Why does Dave Grohl always chew gum when he sings?

14 January 2024, 16:00

Here’s the real reason why the Foo Fighters frontman is a big fan of chewing throughout his epic live shows.

If you've ever been to a Foo Fighters gig or watched footage of the band playing live, you'll know Dave Grohl constantly has gum in his mouth.

Come rain or shine, whether he's belting out a banger like The Pretender, serenading the crowd with the likes of Walk, nine times out of ten the Foos frontman can be caught masticating in-between.

While fan forums have credited everything from keeping the cigarettes at bay to a straight up addiction to the sticky white stuff, the answer is actually a lot simpler.

Speaking to Rolling Stone's Austin Scaggs in June 2003, Grohl revealed: "It’s just to keep my throat and mouth lubricated — so when I scream balls, I don’t choke and vomit."

Dave went on: "The best time for the gum is just before getting onstage. Onstage I need a minty-fresh microphone. There’s no gum that keeps its flavour for more than twenty minutes. I need flavour."

And as for the Learn To Fly rocker's poison? "I like me some Dentyne Ice. I just know the colors: black, blue or green."

What Is Dave Grohl’s REAL Name?

Not content to keep his wise habit to himself, Grohl even taught Bille Joe Armstrong how to sing and chew gum.

Discussing the talent on The Howard Stern Show, the Green Day frontman revealed: “You know who told me [how to do that]? It was Dave Grohl.”

Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt added, “It gets stuck in his moustache.”

Chew on Dave. Chew on!