“I never took lessons to learn how to play the drums, and I never took lessons to learn how to play guitar, l just sort of figured it out. I think that if you’re passionate about something and you’re driven and focused, that you can pretty much do anything that you want to do in life.” – Dave Grohl
I am a firm believer in being passionate about what you do. If you’re going to do it for a living, then you may as well enjoy it. That’s how I feel about finances. I can’t stop talking about it. So, I write about it.
It’s funny because growing up I always felt I wanted to be a writer. From the time I was in the 5th grade I knew writing stories made me happy. It just so happened I was able to combine my two passions and got this blog up and running.
I also try to learn from those who have turned their passion into a successful career. One person that really stood out for me in the music world was none other than one of the legendary grunge music founders: Dave Grohl.
DAVE GROHL THE BEGINNINGS
Dave Eric Grohl was born on January 14, 1969 in Warren, OH. He discovered his passion for guitar at the age of 10, started lessons at 12, and then started teaching himself at age 13. After he saw his first concert in 1982, he knew from then on that his music that he would play would be punk rock.
He went to several high schools in Virginia before finally dropping out to start playing in a rock band full-time. It was also at a concert in 1990, where Grohl met Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. Little did he know these guys would be the start of his future in rock. They asked him to audition for their band. His passion, drive, and all out hardcore drumming impressed them and from there he became the new, fifth and final, drummer for the legendary band Nirvana. As one-third of the iconic Nirvana, he played with them from (1990-1994). And they played grunge music.
Grunge started around the 1980’s in Seattle. As a form of alternative rock, these bands changed the game in music. One band that stood out from the crowd was Nirvana.
NIRVANA FROM GRUNGE MUSIC TO MUSIC ROYALTY
After playing with Nirvana for a few years, they got the attention of major record labels. Nirvana was signed to Geffen Records and recorded the iconic album “Nevermind” right after. This album, in 1991, had the hit single “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which was a huge commercial success worldwide, became the anthem for grunge music and became one the top selling singles of all time, with 8 million copies sold. It also spawned the hit single “Come as you are” in 1992. Nirvana went from grunge music to music royalty, and became international superstars.
Nirvana became so big that their music had to be cut from the 1992 Cameron Crowe film soundtrack for “Singles” after they became famous. The song and band became so popular that the movie could not afford the rights to the song as it became too expensive by the time the studio released the movie. The album “Nevermind” was recorded over the course of a year and would go on to sell over 24 million albums worldwide. The band would go on to record 102 songs and become one of the biggest recording groups of all time.
After the death of Nirvana lead singer, Kurt Cobain, the grunge music scene was left reeling as many grunge bands in Seattle broke up and from there things were never the same. That is just how much Cobain and Nirvana had influenced alternative rock. Their talent as a band forever lives on in their music.
FOO FIGHTERS
Grohl went on to form the critically acclaimed bad the Foo Fighters in Seattle, Washington in 1994. Founded by the Nirvana drummer as a one-man project after the dissolution of Nirvana. Although, he was asked to join other bands, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, he turned them down to pursue his own vision and dreams.
According to an article in Rolling Stone magazine, devastated by the death of Cobain, he went to Ireland and was just in a daze driving around until he saw someone walking down the street wearing a Cobain T-shirt. From there he decided to go back to work. He then recorded a 15-track demo. This would become the Foo Fighters first album.
The band’s debut album “Foo Fighters” was in 1995 and they are still going strong today. In the band’s twenty plus year long career they have won four Grammys, recorded nine albums and sold over 12 million albums in the United States alone.
ADVICE FROM A ROCKSTAR
When Nirvana became popular, you could very easily slip and get lost during that storm. I fortunately had really heavy anchors – old friends, family. – Dave Grohl
No excess needed. Grohl has said he does not believe in rock-star excess. When Nirvana made it big and got popular he was renting a house with a friend. He had a lamp, futon, and a dresser. When the band sold over ten million records later, he still was in the same spot with the same lamp, futon, and dresser. He said he didn’t have much growing up, but does not remember ever needing anything. Grohl says, how much do you need?
When asked about what he does with his money, this is what Dave Grohl replied:
“It goes straight into my bank account, where it turns all moldy and smelly… I don’t waste my time thinking about how I could make more when I already got enough. I’m not a banker, I’m a musician.”
Nirvana (Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl) would eventually be forever remembered by receiving one of the highest honors in music as they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 10, 2014. The band has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. They are considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Why Dave Grohl puts every paycheck directly in the bank and drives a 'family car' https://t.co/D2cAic9JwD
— Miriam Joy (@mjp2520) November 15, 2017
More than one path to success. Coming from money and pursuing higher education are not the only ways to succeed. In an interview, Grohl stated “I never graduated school and I never had enough money for college.” He worked blue collar jobs and played music on the side. Now he’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Grohl says, “I want everyone to imagine that same opportunity is possible.”
Be true to yourself. Grohl’s advice to others after all his success is simple and honest which is just to be yourself as it has worked for him for the last 20 years. Grohl feels he is an earnest and nerdy guy, but it works. His mother has described him as driven and determined with money never really being part of their conversation as he just wanted to work.
When he writes music, he wants a story behind it. He wants something that is relevant. And having sold over 100 million albums in two different bands it shows that it works. His mother says she believes people listen to his music because he is sincere. Basically, he could be the Phil Collins of alternative rock. As Phil Collins, is one of the only artists (there are only three) to ever sell 100 million albums as a solo artist and with a band.
He once even broke his leg during a concert, went to the hospital, and was back on stage within two hours playing guitar. That’s just how much passion he has for what he does.
I love to play music. So why endanger that with something like drugs? – Dave Grohl
Grohl says, “It’s important to me – that the stories that inspired me can inspire other people. I don’t feel like I’m on a mission. But I have the opportunity and the resources.” I take this advice to heart and I just try to be myself, do what interests and excites me, and just live my life. If it doesn’t excite me, then I probably won’t do it. Life is too short for mediocrity.
And just in case you were wondering, Nirvana went on to receive seven Grammy award nominations; winning one. The Foo Fighters have been nominated for 16 Grammys.
Grohl, the man behind the drums in Nirvana, and the lead guitarist in Foo Fighters, has received 15 Grammys out of 39 nominations. He continues to tour with the Foo Fighters and has amassed a fortune of $280 million dollars. Not bad for a high school dropout. It just goes to show; never give up on your dreams.