Dave Grohl has made a rare political statement, describing the US as “deeply divided” and claiming that “there needs to be change”.
The Foo Fighters frontman has attempted to stay out of the political arena in his career, but as the band prepare to release their 12th studio album ‘Your Favorite Toy’ this month, he has given an interview to the Irish Times and touched on the current political climate.
Speaking about how many fellow rock stars have been consistently outspoken against Donald Trump, Grohl said: “Fucking Neil Young is angrier than ever- jeez Louise. But yeah, of course, it’s hard not to feel political living in America, where we’re deeply divided.”
“And there’s injustice and there’s so much hate and fear, and it’s such a drag,” he continued. “I try to love everyone, because I think that’s what you’re supposed to do – and I do. But there needs to be change in that direction, and it’s been hard to find in the States.”
Grohl’s previous political statements have included saying in 2017 that Trump had “blatant disregard for the future environmentally, when it comes to women’s rights” and asked how his daughters would get on “unless there’s some positive and progressive change”.
He said the band’s album ‘Concrete And Gold’ was partly influenced by Trump’s first election win and the “wave of conservatism” in America, and has spoken about being “ashamed” of Trump and feeling “apologetic” when travelling oversees.
He also told NME that the insurrection at the US Capitol was “the craziest fucking shit I’ve ever seen in my entire life”, while Foo Fighters memorably RikRolled the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas back in 2015.
‘Your Favorite Toy’, is due for release on April 24 via Roswell Records/Columbia Records.
In February, Grohl revealed that the album was stacked with “uptempo” and “noisy, loud bangers” that feel like they’re from “the old days”, and they recently dropped the single ‘Caught In The Echo’.
They also showcased an as-yet-unreleased tune, ‘Of All People’, at their recent run of intimate UK and Ireland shows in Dublin, London and Manchester, and later this summer they will embark on their European ‘Take Cover’ tour, including two concerts at Anfield stadium in Liverpool (find any remaining tickets here).
They’ll play some North American dates over the summer and autumn, too, and have announced an Australia and New Zealand leg for 2026 and 2027.
They have also recently reflected on the sacking of drummer Josh Freese, describing it as a “decision that was best for all parties”, and saying they “know what feels best for our band”.