The Storyteller (by Dave Grohl)
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Nirvana in the early 90s and was particularly fond of the Foo Fighters’ popular songs. While I may not have been a huge fan of grunge or alternative rock, I couldn’t help but appreciate the raw talent and unwavering determination displayed by musicians like Dave Grohl. Over time, I’ve come to know him for his kindness and generosity. Therefore, when his autobiography, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, was released, I knew it was a book I had to read.
Dave immediately earned my respect when he began his autobiography with a captivating story about his decision to embrace aging gracefully. The title, “The Storyteller,” aptly reflects his primary focus on his musical career. I particularly appreciate how he skillfully interwove details about his upbringing, marriage, and children into his stories. Unlike many autobiographies that start with a detailed family history and recounting childhood experiences, Dave boldly deviated from the norm by sharing entertaining stories that seem to hold significant personal importance to him.
Dave primarily shared his music career chronologically, recounting his journey from joining the band Scream to making the challenging decision to relocate to Seattle to join Nirvana. Naturally, he shared numerous stories about his bandmate and friend, Kurt Cobain. After Kurt’s passing, Dave grappled with his grief but eventually found solace in music once again. I was particularly intrigued to discover that he initiated the band Foo Fighters by playing every instrument himself.
Throughout the book, Dave reflected deeply on the significance of life events, displayed humility, and expressed an overwhelming sense of gratitude for those closest to him. He refrained from gossiping about other celebrities. His stories were always respectful and clearly conveyed his admiration for his fellow musicians. It was amusing to listen to his tales of constant amazement at the artists he encountered. He was often starstruck yet seemingly oblivious to his own fame and notoriety. My personal favorite was when he met Neil Peart. There are also numerous stories about his friendship with Paul McCartney. Dave repeatedly expressed gratitude for the incredible opportunities he was given to perform with renowned artists like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. And the venues he played at! He has performed at the White House and has made numerous appearances on Saturday Night Live. The ending was typical of a rock show—just when you think the book is over, Dave returns for an encore.
I borrowed the audiobook of The Storyteller from my local library, and it was an exceptional listening experience, narrated by the talented Dave Grohl.
I’m closing out this review with the music video for Learning to Fly by Foo Fighters. Enjoy!
As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases linked back to Amazon. Every penny earned allows me to blog about books and keeps this site running.
