Charli XCX Praises Dave Grohl’s ‘Abstract’ Take on Viral ‘Apple’ Dance | NME
- Charli XCX’s “Apple” dance trend, which took TikTok by storm in 2024, continues to resonate with musicians and performers.
- The original dance, choreographed by Kelley Heyer, quickly gained traction on TikTok, prompting a wave of recreations.
- The “Apple” dance has become something of a ritual during XCX’s ‘Brat’ tour.
Charli XCX’s “Apple” dance trend, which took TikTok by storm in 2024, continues to resonate with musicians and performers. The trend recently received a notable endorsement from an unexpected source: Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show on , Grohl’s performance of the dance alongside his daughter Harper was reviewed by XCX herself, who described his approach as “abstract” but ultimately “cool.”
The original dance, choreographed by Kelley Heyer, quickly gained traction on TikTok, prompting a wave of recreations. Grohl’s rendition, however, stood out for its somewhat unconventional execution. As he admitted on the show, choreography isn’t a typical component of Foo Fighters performances, and his participation was largely at the behest of his daughter. This impromptu nature, rather than detracting from the performance, seemed to appeal to XCX.
The “Apple” dance has become something of a ritual during XCX’s ‘Brat’ tour. She’s invited a rotating cast of fellow artists to perform the dance while she performs the song live. Notable participants have included Gracie Abrams at her Glastonbury Other Stage show, Chappell Roan, Amelia Dimoldenberg, and even George Daniel, drummer for The 1975 and XCX’s husband. This collaborative element highlights the trend’s staying power and its ability to foster a sense of community among musicians.
Grohl’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show wasn’t solely focused on dance moves. Foo Fighters also used the platform to debut their new single, “Your Favorite Toy,” the title track from their upcoming twelfth studio album, slated for release on . The performance featured a slight lineup change, with Jason Falkner filling in on guitar for Pat Smear, who is recovering from a broken foot sustained in a gardening accident. The band creatively acknowledged Smear’s absence by displaying his face on the kick drum during the performance. Adding to the collaborative spirit, the performance also included backing vocals from Jake Shears and Babydaddy of Scissor Sisters.
The new album’s release is accompanied by plans for a European tour, including two announced shows at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium in June. Grohl hinted at the possibility of additional UK dates following these initial performances.
Beyond the music, XCX also used her appearance on the show to promote her new film, The Moment. The film is a mockumentary inspired by her ‘Brat’ tour, offering a satirical look at the music industry. NME has given the film a three-star review, noting its potential for generating viral moments on TikTok. XCX also celebrated the success of her soundtrack album for Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, which reached Number One on the UK Albums Chart – marking her third chart-topping album in the UK.
The intersection of these events – a viral dance trend, a seasoned rock band embracing internet culture, a new album release, and a film premiere – underscores the evolving landscape of music promotion and artist engagement. Grohl’s willingness to participate in the “Apple” dance, despite his admitted unfamiliarity with choreography, demonstrates a savvy understanding of how to connect with audiences on platforms like TikTok. It’s a strategy that extends beyond simply being *on* the platform; it’s about actively participating in its culture and embracing its trends.
The success of the “Apple” dance also speaks to the power of user-generated content and the organic reach that can be achieved through platforms like TikTok. While choreographed dances have been a part of pop culture for decades, the speed and scale at which these trends now spread are unprecedented. This presents both opportunities and challenges for artists, requiring them to be nimble and adaptable in their approach to promotion and engagement.
the collaborative nature of XCX’s ‘Brat’ tour, with guest artists contributing their own interpretations of the “Apple” dance, highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in building a fanbase. By inviting others to participate in the trend, XCX has not only amplified its reach but also fostered a sense of ownership and connection among her audience.
The Foo Fighters’ new album, “Your Favorite Toy,” represents a continuation of the band’s evolution, while remaining true to their rock roots. The inclusion of Jason Falkner on guitar and the backing vocals from Scissor Sisters’ members demonstrate a willingness to experiment and collaborate, adding new layers to their sound. The band’s longevity and continued relevance are a testament to their ability to adapt and innovate while staying connected to their core audience.