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Our Complete List Of Foo Fighters Current And Former Band Members looks at a band that was founded in 1994 by Dave Grohl, the drummer for the grunge band Nirvana, which disbanded following the death of its frontman, Kurt Cobain. Grohl took this opportunity to step out from behind the drum kit and into the role of a frontman, initially recording a 15-track demo playing almost all the instruments himself. These demos were what would become the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut album, released in 1995.
Grohl decided to form a band to support the album, recruiting Sunny Day Real Estate bassist Nate Mendel and drummer William Goldsmith, along with former Nirvana touring guitarist Pat Smear. However, Goldsmith soon left during the recording of their second album, “The Colour and the Shape,” released in 1997, and was replaced by Taylor Hawkins. This album would prove to be a turning point for the band, featuring hits like “Everlong” and “My Hero” that solidified their standing in the rock scene.
Franz Stahl, who had previously played with Grohl in the punk band Scream, replaced Smear in 1997 but left two years later. He was replaced by Chris Shiflett, who became the band’s lead guitarist. With this new lineup, Foo Fighters released “There Is Nothing Left to Lose” in 1999, an album that continued to build on their previous success and earned them their first Grammy Award.
Continuing their success into the 21st century, the Foo Fighters released several more albums, such as “One by One” (2002), “In Your Honor” (2005), “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” (2007), “Wasting Light” (2011), “Sonic Highways” (2014), and “Concrete and Gold” (2017), among others. Each album showcased the band’s versatility, straddling the lines between rock, alternative, and post-grunge. They garnered numerous awards and continued to be a major draw on the touring circuit.
The band’s lineup remained mostly stable until 2010, when Pat Smear rejoined the band as a full-time member. In 2017, keyboardist Rami Jaffee, who had been a session and touring musician with the band since 2005, also became an official member. Taylor Hawkins, the band’s long-standing drummer, tragically passed away in 2022, and was replaced by Josh Freese.
Despite the various lineup changes and the evolution of their sound over the years, Foo Fighters have remained a favorite of rock fans and at times have been called the last great classic rock band.
Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is the founding member of Foo Fighters, establishing the band in 1994 following the dissolution of his previous band, Nirvana, due to Kurt Cobain’s death. Originally from Warren, Ohio, Grohl has been the primary vocalist and guitarist since the inception of the group. He has appeared on all the Foo Fighters’ albums, starting with their self-titled debut in 1995 to their most recent releases. Grohl is also the band’s primary songwriter and has penned many of their biggest hits, including “Everlong,” “Best of You,” and “The Pretender.” Outside of Foo Fighters, Grohl has been involved in several other musical projects, including Them Crooked Vultures and has even directed a documentary, “Sound City.”
Nate Mendel
Nate Mendel joined Foo Fighters in 1995 and has been the band’s bassist ever since. Born in Richland, Washington, he has contributed to every album since the band’s second release, “The Colour and the Shape,” in 1997. While Mendel’s primary role has been as a bassist, he’s also occasionally contributed backing vocals. Before joining Foo Fighters, Mendel was a part of the influential emo band Sunny Day Real Estate. He has also worked on side projects like Lieutenant and The Fire Theft.
Pat Smear
Pat Smear joined Foo Fighters in 1995, and after leaving in 1997, returned as a session/touring musician from 2005 to 2010 before rejoining as a full-time member in 2010. Born in Los Angeles, California, Smear has been a part of albums like “The Colour and the Shape” and more recent works like “Wasting Light” and “Concrete and Gold.” He also contributes backing vocals. Smear was previously a member of the punk band The Germs and played as a touring guitarist for Nirvana.
Chris Shiflett
Chris Shiflett joined Foo Fighters in 1999 and has been a part of the band’s lineup for albums from “There Is Nothing Left to Lose” (1999) to their latest releases. Born in Santa Barbara, California, Shiflett plays guitar and also provides backing vocals. He has co-written some songs but is primarily known for his guitar work. Before joining Foo Fighters, Shiflett was a member of punk bands like No Use for a Name and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. He has also released solo work under the name Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants.
Rami Jaffee
Los Angeles native Rami Jaffee joined Foo Fighters as a session/touring musician in 2005 before becoming a full-time member in 2017. Specializing in keyboards and piano, Jaffee has contributed to several Foo Fighters albums, including “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” and “Concrete and Gold.” Before his involvement with Foo Fighters, Jaffee was known for being a founding member of The Wallflowers, a band that gained fame in the ’90s with hits like “One Headlight.”
Josh Freese
Josh Freese, from Orlando, Florida, joined Foo Fighters in 2023 as their drummer. Given the recentness of his membership, it is not yet clear what albums he will contribute to. Freese is a highly sought-after session musician and has performed with a myriad of artists and bands, from Devo and Nine Inch Nails to Sting and The Vandals.
William Goldsmith
William Goldsmith, originally from Seattle, Washington, was Foo Fighters’ original drummer, joining the band in 1995. He played on the band’s second album, “The Colour and the Shape,” but left during the recording due to creative differences. Goldsmith was also a member of Sunny Day Real Estate alongside Nate Mendel before both joined Foo Fighters.
Franz Stahl
Franz Stahl was a member of Foo Fighters from 1997 to 1999, stepping in after the departure of Pat Smear. Hailing from Washington, D.C., Stahl contributed to the band’s third album, “There Is Nothing Left to Lose,” but was let go before the album’s completion. Prior to Foo Fighters, Stahl was in the punk band Scream, where he first collaborated with Dave Grohl.
Taylor Hawkins
Taylor Hawkins, who was from Fort Worth, Texas, joined Foo Fighters in 1997, replacing William Goldsmith on drums. He became one of the band’s core members until his untimely death in 2022. Hawkins played on most of Foo Fighters’ albums from “There Is Nothing Left to Lose” to “Medicine at Midnight.” He also contributed backing vocals and even took lead vocals on some tracks. Hawkins was known for his energetic drumming style and was an essential part of the band’s sound. Before joining Foo Fighters, he was the touring drummer for Alanis Morissette during her “Jagged Little Pill” era.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
