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The Storyteller

Tales of Life and Music

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The Storyteller

By: Dave Grohl
Narrated by: Dave Grohl
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About this listen

 Read by Dave Grohl. Features excerpts from five never-before-heard demos performed by Dave Grohl and an original story exclusive to The Storyteller audiobook.

So, I’ve written a book.

Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable opportunities (‘It’s a piece of cake! Just do four hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!’), I have decided to tell these stories just as I have always done, in my own voice. The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I’ve recorded and can’t wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child.

This certainly doesn’t mean that I’m quitting my day job, but it does give me a place to shed a little light on what it’s like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams I had as young musician. From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to my time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with my daughters…the list goes on. I look forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement.
©2021 Dave Grohl (P)2021 Simon & Schuster UK Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Funny Biography

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Critic reviews

'Thoroughly entertaining... His tone remains unwavering: good-natured, self-deprecating and eternally positive. He reads as if he’s bouncing on the spot. It’s impossible not to be won over by him… With the flair of a natural raconteur, Grohl broadly makes the job of a rock superstar out to be tremendous fun… Sometimes the good guys do win.' (Paul Rees)
'His incredible memoir is packed with extraordinary anecdotes about Nirvana, Iggy Pop, and even Sir Paul McCartney. Oh my, what a wonderful read this is – the man has lived a million lives.' (Natasha Harding)
'For anyone interested in how a hyperactive misfit from Virginia became a third of Nirvana and went on to become a stadium-filling star with his own Foo Fighters, The Storyteller lives up to its billing... Those years spent crammed into vans, living off fumes and the kindness of female mud wrestlers are some of the most vivid here. The camaraderie and sudden violence of the international punk ecosystem is beautifully evoked... Grohl is a lively and thoughtful writer.' (Kitty Empire)
'Just strap yourself in for smooth, well-told tales by a man for whom "dumb luck seems to be my speciality".' (Tony Clayton-Lea)
'Dave Grohl has plenty of tales of musical obsession, dizzying highs and dreadful lows. But more than the music, this memoir is an ode to family, both biological and chosen... A warm, funny and natural storyteller, Grohl spins a fine yarn, self-deprecating and pinging from subject to subject before circling back to his original point.' (Emma Johnston)
'He writes brilliantly and candidly about the runaway train that was Nirvana, and watching Kurt Cobain fading away before his eyes on the set of the "Come As You Are" video. Most like Bruce Springsteen's autobiography in terms of its author's honesty, drive and self-deprecating humour, Grohl's inherent constancy and resilience comes across on every page.' (Tom Doyle)
All stars
Most relevant  
Dave Grohl is a legend of music
I have loved listening to him recount his words in his way.
I will be listening again.
The man is wonderful.

Wonderful

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I really didn’t want this book to end, but couldn’t put it down. Fantastic story, highlighting the key moments in Dave’s life… shining a spot light into the activities of a true rock n roll star.

It is such a warm read, with life lessons and reflection on how music warms the soul, bring us together and lifts our mood.

I’m going to read Dave mums book later this year, which I see has great reviews.

Lovely guy, great story! The worlds a better place for having this true rock star and family man a part of it.

Rock on Dave Grohl.

Dave is a legend

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loved every minute. it made me laugh and it made me
cry. Brilliant. a must listen.

great

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Dave Grohl tells an amazing story in his own unique way. You just cannot help but like this very down to earth man, despite his life and experiences. I recommend it to everyone, not just to fans of musical biographies and autobiographies. Four Stars all round.

Brilliant! Really enjoyed this entertaining story.

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it feels like I have vicariously lived a rock and roll life by listening to this book. The love of music and performing from Dave transcends to another level. I am truly grateful to have shared this journey. he is one of life's great guys. He feels like my friend.

A truly 5 star book and narration

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Dave comes across as a normal guy caught up in a world of rock n roll. Great that he is articulate enough to narrate the book himself. Shame I tried to get tickets for the London stadium in the uk next year. £125 face value selling for £966 on resellers. I probably will never see the Foos but hey, a great read.

Brilliant insight into Dave and the bands.

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Entertainment is listening to the choices others make. Dave Grohl shares his story with humility and grit. You will like him. You will laugh and maybe even wipe a tear but most of all you will take pleasure in his journey.
A good ride.

Working while we play

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I can't put in to words how much I enjoyed this. I laughed, cried and hung onto every word.l from start to finish.

I can't give this enough stars

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Simply put, the best book I've ever listened too. The amazing life recalled with such humility and openess. I was hooked from the first chapter and sad when it ended.

Epic life story

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An easy listen, a good read. Essential listening for any one interested in Dave Grohls music career. Especially for those looking for some insight into US 80s punk scene, Nirvana (although his failure to even mention in Utero or THAT Unplugged session seems a major omission), Foo Fighters or an interest in rock music in general.
I found the early days aspect of the book more enjoyable, the discovery of the underground and fresh bands is just more interesting to me than what turns into a who's who of super famous people Dave has met and circumstances around these often chance meetings. His constant amazement at speaking with musical idols he clearly reveres but seems unable to view as peers eventually seems a little disingenuos. Will he keep playing the 'I don't belong here' card forever? Why are great musicians viewed with such reverence anyway? Ultimately they're just people, same as you or me but with different experiences.
That being said, throughout the book he isn't afraid to talk about his personal life which really grounds the whole thing. He is clearly a person blessed with an enviable lust for life and ability to seek the positive in most situations. And for that, it makes a really pleasant and positive listen overall. It's really hard to not like Dave, as he tells these stories. It also clear that he truly loves music, much more than many of us could undertand. To me, his burgeoning fame and success is as much down to Foo Fighters music (some great songs and alot middle of the road) as it is to his personality and hard work. From the early punk days to where he is now, it would be easy to shout sell-out but that's a hollow jibe. All in all, not bad for that drummer from Nirvana.

Spoilers alert

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