Dave Grohl Recalls the Time He Accidentally Insulted David Bowie: ‘I Backpedaled So Fast’

In a recent episode of the ‘Dish’ podcast, Dave Grohl, the iconic frontman of the Foo Fighters, recounted an embarrassing encounter he had with the legendary David Bowie. The incident took place approximately 25 years ago when Grohl found himself in the studio with the revered musician, a moment that he described as both surreal and mortifying.

Reflecting on the experience, Grohl recounted his excitement having just witnessed Bowie perform live at a festival. “I had just seen him perform at a V Festival, or something like that,” he recalled. The performance left a lasting impression on Grohl, who described it as “otherworldly” and akin to a religious experience. He vividly remembered how Bowie’s presence struck him during the concert: “I was just like, ‘He’s an angel, this is amazing.’”

However, when Grohl and Bowie were reunited in the studio, their interaction took an awkward turn. According to Grohl, after complimenting Bowie about their previous encounter, he was asked for his thoughts and feelings regarding the performance. In a moment of misplaced honesty, Grohl blurted out, “the first thing I noticed was all of your imperfections.” The Foo Fighters frontman immediately regretted his words, recalling how he backpedaled in embarrassment. “I don’t know how I got out of that one,” Grohl confessed, adding that he would never dream of making such a comment to anyone else.

Despite the initial faux pas, Grohl went on to praise Bowie’s remarkable talent, particularly noting the rawness and authenticity of his voice. He described Bowie’s singing as having an unrivalled purity: “There’s no effect. It’s just exactly like this. You get chills. You’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’s the most reassuring, beautiful thing. This is real.’”

The collaboration between Grohl and Bowie eventually led to the creation of the song “Jewel,” which appeared on guitarist Reeves Gabrels’ 1999 solo album, *Ulysses (Della Notte)*. Grohl also had the opportunity to work with Bowie again when he contributed guitar to a cover of Neil Young’s “I’ve Been Waiting for You,” featured on Bowie’s 2002 album, *Heathen*.

In another amusing anecdote shared during the podcast, Grohl recalled a time in 2020 when he reached out to Bowie for a potential collaboration on a film project. In response, Bowie playfully told Grohl to “f— off.” At the time, Grohl was left trying to decipher whether Bowie was serious or joking. Reflecting on this exchange later, he concluded that Bowie’s dismissive reply was likely said in jest, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief. “Hallelujah! I could finally breathe knowing that David Bowie did not actually wish me to ‘f— off’,” Grohl stated, acknowledging the honour it was to even converse with such an extraordinary artist.

Bowie, who passed away in 2016, left an indelible mark on the music industry, and Grohl’s recent reflections only highlight the profound influence he had on fellow musicians. As Grohl continues to champion Bowie’s legacy and artistry, his own band, the Foo Fighters, remains active in the music scene.

In fact, the Foo Fighters’ latest album, *Your Favourite Toy*, was released recently, showcasing the band’s enduring creativity. The recording and release of this album, alongside Grohl’s personal stories, underscore the unbreakable connection between artists across generations, highlighting the respect and admiration held for legends like David Bowie.

As Grohl’s narratives illustrate, both profound inspiration and awkward moments can shape the relationships and experiences musicians have with one another—an insight that many fans of the genre can appreciate.