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Dave Grohl is a rock legend, who has been in both Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. During his electric career, Grohl has had some interesting collabs, had some gnarly moments on stage, and has made friends with fellow icons.
For the longest time, the Foo Fighters have been one of the biggest bands in the world, and they have racked up the hits through the years. Despite this, however, there is one song that the band refused to play live in concert, and it’s all thanks to the song’s music video.
Let’s take a look at the legendary band, why the stopped playing the song before bringing it back into rotation, and how they aren’t the only act to refuse to play one of their biggest hits.
The Foo Fighters Are A Legendary Band With Several Classics
In the world of rock and roll, where bands often rise and fall like shooting stars, the Foo Fighters have proven to be a supernova. Formed in 1994 by Nirvana’s drummer Dave Grohl, the Foo Fighters have not only endured the test of time but have etched their name into the annals of rock history with an indomitable spirit.
Their self-titled debut album, Foo Fighters, released in 1995, was like a thunderclap in the rock world. It rocketed to platinum status and spawned hits like “This Is a Call” and “I’ll Stick Around.” The band was off to a roaring start, and little did they know, this was just the beginning.
Fast forward to now, and the Foo Fighters had become a global rock juggernaut. They had amassed a staggering 15 Grammy Awards, including four for Best Rock Album, and their album sales crossed the 30 million mark worldwide. Their seventh album, Wasting Light, recorded in Grohl’s garage using analog equipment, topped charts and critics’ lists, further solidifying their status as modern rock legends.
The Foo Fighters’ success isn’t just about numbers and awards; it’s about the anthems they’ve etched into our souls. Songs like “Everlong,” “My Hero,” and “Learn to Fly” have become rock classics, played at concerts and on the radio across the globe. Their ability to craft catchy, yet meaningful songs is a testament to their songwriting prowess.
The band has a sublime catalogue of music, but that does not mean that they play them all. In fact, one song was banned from being played for quite some time.
Dave Grohl Is Finally Willing To Play “Big Me”
For the unfamiliar, “Big Me” was a nice hit for the band. It had a hilarious music video, but in truth, the video did way more harm than good.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, “The music video for Foo Fighters’ “Big Me” famously featured parodies of Mentos commercials. Apparently the concept resonated so much with fans that they picked up the habit of throwing the disc-shaped mints at the band when it was performing.”
That’s right, fans would hurl Mentos at the band, which forced the band to stop playing the song live.
“We did stop playing that song for a while because, honestly, it’s like being stoned,” Grohl said.
“Those little … things are like pebbles — they hurt,” Grohl continued.
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However, it was another band that helped Grohl and Co get the song back in rotation.
“[Weezer] played it every … night,” said Grohl. “And we actually started to miss it. So, once that tour ended, and we went back out on our own, we kinda threw it back into the set list,” Grohl said.
This was a huge win for the fans that never got to see the song performed live, and it’s a nice reminder that concert etiquette is a real thing.
It’s not uncommon for bands to not play certain songs live, even if it’s a big hit.
Other Bands Have Also Refused To Play Certain Songs In Concert
Robert Plant, the legendary Led Zeppelin frontman, won’t play “Stairway to Heaven.”
“I look at it and I tip my hat to it, and I think there are parts of it that are incredible.”
He continued, and gave flowers to his bandmates.
“The way that Jimmy [Page] took the music through, and the way that the drums reached almost climaxed and then continued … it’s a very beautiful piece. But lyrically, now, and even vocally, I go, ‘I’m not sure about that,'” he said.
Heart is a rocking band, but they won’t play “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You” in concert.
“Like, you’re a hitchhiker, I don’t know you, so let’s get in the car and exchange fluids, and now, get out. I mean, that’s hideous.” Needless to say, the band won’t perform the song anymore,” Ann Wilson said.
Fortunately for Foo fans, “Big Me” is back on the menu. Let’s hope that Mentos stay at home.
