Dave Grohl has recently shared a fascinating revelation about the unexpected ’80s influence behind one of his early drum kits, which played a pivotal role in the creation of Nirvana’s iconic album, Nevermind.
Grohl’s Surprise Confession
In a video that Grohl shared, later sent to drummer David Uosikkinen, the former Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters frontman disclosed that it was Uosikkinen’s 1980s tenure with The Hooters that inspired him to acquire one of his first drum kits. This particular kit remained with Grohl during his recording sessions for Nirvana’s Nevermind album.
How This Revelation Came to Light
The video surfaced on Uosikkinen’s social media accounts, where the drummer confirmed, “I caught the Foo Fighters in Sayville tonight. They were unbelievably rocking. I had a chance to hang out with Dave Grohl and Ilan Rubin. What an incredible show! This video that Ilan sent me blew my mind— I had no idea.”
During their conversation, Grohl had not initially connected Uosikkinen to The Hooters, but after Rubin informed him, he felt compelled to share his admiration.
What Grohl Had to Say
“Hey David, I’m sorry that I didn’t get a chance to have this conversation,” Grohl began. “But Ilan just informed me that you played drums in The Hooters. You have to know, when I saw that video of you on MTV playing that yellow drum kit, I was around 15 or 16 years old, and I bought a yellow drum set because you looked so cool.”
“I kept that drum set for years,” Grohl continued. “That’s the very kit I used to record Nirvana’s Nevermind. So I’m thinking, if it weren’t for you and your amazing video, Nevermind might have sounded like rubbish.”
The Drums Behind Nevermind
According to a drum kit rundown from Live Nirvana, Grohl’s equipment during his time with the band was detailed by drum technicians Barrett Jones and Mike Dalke. They revealed that Grohl played a Tama Granstar kit during 1990-1991, which featured a “silky yellow finish.” This kit remained with him until he famously destroyed it during a performance at Chicago’s Cabaret Metro in October 1991.
The Hooters and Their Iconic Yellow Drum Kit
The Hooters were formed in 1980 in Philadelphia, featuring co-vocalists Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman, with Uosikkinen as an early member. Their debut album, Amore, released in 1983, failed to make waves initially. However, Bazilian and Hyman’s songwriting contributions to Cyndi Lauper’s debut album, She’s So Unusual, propelled The Hooters into the spotlight, leading to a deal with Columbia Records.
Their major label debut, Nervous Night, released in 1985, marked a significant breakthrough, yielding four major singles. While Uosikkinen’s yellow drum kit may not be featured in the video for the lead single “All You Zombies,” it is prominently displayed in the videos for “And We Danced,” “Day By Day,” and the live performance of “Where Do the Children Go,” all of which received extensive play on MTV.
The yellow drum kit was also utilized in subsequent albums, appearing in videos for “Johnny B,” “Satellite,” and “Karla With a K” from their follow-up album, One Way Home, in 1987.
The Hooters, “And We Danced”
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Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
Conclusion
This revelation from Dave Grohl not only highlights the interconnectedness of musicians across generations but also showcases the lasting impact of iconic performances on aspiring artists. Grohl’s acknowledgment of Uosikkinen’s influence serves as a reminder of how inspiration can transcend time, shaping the sound of future music.
FAQs
What drum kit did Dave Grohl use on Nevermind?
Dave Grohl used a Tama Granstar kit with a silky yellow finish during the recording of Nirvana’s Nevermind.
Who was David Uosikkinen?
David Uosikkinen is the drummer for The Hooters, a band that gained prominence in the 1980s.
What was the significance of the yellow drum kit?
The yellow drum kit was a source of inspiration for Grohl and was integral to the sound of Nirvana’s Nevermind album.
How did Grohl learn about Uosikkinen’s influence?
Grohl learned about Uosikkinen’s past with The Hooters from current Foo Fighters drummer Ilan Rubin, prompting him to share his story.
