Dave Grohl

I was in my 20s and a fan of MTV in the early 90s. So, of course, I knew of Nirvana. I was, however, agnostic about their music as I was about the Foo Fighters'. I might be able to name a song or two from both groups but I had never bought any or even purposely sought them out. However, every time I came across a story about Dave Grohl, he just seemed like a cool guy. So, when I had an extra Audible credit that I needed to use before it expired, I bought the audiobook for The Storyteller show more (read by Grohl, himself).

After listening, my impression is confirmed. Dave just seems like a totally awesome, down-to-earth guy who had a couple lucky breaks but who mostly worked his you-know-what off to get where he is. I loved the stories of his life on the road, particularly in the early days (pre-Nirvana) when he was slogging around in a van, sleeping on people's floors and living on a per diem of $7.50 a day. The later stories, when he's finally hit it big and is hobnobbing with celebrities could get tiresome, especially when he expresses surprise that he's actually given good seats and backstage passes to a charity concert featuring some of his idols. But you really believe that he is a humble guy who is truly star struck and above all, grateful to meet his heroes and for all that he has. You finish the book thinking that Dave is not only a lot of fun, but more importantly, a good human being, a great friend and an awesome dad and family man. I'd love to hang with him. Might have to go out now and buy some Foo Fighters songs. show less

I'm not sure I will articulate this well, but please know this is delightful in every way.
For Christmas, my brother and I unknowingly purchased this book for each other. He is a musician and a fan of basically every band ever. The ideal target audience for a musician's autobiography. I listen to music, even have a couple Foo Fighters albums, and I think Dave Grohl is a cool dude. But I HATE autobiographies. I've attempted so many and finished only 1 (Betty 'Badass Bitch' White). But I show more promised my brother I'd read this, and I promised myself I would finish no matter what.
Less than 3 days later I am convinced that Dave Grohl isn't a cool dude. He's the *coolest fucking dude*! I DNF bios because they are always pretentious and hollow. The author is convinced the world will listen simply because they are the ones speaking. I quickly lose interest.
The Storyteller is a collection of batshit stories told in the most humble way possible by someone who is just grateful to have lived in these moments. These things would never happen to me, but they are so relatable! I laughed so often. I almost cried (how dare you). And while a lot of the music-legend-name-drops were lost on me, I still enjoyed this ride. Immensely.
I've already reserved the audiobook when it becomes available at my library. Reliving these stories will be something I do time and time again. Thank you, Dave. (& brother John). show less

A music lover writing about his love of music for other music lovers? YES, PLEASE.

Reading The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl right after finishing up Paul McCartney's The Lyrics was absolutely the best decision I could have made. Firstly, Dave is a huge Beatles fan (and a friend of the man himself!) so there were tons of references to him and his music making it feel like I was enmeshed in an almost surreal literary musical infinity loop. Secondly, the parallels to their show more musical journeys are undeniable (and fascinating). Thirdly, both books absolutely engrossed me and fired up my imagination. [A/N: And since I've had a fairly slow start reading wise this year I am eternally grateful to these two men for this.]

The Storyteller is exactly what the subtitle claims it to be: Dave Grohl's musical journey from his childhood playing "pillow drums" in Virginia, leaving on tour as a teenager with the band Scream, making music history with the super band Nirvana, and creating his own label with his bandmates the Foo Fighters. Reading this book felt like watching a behind the scenes documentary of the 90s punk scene. It's gritty and devastating at times, full of heart always, cheeky (I definitely laughed out loud multiple times), and just an all-around excellent book for anyone who has ever felt overcome by the power of music. 10/10 show less

There was a fair bit of controversy surrounding this musical memoir because of Grohl's newly discovered infidelities. And, to be honest, Grohl didn't do himself any favors with his repeated and vehement avowals of fatherhood and family in the memoir. If he'd just played it a bit cooler, focused on his strained and difficult relationship with his own father, instead of blasting all over the place how he'd be so much better and different - the controversy would have been less.

But I read the show more book without much regard or knowledge of the controversy, and quite enjoyed it. A music lover and fan needing out about music,. then getting a dream come true to play with some of the alternative heroes whom he slavishly followed - it's all a music-lovin' fest. So, I was in. I'd already known how much of the alternative music of Grohl's time was connected, like different strands of one big family. But Grohl's inside seat at the drums to all of it brought it home in a different way. And his ringside seat to Cobain's demise was both powerful and heartbreaking.

4 bones!!!! Woulda been higher if not for the tick he had to make himself the best family man EVER.
Stile Recommended!!!! show less