This Is a Call

Starred review from December 12, 2011
A music lover from an early age, Dave Grohl is known for his boundless energy, positive attitude, and enthusiasm. Whether drumming for Nirvana or fronting the Foo Fighters, he has endured as one of rock's living legends. Brannigan, former editor of UK metal magazine Kerrang!, painstakingly details Grohl's rise to prominence in this engaging and insightful bio. Interviewing childhood friends, current and former band mates, musical peers, and "The Nicest Man in Rock" himself, Brannigan puts Grohl's influences, inspirations, and early musical career into context. Digressions on the history of punk, particularly the Washington, D.C. hardcore scene in which Grohl cut his teeth, may distract some readers from the primary tale of Grohl's life, but fans of the Foo Fighters who are unfamiliar with the importance of bands like Bad Brains and Minor Threat in Grohl's musical education will likely find plenty of new music to explore. Those looking for dirt and confessions won't find either here; Grohl is an affable, occasionally opinionated subject, but in Brannigan's hands the drummer/guitarist is more interested in moving forward than dwelling on past slights. Casual readers may find the focus on Grohl's early years to be a bit myopic, but those who want to get a better understanding of the musician will find this an entertaining and perhaps educational read.