Dave Grohl recently shared insights into his unique pre-show rituals, vocal health, and the joy of band dinners in a conversation with two hosts. His approach to vocal care may surprise many.
Vocal Health Insights from Dave Grohl
Grohl reflected on his experience regarding vocal health. About eight years ago, he had his vocal cords checked for the first time. A doctor examined his vocal cords and was impressed, stating, “They look amazing.” Grohl admitted that he doesn’t perform traditional vocal warm-ups or cooldowns before or after his performances. Instead, he has a rather unorthodox routine.
Pre-Show Rituals
Grohl’s preparations before hitting the stage include a mix of beer, whiskey, and Advil for his aches. He stated, “An hour before the show, I’ll open a beer and start drinking.” He usually follows this with a shot of whiskey and possibly another beer. This ritual, which he humorously refers to as “band prayer,” appears to be effective for him. Grohl recounted the doctor’s advice: “Just don’t change what you’re doing. It’s working.”
Understanding Hotel Riders
Grohl also discussed his newfound knowledge of hotel riders. He learned that artists can personalize amenities in their hotel rooms, a luxury he was unaware of for years. “Apparently, I’ve had one for the last 20 years and I had no clue!” he exclaimed. Previously, he thought standard items like cheese plates were the norm.
Creative Requests
While touring in Australia, Grohl contemplated adding a hot plate to his hotel rider. “I thought it would be amazing to cook my own dinner,” he said. However, he quickly realized the impracticality and potential danger of doing so in a hotel. “I don’t want to burn down the hotel with my band in it,” he joked.
The Importance of Band Dinners
Despite the limitations on cooking, Grohl emphasized the significance of band dinners. “We love to have dinner together on our days off,” he stated. These dinners often include band members and crew, sometimes totaling around 25 people.
Dining Together
- Band dinners occur almost every day off.
- They enjoy various restaurants and typically share a good bottle of wine.
- These gatherings foster camaraderie and provide a way to relax before hitting the stage again.
Grohl believes that these moments are essential for team bonding and refreshment. After a hearty meal, the band feels ready to “rock the house” the next day.
