In Retrospect: 20 Years of Foo Fighters

On July 4th 1995, Foo Fighters dropped their self titled debut album. A respectable collection of songs that weren't officially from the band themselves, but instead written entirely by Dave Grohl. Simple, catchy songs from a small studio without the glitz or sheen from huge production team. No one would have imagined they would remain a modern rock staple for the next 20 years.

Over the past 2 decades we've had some ups and downs. Band members have come and gone. But Foo Fighters have survived and thrived from the humble beginnings as just another alternative band, among many, to still being active and selling out stadiums at a time where rock music is a major slump. Whether you like them or not, the fact that they keep succeeding is pretty remarkable.

As a fan, it's been an interesting journey as well. From being a kid in 1995, still reeling from Nirvana's abrupt end, buying the debut album on cassette (remember those?) with money saved from working around the house after begging my parents for a ride to the record store (remember those?).

Ask your parents how one of these work.

In 1997, this time with my own car, I was almost doubly excited for The Colour and the Shape and snatched that up the day of its release as well. It soon became a tradition, despite all responsibilities, I'd always manage to pick up their latest album as soon as it hit stores. Of course, it started as simple as scraping some money together and getting a ride and over the years, it grew to skipping class, being late to work, taking extended lunch breaks, and taking a break between changing diapers. Life changes, but a lot of things stay the same. Same goes with Foo Fighters.

There's always been a comforting sense of predictability with them. You know they aren't going to all of a sudden do a reggae album, or try some sort of experimental Kid A type masterpiece. No straight up thrash record and it's pretty unlikely to hear a release filled with electronica beats either. Foo is formulaic, which is both good and bad. Not to say they haven't taken chances; There is Nothing Left to Lose was a bit of a laid back surprise and In Your Honor was all about both the loud and the soft. Even so, nothing was ever a complete departure, we simply get a mix of those loud and soft dynamics, just in different ways.

Much like in life, you can't help but wonder what would the outcome have been if they did things a little different. Took chances, embraced different styles and techniques. It seems very much that Dave has a certain fear of failure, so that's why they path they've taken has been pretty predictable. Looking back after 20 years, an album that would have been a radical creative departure for them that failed, would have still been a success in my eyes. It all about taking chances sometimes.

But, like an old friend who hasn't changed in 20 years, there's a certain fondness you develop. With Foo Fighters, you can't help but admire Dave's charisma and benevolent spirit. While they aren't the most musically daring bands around, they have continuously crafted some great songs in their time. In hindsight, perhaps it never was an intention to be groundbreaking, instead just to be good...and I am fine with that.