Pat Smear’s Surprising Musical Preference Revealed by Dave Grohl
Introduction
In a surprising revelation, Dave Grohl recently shared insights into his bandmate Pat Smear’s favorite musical artist, leaving many fans and listeners guessing. Known for his punk roots and contributions to iconic rock bands, Smear’s preference might not align with the expectations of his musical background.
Unexpected Favorite
During an episode of the Broken Record podcast, Grohl challenged host Justin Richmond to guess Smear’s top artist. With a playful tone, Grohl asserted, “You’re just not gonna get it,” leading to a series of guesses that missed the mark.
Initial Guesses
Richmond, aware of Smear’s punk rock history, speculated that his favorite might be a legendary rock band from the ’80s or ’90s, even suggesting Guns N’ Roses. Grohl encouraged the line of thinking, hinting at rock ‘n’ roll influences from the ’70s and punk rock roots.
Revealing the Favorite
In an unexpected twist, Grohl unveiled the surprising truth: “Number one: Mariah Carey.” This revelation was met with disbelief, considering Smear’s history with bands like The Germs, Nirvana, and Foo Fighters.
Mariah Carey’s Hidden Grunge Connection
While Mariah Carey may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of punk or rock, her connection to the genre is intriguing. In the mid-’90s, Carey recorded a secret grunge album titled Someone’s Ugly Daughter, although its unreleased version remains a mystery.
Collaboration with Taylor Momsen
Interestingly, Foo Fighters incorporated some of the songs from Carey’s unreleased grunge project into their performance at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year event, which honored Carey. It was Smear’s idea to invite Taylor Momsen to sing the tracks, showcasing his eclectic musical taste.
How the Collaboration Came About
Momsen recounted the moment Pat Smear reached out to her, saying, “He called me and left a message and he goes, ‘Hey I have a favor to ask you, [it] involves Mariah Carey. Call me back.'” This unexpected request led to an exciting collaboration that honored Carey’s hidden rock roots.
Conclusion
Pat Smear’s favorite artist may come as a surprise to many, but it highlights the beauty of diverse musical influences that can exist within artists from prominent rock backgrounds. Mariah Carey, known primarily for her pop and R&B hits, has unexpected ties to the grunge scene, proving that musical preferences can be as varied as the artists themselves.
FAQs
1. Why is Pat Smear’s favorite artist surprising?
Pat Smear is known for his involvement in punk and rock bands, so many might expect his favorite artist to align with those genres.
2. Did Mariah Carey ever release her grunge album?
No, Mariah Carey’s grunge album titled Someone’s Ugly Daughter remains unreleased, although a version was released by another artist in 1995.
3. How did the collaboration with Taylor Momsen and Foo Fighters come about?
Pat Smear reached out to Taylor Momsen with a special request involving Mariah Carey, leading to a memorable collaboration during a MusiCares event.
4. What other bands has Pat Smear been a part of?
Pat Smear is known for his work with The Germs, Nirvana, and Foo Fighters, showcasing his extensive experience in the music industry.
