FOO FIGHTERS vs. MUMFORD & SONS
The reigning kings of arena rock ( even with an injured frontman) seek to defend their title belt in the face of the new- folk newcomers who favour vests.
Formed Dave Grohl created the band in Seattle in 1994.
Multi- talented Grohl was the drummer for Nirvana, and began Foo Fighters as a solo project after Kurt Cobain’s suicide. Grohl wrote all the songs and played all the instruments on the band’s debut CD in 1995. He even released it on his own label.
What’s in a Name? Allied pilots in the Second World War referred to unexplained aerial phenomena as “foo fighters.” Grohl recently called it “the dumbest band name ever.”
Famous Pals Foo Fighters played “Everlong” to send David Letterman into retirement in May. The band has also played with the likes of John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen.
Fashion Accessory A purple cast: on June 12, Grohl fell off the stage while playing in Sweden. Despite a broken leg, he finished the gig. Surgeons later put six pins in his leg to repair the bone. On the current tour he uses a specially designed “throne” that supports his injured leg.
Latest Shenanigans Merchandise now includes the Break a Leg T- shirt.
The Last Word Mumford & Sons might have a newer, rockier sound, but nobody rocks quite like the Foo Fighters.
Formed In London, England in 2007.
Multi- talented The band’s four members each play more than one instrument. Marcus Mumford is capable of banging out a tune on the drums as well as strumming the guitar and mandolin.
What’s in a Name? When the band was getting started, Mumford proved to have a talent for organizing shows and handling business matters. The “& Sons” was added to give the name a little heft.
Famous Pals The band began work on its latest album, Wilder Mind, by hanging out in New York and recording demos in Aaron Dessner’s ( he of The National) garage. Alice Cooper
said Wilder Mind “rocks,” which is an improvement over his assessment of the band’s earlier efforts, which he called “wimpy rock.”
Fashion Accessory The band started out in the nu- folk scene, playing folk rock and wearing “waistcoats” ( to the British press: we would call them vests). Their new look is tougher ( it includes plenty of leather) and is designed to match their new, harder sound.
Latest Shenanigans In addition to its current tour, the band is playing a series of Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers— two- day mini- festivals. The one in Walla Walla, Wash. ( Aug. 14- 15) includes Foo Fighters.
“I’ll never be your monkey wrench.”
“I’ll turn into a monster for you.”