Dave Grohl, often hailed as one of the last true rock stars, holds a unique place in music history. While icons from previous generations like Keith Richards and Ozzy Osbourne remain, Grohl embodies that fading archetype of the authentic, larger-than-life rockstar. The very concept of a rock star, born in the rebellious 1960s, has seen its cultural significance diminish as societal norms evolve beyond the era of “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.”
Grohl’s rockstar status isn’t about embracing the clichés. In fact, he famously abstains from drugs, a stark contrast to some of his predecessors. Instead, his claim to rock royalty rests on a combination of mythical persona and an undeniable catalog of classic songs crafted throughout his career. From his early days drumming for the hardcore punk band Scream to his pivotal role in Nirvana’s explosion onto the global stage in the early 1990s, Grohl’s trajectory has been nothing short of iconic.
Nirvana, the Seattle-based trio, with their groundbreaking album Nevermind in 1991, became the voice of Generation X, fusing raw punk energy with irresistibly catchy pop sensibilities. Their impact on music remains profound, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of all time.
The tragic suicide of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain in 1994 sent shockwaves through the world, leaving an unimaginable void for his family and bandmates. Grohl has openly discussed the profound impact of Cobain’s death, a period that initially led him to step away from music altogether.
However, music’s pull proved too strong. Grohl channeled his grief and uncertainty into songwriting, birthing the band that would become Foo Fighters. With Foo Fighters, Grohl solidified his legacy, transitioning from iconic drummer to celebrated frontman, penning hit after hit and anthem after anthem. Even after 25 years, Foo Fighters’ influence remains potent, highlighted by their dominant presence at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
Despite some critics pointing to more recent Foo Fighters releases as less impactful than their earlier work, the band’s legendary status remains untouched. Their catalog is packed with timeless classics, including “Learn to Fly,” a standout track from their 1999 album There Is Nothing Left to Lose. In an October 2021 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Grohl revealed the surprisingly literal inspiration behind the “learn to fly” lyrics, debunking long-held fan interpretations.
Kelly Clarkson noted the recurring theme of contrasting darkness and light in Grohl’s songwriting, which she philosophically summarized as reflective of “life.” However, Grohl playfully shattered any deep, metaphorical reading of “Learn to Fly,” stating, “I don’t want to burst your bubble. At the time, I wanted to become a pilot. I wanted to learn to fly. I did. That’s it… I’m sorry. I got the videotapes, I was reading all these books. I’m sorry.”
He further clarified the straightforward nature of the lyrics’ meaning: “I’m singing it because I wanted to be a pilot, you’re singing it because ‘I’m so inspired by life’ or whatever… I wanted to learn to fly, and then I was like, ‘Wait. There’s math involved? I can’t do this.’”
Dave Grohl during an interview in 2000
The revelation that the “learn to fly” lyrics are rooted in Grohl’s genuine, albeit short-lived, aspiration to become a pilot adds a humorous and relatable layer to the song. While fans may have projected deeper meanings onto the lyrics, the reality is endearingly simple. Perhaps one day, Dave Grohl will indeed earn his pilot’s license, a move that would undoubtedly solidify his already formidable rockstar legend and prove that even rock icons have everyday dreams of taking to the skies.
