guitarist Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

The track appeared on 2008’s We Wish You a Metal Xmas compilation album– a set put together by Wendy Dio, wife of the late Ronnie James Dio. The assortment brings together artists from the hard rock and metal world, all performing yuletide favorites. Astonishingly, the set generated some fantastic, albeit bizarre, Christmas tunes: a monody-tinged rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” featuring Dio, Tony Iommi, Rudy Sarzo and AC/DC’s Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio); a merrily rocking version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” featuring Alice Cooper, John 5, Billy Sheehan, Vinny Appice; and a crazy-cool take on “Little Drummer Boy” with King’s X’s Doug Pinnick, Dokken and Lynch Mob’s George Lynch, David Lee Roth’s Billy Sheehan and Judas Priest’s Simon Phillips.

The album highlight, though, is “Run Run Rudolph,” showing Grohl, Kilmister and Gibbons at their jovial best. Chuck Berry originated the jam, and the rock super-trio take what’s already there and add slick guitar licks, rockabilly grooves and a raw, rock ‘n’ roll vibe. On “Run Run Rudolph,” the men manage to maintain the feel of the classic while adding their husky, noisy edge, making this a win-win for traditionalists and non-traditionalists alike. If you decide to pick up one orthodox Christmas jam this season, we highly recommend you go with this holiday classic. Listen to the tune, below.

Listen to Dave Grohl, Billy Gibbons and Lemmy Kilmister’s Version of ‘Run Run Rudolph’:

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.