Dave Grohl on If He Would Replace Neil Peart of Rush

2018-07-02

Story by Cat Badra, photo by Brantley Gutierrez

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has lots of respect for Rush drummer Neil Peart. So, would he consider replacing Peart in Rush?

Rush’s longstanding drummer Neil Peart has retired, and the band has often expressed that they have no plans to do a major tour or release new music without Peart in the fold. However, what if Lifeson and bass player Geddy Lee had a change of heart and offered Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl the coveted drummer position in Rush? After all, Grohl is known as one of the best drummers in rock music.

Rolling Stone asked Grohl that exact question in a new interview. Grohl responded, asserting, “I would say, ‘I’m not physically or musically capable, but thanks for the offer.’ Neil Peart, that’s a whole other animal, another species of drummer. I know the arrangements, but I’m like Meg White to Neil Peart.”

Don’t take that last comment as something against White of the White Stripes. “She’s one of my favorite drummers!” Grohl said. “She’s my daughter’s favorite drummer, too. My daughter plays drums to two types of music: White Stripes and AC/DC. I’m like, ‘That’s exactly what you need to be doing.”

When asked more about his admiration for White, Grohl added, “She is one of those drummers that, if you hear 15 seconds of her recording, you’ll know who it is and that to me has always been the gold standard.”

In addition to White, Grohl was a major fan of Tom Petty, who passed away last year. In fact, Grohl toured with Petty shortly after Nirvana ended. Elsewhere in the interview, Grohl opened up about Petty, saying, “I saw his last show, and it was wonderful.”

Grohl added that there is also a possible sequel to the Foos HBO documentary series, “Sonic Highways,” in the works. “I still have the concept for the second season, so, someday,” Grohl explained.

Grohl and Foo Fighters are currently on tour in support of their latest album, “Concrete and Gold.”

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.