Dave Grohl’s viral “Apple” dance, a 2024 TikTok sensation set to Charli XCX’s track of the same name, finally received the artist’s reaction on , during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. The Foo Fighters frontman and his daughter, Harper, became an unexpected internet phenomenon with their choreographed rendition of the dance, and XCX’s response was characteristically insightful.
The moment unfolded as Norton played the clip for XCX, who admitted she hadn’t previously seen the video. Grohl, ever self-deprecating, explained that the dance was entirely his daughter’s initiative. “We don’t” do a lot of choreography, he stated, underscoring the spontaneous nature of the performance. Despite the lack of formal dance training, XCX offered a generous assessment: “You’re taking like an abstract approach, and that’s cool.”
The appearance on The Graham Norton Show wasn’t solely about revisiting a viral moment. The Foo Fighters also used the platform to deliver the first live performance of “Your Favorite Toy,” the title track from their forthcoming twelfth studio album, set for release on . The performance showcased a band navigating a temporary personnel shift, with Jason Falkner stepping in on guitar for Pat Smear, who is recovering from a broken foot sustained in a gardening accident. In a gesture of solidarity, Smear’s face was projected onto the kick drum throughout the performance, a visual acknowledgment of his continued presence within the group.
The performance also featured backing vocals from Jake Shears and Babydaddy of Scissor Sisters, adding another layer of collaborative energy to the track. The new album, Your Favorite Toy, marks the Foo Fighters’ first recording with drummer Ilan Rubin, signaling a new chapter for the band after three decades together.
During the interview portion of the show, Grohl reflected on the band’s longevity and the evolving nature of their creative process. He described the Foo Fighters as more than just a musical entity, emphasizing the deep personal connections that have sustained them over the years. “We’ve been a band for 30 years now, right? And so we’ve, we’ve all grown together, and we’ve all been through life together, ups and downs, and honestly, it’s more than a musical thing,” Grohl explained. He noted the enduring relationships that extend back to his time with Nirvana, highlighting the interwoven history of the musicians involved.
Grohl acknowledged the band’s evolution, suggesting that with age comes a certain… intensity. “You’d imagine that … as you get a bit older, that things sort of soften … It doesn’t,” he said, punctuating the statement with a characteristic scream. This self-aware humor underscored the Foo Fighters’ continued commitment to energetic performance and raw emotional expression, even after decades in the music industry.
The timing of Your Favorite Toy, Grohl explained, is dictated by the band’s current state of mind. “It’s all determined by where we’re at in our lives,” he said. “And we’re, you know, a bunch of grumpy old men.” This candid assessment suggests that the album will be a reflection of the band’s accumulated experiences and perspectives, offering a mature and honest take on their enduring musical journey.
The “Apple” dance moment, while seemingly a lighthearted aside, speaks to the broader cultural impact of both Charli XCX and the Foo Fighters. XCX’s track, initially released as part of her Brat project, found new life through TikTok, demonstrating the platform’s power to amplify music and create unexpected viral moments. The Grohl family’s participation further broadened the song’s reach, introducing it to a new audience and solidifying its place in internet culture.
The Foo Fighters’ continued willingness to engage with contemporary trends, coupled with their dedication to delivering high-energy performances, positions them as a band that remains relevant and connected to its audience. The release of Your Favorite Toy promises to be a significant event in the rock landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of a band that has consistently defied expectations and maintained its position as a cornerstone of modern music.
