It sounds like the classic formula for an episode of VH1's "Behind the Music" — musician gets back on his feet after tragic end of massively influential band, musician forms new successful band with others, new band struggles through hard times, takes "time off," and rebounds with a solid album and a successful headlining tour.
Thus is the story of Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.
After the suicide of Kurt Cobain in 1994, Grohl, the former drummer for Nirvana, formed a new band, the Foo Fighters — and jumped out from behind his drum kit to take a shot at the guitar, and singing. The result was an immediate success. And the band's most recent release, "One x One," debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard album charts last year, thanks in part to the strength of the guitar-pounding single "All My Life."
The Foos are now headlining their first arena tour, which will make a stop in the McKay Events Center in Orem on Thursday.
"We're definitely moving forward," said Taylor Hawkins, the Foos' hard-hitting drummer, formerly with Alanis Morissette's band. "We don't want to be stagnant."
There was a time when Hawkins, Grohl, bass player Nate Mendel and guitarist Chris Shiflett weren't sure they would get to this point. The Foo Fighters had to cancel most of a European tour after Hawkins checked into rehab. With the Foos in limbo, Grohl went back to playing drums for the next Queens of the Stone Age album and was reportedly ready to tour with that band.
"For a couple of months, it was touch and go with the new album," Hawkins said. "We were not getting along that well. It took us until we got this record done to figure out how to record it." But now, he added, after the band made an effort to go back into the studio and finish the album, the Foo Fighters are stronger.
"We're such a different band," Hawkins said. "We're at the top of our game."
That includes a different approach to live performances. Hawkins said that the band used to get onstage, "play the songs, bash 'em out and get offstage." Now, he said, the Foos are more in tune with the music, which includes jam sessions onstage. "We're turning it into more of a rock show. We're not as haphazard. But we're still raw and rough."
It helps, he explained, that after several rotating guitar players, they've gone through a cycle of touring, putting out a new album, and touring again, with the same line-up. "There's a certain amount of comfort. Everyone knows what's going on."
That comfort level extends to the stage, where, every night, Grohl, one of the best screamers in rock, doesn't hold back. "I wouldn't last two songs," Hawkins said.
If you go
What: Foo Fighters and Pete Yorn
When: June 5, 7:30 p.m.
Where: David O. McKay Events Center, UVSC
How much: $25
Phone: 467-8499 or 1-800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-MAIL: preavy@desnews.com