The Slash song Dave Grohl refused to sing on: “He was adamant”

Dave Grohl is known for his willingness to collaborate with various musicians across genres. Despite his critical approach to maintaining the Foo Fighters’ distinct sound, Grohl’s affinity for other bands often leads him to stage or studio collaborations. However, when Slash, the legendary guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, sought Grohl’s vocal contribution for his solo track “Watch This,” he encountered an unexpected refusal from the Foo Fighters frontman.

The Backstory of Tension and Collaboration

Historically, any collaboration between former members of Nirvana and Guns N’ Roses carried a significant amount of baggage. Much of this stemmed from the notorious tension between Axl Rose and Kurt Cobain, which was further exacerbated by Grohl’s mockery of Rose at the MTV Awards in the early 1990s. These past conflicts could have influenced the dynamics between these rock icons.

By the time Slash embarked on his solo album, old grudges had faded. His stint with Guns N’ Roses was a distant memory, and after Velvet Revolver began disintegrating, Slash aimed to draw his favorite musicians to him. This included artists like Lemmy and Adam Levine, and he reached out to Grohl to play drums on “Watch This,” alongside Duff McKagan on bass. Despite Slash’s hopes, Grohl was resolute in his refusal to sing on the track.

Grohl’s Refusal and Slash’s Response

Slash recalled his attempt to persuade Grohl to sing: “I didn’t want it to be epic; I wanted it to be three minutes long, and it came together very quickly with a very spontaneous, live kind of vibe. Actually, I tried to get Dave to sing it, but he wouldn’t sing it, so I just said f—k it, we’ll put guitars on it. He was adamant about not singing. He was like, I just wanna play drums, and he’s a f—ing phenomenal drummer.”

In the end, the song thrived as an instrumental, fitting seamlessly into the album’s diverse lineup. Each track featured a different singer, and “Watch This” served as a refreshing, jam-heavy interlude before diving back into the more experimental tracks like “Starlight” featuring Myles Kennedy.

Grohl’s Preference for Drumming

Grohl’s refusal might stem from his belief that his talents are best utilized behind the drum kit. The formation of Foo Fighters was initially a playful endeavor for Grohl to experiment with his songs in a studio setting. Consequently, his contributions to other projects often highlight his drumming prowess, whether he’s collaborating with Queens of the Stone Age or adding his organic touch to a Nine Inch Nails record.

For Grohl, the role of vocalist was always secondary to his identity as a musician. His refusal to sing on Slash’s track underscores his commitment to his roots. Even though he has become a frontman, Grohl’s heart remains with the instrument that first catapulted him to stardom.

Conclusion

Dave Grohl’s decision not to sing on Slash’s “Watch This” reflects more than just a preference—it signifies a deep connection to his musical beginnings and a steadfast dedication to his craft. While his choice might have initially seemed surprising, it ultimately contributed to the unique and dynamic quality of Slash’s album, highlighting Grohl’s exceptional talent and the respect he holds for his own artistic boundaries.