Dave Grohl Reveals His Dream Band: Them Crooked Vultures
Dave Grohl Reflects on His Dream Band: Them Crooked Vultures
Dave Grohl has lived a rock ‘n’ roll dream most musicians only fantasize about. From his explosive beginnings with Nirvana to fronting the Foo Fighters, Grohl has cemented his place as one of music’s most versatile and enduring figures. Yet, when asked about the greatest band he’s ever played in, his answer might surprise you: Them Crooked Vultures.
The supergroup, formed in 2009, brought together Grohl on drums, Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme on vocals and guitar, and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards. For Grohl, it was the realization of a lifelong fantasy. “That was like my bucket-list wish; that was my dream band,” he once said. “For years, people have asked me: ‘If you could have a dream lineup, what would it be?’ So this is actually it.”
The seeds of the collaboration were planted years earlier. Grohl and Homme first connected during the recording of Queens of the Stone Age’s 2002 album Songs for the Deaf. Grohl’s drumming on the record was electric, but his temporary departure from the Foo Fighters to join the project sparked tension within his own band. Taylor Hawkins, the Foo Fighters’ drummer, questioned Grohl’s commitment, leading to one of the group’s most heated arguments.
Despite the friction, Grohl’s creative partnership with Homme only deepened. When the opportunity arose to bring John Paul Jones into the fold, the trio’s chemistry was undeniable. Them Crooked Vultures’ self-titled debut album, released in 2009, was a masterclass in rock innovation. Grohl stepped back from the mic, letting Homme’s vocals and Jones’ virtuosic basslines take center stage. The result was a sound that felt both timeless and fresh, blending Homme’s desert-rock swagger with Jones’ classic rock pedigree and Grohl’s thunderous rhythms.
Tracks like “Dead End Friends” and “New Fang” showcased the band’s ability to channel the spirit of 1970s rock while carving out a unique identity. Grohl later reflected on the project’s magic, saying, “I mentioned it in an interview about four years ago, but I was totally joking. I mean, that was like my bucket-list wish; that was my dream band.”
Them Crooked Vultures’ brief but brilliant run left fans craving more. While the trio hasn’t reunited for a second album, their legacy endures as a testament to the power of collaboration. For Grohl, the project was more than just a side gig—it was a reminder of why he fell in love with music in the first place.
As the rock world continues to evolve, Them Crooked Vultures stand as a shining example of what happens when legends come together to create something truly extraordinary. And for Grohl, it remains the greatest band he’s ever been a part of.
In the realm of rock music,Dave Grohl’s storied career is a testament to his enduring passion and creativity. His journey from the raw energy of Nirvana to the global success of Foo Fighters is well-documented, but there lies a lesser-known gem in his musical exploits: Them Crooked Vultures. This supergroup, featuring Grohl alongside Josh Homme and John Paul Jones, represents a unique chapter in the career of a musician who has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music.
As Grohl reflects on his time with Them Crooked Vultures, it becomes clear that this project was more than just a side venture; it was a dream come true. The band’s formation and subsequent rise to fame, bolstered by sold-out tours and a debut album that exceeded all expectations, speak to the special chemistry and talent that each member brought to the table.
the spontaneous nature of their collaboration, driven by a shared desire to experiment and create something meaningful, is a hallmark of their success. “We knew what was happening,” Grohl notes, “and we knew how special it was and how good it was, and that we were doing something meaningful… We didn’t really have any ideas, we just started playing”[1]. This improvisational approach to music-making not only fostered a deep connection among band members but also resulted in some of the most dynamic and innovative rock music of recent times.
Them Crooked Vultures’ legacy extends beyond their music. It represents a moment when three musical giants came together to create something that transcended their individual reputations.As Grohl himself describes, “A Vultures show is evidently a mutual adventure”[1]. The band’s live performances were marked by a mutual respect and camaraderie that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Them Crooked Vultures stands as a beacon in Dave Grohl’s illustrious career, symbolizing the boundless creativity and collaborative spirit that define him as a musician. Though his work with Nirvana and foo Fighters has earned him unparalleled success, it is his time with this supergroup that speaks to a deeper level of musical intuition and shared vision. As Grohl continues to innovate and push the limits of rock music, Them Crooked Vultures remains a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring magic of creating something truly special together.
conclusion
Dave Grohl’s reflections on Them Crooked Vultures is a poignant reminder of the magic that can be created when three of rock music’s most legendary figures come together. Formed in 2009, the supergroup, comprising Grohl on drums, Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme on vocals and guitar, and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, was the culmination of years of creative sparks flying between its members.For Grohl, it was his lifelong dream band, a project that embodies the spirit of collaborative artistry.
The chemistry between Grohl, Homme, and Jones was palpable, not just on stage but also in the studio. Their self-titled debut, released in 2009, was a masterclass in rock innovation, blending the raw energy of the 1970s with a unique, modern identity. Tracks like “Dead End Friends” and “New Fang” captured the essence of this fusion perfectly, showcasing a band that was greater than the sum of its legendary parts.
Despite the project’s relatively brief run, Them Crooked Vultures left an indelible mark on the rock landscape. Their legacy serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and creative experimentation. For Dave Grohl, this project was more than just a side gig; it was a reminder of why he fell in love with music in the first place.
As the rock world continues to evolve, Them Crooked Vultures stand as a shining example of what happens when legends come together to create something truly exceptional.Grohl’s unwavering admiration for the band underscores the timeless appeal of their music and the enduring power of creative synergy. In the realm of rock music, Them Crooked Vultures remain the epitome of a dream realized—a testament to the magic that unfolds when some of the greatest talents of our time combine forces to create something truly unforgettable.
Ultimately, while there has been no official reunion, the hope remains that someday, these musical heroes will once again come together to make music that will leave fans, just like Grohl, awestruck and inspired.