Few names in modern rock hold the same legendary status as Dave Grohl. From his days as Nirvana’s drummer to leading the Foo Fighters, Grohl has become an icon in the music world. Like any musician, he draws inspiration from those who came before him, and one artist, in particular, stands out: Brian May of Queen. In a recent interview, Grohl shared how Queen’s A Night at the Opera, and May’s incredible guitar work, shaped his all-time favorite album and deeply influenced his own music career.
Grohl has always spoken highly of Queen, especially their groundbreaking guitarist Brian May. “Brian May is not just a guitarist; he’s a creator of worlds with his music,” Grohl noted. “His playing is unlike anything else—it’s layered, emotional, and larger than life.” For Grohl, the first time he listened to A Night at the Opera, it changed everything. Released in 1975, the album, with its bold fusion of rock, opera, and theatrical elements, was a revolutionary moment in music, and it became a cornerstone for Grohl’s artistic approach.
May’s innovative guitar style on tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Prophet’s Song” was unlike anything anyone had heard at the time. Grohl described it as not just playing the guitar but “painting with sound.” The way May built entire orchestral layers with his guitar left a lasting impression on Grohl, inspiring him to think beyond simple riffs and solos. Instead, it showed him how to build a rich, multi-dimensional sound that defines much of Foo Fighters’ music today.
Throughout his career, Grohl has drawn inspiration from Queen’s creativity and ambition, which are evident in the intricate layering and grand scope of Foo Fighters’ tracks. May’s meticulous attention to detail taught Grohl the importance of crafting songs that are expansive yet finely tuned. Grohl often credits A Night at the Opera as the reason he views rock music as a boundless genre, capable of blending the bombastic with the intricate, the cinematic with the raw.
For Grohl, A Night at the Opera remains more than just an album; it’s a guiding light for how music can push boundaries and defy expectations. Grohl reflected, “I think about that album constantly. Every time you listen to it, there’s something new to discover. That’s what makes it timeless.” As Grohl continues to create, the influence of Brian May and Queen is evident in the boldness and passion he pours into his own music. And just as May did for Grohl, Grohl’s work will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of rock musicians.
Abel Jack