Dave Grohl admits to “ripping off” disco drummers on Nirvana’s Nevermind

Virgin Radio

2 Jul 2021, 15:08

Nirvana’s 1992 album Nevermind is one of the all-time great rock records, isn’t it? Unforgettable tunes, Kurt Cobain’s iconic vocals, Krist Novoselic’s bass, and of course Dave Grohl’s epic drums. But apparently the drummer ripped off some of his idols when coming up with his drum parts for the record.

Oh well, whatever, nevermind.

During an interview with Pharrell Williams on Dave Grohl’s new Paramount+ series From Cradle to Stage, the drummer said, “I can’t read music. I couldn’t then, and I still can’t now. All I wanted to do was be in a line of drummers all playing drums.”

He went on to say to Williams, “Stop saying that I’m a good drummer because I’m the most basic f***ing drummer. If you listen to Nevermind, the Nirvana record, I pulled so much stuff from The Gap Band and Cameo and Chic’s Tony Thompson on every one of those songs. It’s all disco, that’s all it is. Nobody makes the connection.”

The revelation that Grohl’s drumming was so disco-influenced is almost as amazing as the fact that he felt he had to qualify Nevermind as “the Nirvana record,” during the interview, as if it’s not one of the most iconic albums of all time! 

Continuing to chat to the N.E.R.D. singer, Grohl told the story of when he met Tony Thompson. “I was like, ‘Man, I just want to thank you because I owe you so much. I’ve been ripping you off my whole life.’ He goes, ‘I know!’”

It should be no surprise to learn of Grohl’s disco influence, as Foo Fighters recently announced that they are releasing a new disco-inspired album this month, under the moniker the Dee Gees.

The album, entitled Hail Satin, will land on the second Record Store Day of the year on July 17th, and will feature four Bee Gees covers among its ten tracks.

Meanwhile, Grohl’s new show, From Cradle to Stage, sees him team up with his mum to learn about the relationships of other musicians and their own mothers. Along with Pharrell Williams and his mum, Dave will meet Brandi and Teresa Carlile, Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello and Mary Morello, and others.