What’s your favourite kind of music? I love all the different types. Some of my favorites are classical, rock, pop, country, and alternative. What about bands? What is one of your favourite bands? I like Weezer, ZZ Top, Maroon 5, and Coldplay.
There are countless artists and songs in this world, and although none of us will ever be able to agree on the best music on the planet, we should be able to recognize a good song when we hear one.
The song I want to share today is My Hero by the Foo Fighters. The piece highlights and tributes the heroes that the band’s lead guitarist and singer, Dave Grohl, had in his life. These are ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Who is a hero in your life?
This song is written from a kid’s perspective but reflects Grohl’s beliefs. As is the case with many of the band’s songs, many listeners assumed that this song was about Kurt Cobain, but Grohl has assured them it is not.
This song is so incredibly popular that it has even appeared in movies. In 1999, the music was used in the film Varsity Blues and Somewhere, which came out in 2010.
The song has even made headlines in politics. In 2008, the music was used by Republican nominee John McCain for his US presidential campaign. It’s not a bad song, but the band was unhappy when they found out! When the Foo Fighters found out through news reports that this was happening, they denounced his use of the track.
The band claimed their song was written to celebrate the ordinary person and his extraordinary potential. They believed that using their music for political use and without their knowledge tarnished it.
The song was played to an enormous audience in 2020 when Dave Grohl played an acoustic version from a studio in Hawaii as part of the “Living Room Concert For America.” It was a benefit broadcast played in 2020 to raise money and spirits during the pandemic. Grohl dedicated that performance to those on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Music has the power to change someone’s life. It has the ability to raise our spirits. This song has been used precisely for those purposes!
Please have a listen to the band’s video, and let me know what you think about it!