Which artists and bands did Dave Grohl play drums for
Dave Grohl is primarily known as the drummer for Nirvana and the founder of Foo Fighters, but his drumming appears on several notable recordings beyond those headline acts. This profile focuses on verifiable roles as a drummer and when he played live or recorded with other artists. It excludes production or non-drummer contributions unless they directly involve his drumming work.
Key bands and main projects
Nirvana (1990–1994; recordings and touring)
Grohl joined Nirvana in 1990 and played drums on their major releases and tours, most notably on In Utero (1993) and during the subsequent world tour. His work here represents one of the most influential drumming roles in alternative rock.
Foo Fighters (1995–present; founder, drummer, songwriter)
Grohl founded Foo Fighters in 1995 and has served as drummer, frontman, and primary songwriter. While the project has featured session and touring musicians, Grohl’s drumming is central to the studio sound and live performances, especially on later albums where he shares drum duties with touring players.
Notable early bands and sessions
Reactive (1989–1990)
A short-lived band in which Grohl played drums before Nirvana. Limited recordings exist, and the group did not release material widely.
Dain Bramage (1990–1991)
Another early band featuring Grohl on drums; primarily a local club presence that preceded Nirvana.
Mike Watt (1995–1997)
Grohl drummed on several recordings and tours for Mike Watt, including the album Ball-Hog or Tugboat? (1995). These sessions are well documented in Watt’s discography and Grohl’s own credits.
Alanis Morissette (Jagged Little Pill sessions, 1995)
Grohl contributed drums to selected tracks on Jagged Little Pill (1995), most notably "You Oughta Know." His work appears on the released album and associated singles.
David Bowie (Earthling, 1997)
Grohl played drums on select studio tracks for David Bowie’s Earthling (1997). His contributions are credited per official release documentation and musician interviews.
John Paul Jones (2000s–2010s)
Grohl has recorded and toured with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones on solo material, including the album The Healing Has Begun (2010), where his drumming is featured.
Live and recurring collaborations
Beyond core projects, Grohl has sat in on drums for varied artists in live or one-off settings. These appearances are generally documented in setlists, concert reviews, or official releases from the host artist.
Notable live and session appearances
- Violet (1992) and other early Nirvana B-sides where he is already the established drummer.
- Paul McCartney & Wings live events (early 1990s), where he sat in on drums for select songs.
- Guest performances with acts such as The Presidents of the United States of America and Death Cab for Cutie, typically one-off shows or recorded tributes.
- Various benefit concerts and televised events, often playing alongside or substituting for the main drummer.
Documented recordings with specific artists
| Artist/Band | Release or context | Grohl’s role | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | In Utero (1993) | Drums | Album credits, interviews |
| Foo Fighters | Foo Fighters discography (1995–present) | Founder, drummer, songwriter | Album credits, official band history |
| Alanis Morissette | Jagged Little Pill (1995) | Drums on select tracks | Album credits, musician interviews |
| David Bowie | Earthling (1997) | Drums on studio tracks | Album credits, Bowie interviews |
| Mike Watt | Ball-Hog or Tugboat? (1995) | Drums | Credits and Watt’s discography |
| John Paul Jones | The Healing Has Begun (2010) | Drums | Release credits, interviews |
How to interpret credit listings
When evaluating whether Dave Grohl played drums for a given artist, prioritize sources that specify drum performance—such as album liner notes, reliable musician interviews, and verified session documentation. Session work, one-off live fills, and full-time membership are distinct and should not be conflated. If a source only mentions "contributed" without clarifying instrument or role, treat it as incomplete for this question.
Key distinctions and common confusions
It’s important to separate Grohl’s work as a drummer from his roles as a producer, songwriter, or vocalist. Producing a track or writing songs does not mean he played drums. Additionally, later Foo Fighters albums sometimes split drum duties: Grohl performs lead vocals and guitar while a touring drummer handles parts in the studio or live. Claims that he played drums for an artist should be tied to specific recordings or tour dates rather than assumed from his general involvement.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Artist or band | Primary capacity with Grohl | When active |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | Drums (core member) | 1990–1994 |
| Foo Fighters | Founder, drummer, songwriter | 1995–present (studio and select live) |
| Alanis Morissette | Session drums (select tracks) | 1995 |
| David Bowie | Session drums (studio tracks) | 1997 |
| Mike Watt | Session and touring drums | 1995–1997 |
| John Paul Jones | Session and touring drums | 2000s–2010s |
Commonly asked follow-ups
- Did Dave Grohl play drums for Kurt Cobain outside of Nirvana? No; his drumming collaboration with Cobain is documented within Nirvana only.
- Does playing drums for Foo Fighters count as playing for multiple artists? Foo Fighters is his primary band; other appearances are specific sessions or live fills, not ongoing membership.
- Are tribute counts included here? No; only direct recordings, confirmed live performances, and documented sessions are listed.
Where to verify
For further confirmation, consult album liner notes, official artist or label press kits, and reputable music databases that credit instrumental performance. When in doubt, prefer sources that explicitly state “drums” rather than vague contributions.