Is Dave Grohl The New Man?

10/09/08 07:29

Casey and I watched, er, experienced the Foo Fighters last night at Red Rocks. It wasn’t my first time seeing frontman Dave Grohl and the boys (along with a few gals on strings) level the crowd. These guys put on a moving and fun show. I’m a fan and I’m physically sore today from the power of their rocking.

Granted, I don’t know Dave personally (look, I’m already calling him “Dave” like we’re pals or some shit), but I do have my experience of him. So, here are some assumptions based on my experience.

(1) Dave’s got balls and he’s not ashamed of them. It’s one thing to be a big, badass rock band and kill it every night. But what I see is a man who can be the cock-swinging rock god and then deftly pour his heart into a beautiful song.

I mean, the guy wrote this (from “Everlong”):

“And I wonder
When I sing along with you
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again

The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when
She sang”

And without effort, he goes and drinks Jack Daniels with Lemmy. Wow. He reminds me that being “strong” is not a posture of indomitability -- it’s a willingness to be vulnerable.

(2) Dave’s got heart (see above or take a moment to read some of his lyrics).

(3) Dave’s got a sense of humor and a readiness to make a fool of himself. He doesn’t take himself or his music too seriously and I appreciate his enthusiasm for calling bullshit -- even on himself. There’s an element of play in his work (think about that). I imagine Dave’s playground is a place that includes his ego, his identity and his financial security. Dave *plays* here -- most of us are white-knucking anything that could threaten our well-being. He inspires me to play more in all areas of my life -- not just the areas where I’ve got nothing to lose.

(4) Dave isn’t waiting for permission to express himself. He reminds me of my passion to live “fully expressed” -- as in, I don’t want to die with love, talent or gifts held back or “with gas in the tank” so to speak. Dave brings it fully into every show. No sense waiting for tomorrow because there might not be one. I’m sure the guy’s got blocks -- who doesn’t? -- but I appreciate how willing he is to be a fire hydrant of emotions and energy. F#%&ing Awesome.

Thanks for the inspiration, Dave. I’m happy to buy you a beer anytime.