If you’re attending a Foo Fighters concert, you can almost guarantee that at least one cover song will grace the setlist. However, unlike many bands that use cover songs as mere gimmicks, the Foo Fighters imbue their covers with genuine sentiment and purpose. Each cover typically pays homage to artists who have significantly influenced frontman Dave Grohl and his bandmates throughout their musical journeys.
Grohl has always been candid about the bands that shaped him into the musician he is today, which adds depth to their covers. Here’s a closer look at some of the most frequently performed cover songs by the Foo Fighters, along with the stories behind their inclusion in live performances.
11. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’
Original Artist: Queen
Times Played: 36
First Played: Oct. 14, 2005, at Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J.
Last Played: Sept. 19, 2017, at The O2 Arena, London, England
Queen holds a special place in the hearts of Foo Fighters, especially for the late drummer Taylor Hawkins, who often cited the band as a major influence. Hawkins referred to Queen’s 1979 live album, Live Killers, as his “drum bible.” He frequently took the lead on this cover during live performances.
10. ‘Let There Be Rock’
Original Artist: AC/DC
Times Played: 47
First Played: Jan. 28, 2015, at Mineirao (Esplanada), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Last Played: Aug. 25, 2019, at Reading Festival, Berkshire, England
The passing of AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017 deeply affected Grohl, who wrote a tribute highlighting the band’s impact on his musical style. His passion for AC/DC was ignited by their performances, which he described as “sweaty,” “loose,” and “loud.”
9. ‘Under My Wheels’
Original Artist: Alice Cooper
Times Played: 56
First Played: Nov. 7, 2017, at Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.
Last Played: June 19, 2019, at Arena, Pula, Croatia
Grohl’s admiration for Alice Cooper runs deep. On Halloween in 2017, he dressed as David Letterman while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live and shared a story about how Cooper’s concerts haunted his childhood dreams.
8. ‘Down in the Park’
Original Artist: Tubeway Army
Times Played: 67
First Played: April 25, 1995, at Black Cat, Washington, D.C.
Last Played: Oct. 20, 1997, at Braden Auditorium, Normal, Ill.
This cover was part of the 1996 compilation album Songs in the Key of X, which celebrated The X-Files. The Foo Fighters chose to cover Tubeway Army’s “Down in the Park,” showcasing their eclectic influences.
7. ‘In The Flesh?’
Original Artist: Pink Floyd
Times Played: 72
First Played: Sept. 22, 2011, at Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Last Played: Nov. 13, 2015, at Unipol Arena, Casalecchio di Reno, Italy
This Pink Floyd classic was a staple in the Foo Fighters’ setlist, especially when Hawkins would take the lead. He had a long-standing appreciation for the band’s music dating back to his teenage years.
6. ‘Young Man Blues’
Original Artist: Mose Allison
Times Played: 83
First Played: July 9, 2008, at Key Arena, Seattle, Wash.
Last Played: Oct. 28, 2021, at House of Blues, Cleveland, Ohio
This blues classic enjoyed popularity after being covered by The Who. Grohl’s connection with Roger Daltrey allowed for a memorable moment when Daltrey joined the Foo Fighters to perform it live.
5. ‘Breakdown’
Original Artist: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Times Played: 96
First Played: May 21, 2011, at Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Last Played: Feb. 26, 2022, at Innings Festival, Tempe, Arizona
Interestingly, Grohl had a brief stint as a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers when he played drums for them on Saturday Night Live. This connection makes the cover of “Breakdown” particularly special.
4. ‘Winnebago’
Original Artist: Late!
Times Played: 134
First Played: Feb. 19, 1995, at West Marine, Seattle, Wash.
Last Played: May 8, 2026, at Welcome to Rockville, Daytona Beach, Florida
This song stems from Grohl’s early solo project, Late!, and showcases the roots of his songwriting that would later evolve into the Foo Fighters.
3. ‘Marigold’
Original Artist: Late!/Nirvana
Times Played: 137
First Played: Oct. 26, 1997, at Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Kan.
Last Played: Aug. 6, 2026, at Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
Originally a song from Grohl’s Late! project, “Marigold” was re-recorded during his time with Nirvana and has become a beloved staple in the Foo Fighters’ repertoire.
2. ‘Gas Chamber’
Original Artist: Angry Samoans
Times Played: 146
First Played: Oct. 18, 1995, at Pakhus, Copenhagen, Denmark
Last Played: Oct. 16, 2005, at 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C.
This cover emerged during a unique period in Grohl’s career when he was getting his solo project off the ground. The song has since become a fan favorite in live settings.
1. ‘Under Pressure’
Original Artist: Queen and David Bowie
Times Played: 177
First Played: June 20, 2014, at Firefly Music Festival, Dover, Del.
Last Played: Aug. 17, 2021, at Dena’ina Convention Center, Anchorage, Alaska
This iconic cover was primarily associated with Hawkins, who often took center stage to perform it. Since Hawkins’ untimely passing in March 2022, the Foo Fighters have not included this cover in their setlists.
Conclusion
The Foo Fighters’ approach to covering songs transcends mere entertainment; it reflects their deep respect for the artists who paved the way for them. Each cover tells a story, connecting the band to their influences and the audience in a shared experience of musical appreciation.
FAQs
What is the most played cover song by the Foo Fighters?
The most played cover song by the Foo Fighters is “Under Pressure,” originally by Queen and David Bowie, with 177 performances.
Who typically sings the cover songs during Foo Fighters concerts?
While Dave Grohl leads most of the songs, late drummer Taylor Hawkins often took lead vocals for several covers, including “Tie Your Mother Down” and “Under Pressure.”
Are there any specific reasons for the Foo Fighters to choose certain cover songs?
Yes, many covers are chosen because the original artists have had a significant influence on the band members, particularly Dave Grohl, and reflect their musical inspirations.
When was the last time “Under Pressure” was performed live?
“Under Pressure” was last performed live on August 17, 2021, at the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage
