Dave Grohl has unleashed the only live performance of his epic 23-minute, instrumental “Play,” which extends the song to a whopping 36 minutes.
Recorded during Warren Haynes’ 30th Annual Christmas Jam in 2018, the live version expands the breadth of the instrumental as Grohl is accompanied by Greg Kurstin on keyboards, Chris Chaney on bass, Drew Hester on percussion, and guitarists Jason Falkner, Alain Johannes, and Barrett Jones. However, it’s Asheville-based busker Abby the Spoon Lady who really steals the show. Watch the performance below.
“Play” was originally composed and performed entirely with Grohl on every instrument. The process of its recording was captured in a two-part documentary of the same name, released in 2018.
The track will appear on The Benefit Concert Volume 20, a collection of performances recorded on December 7th and 8th, 2018 in Asheville, North Carolina. Other featured artists include Eric Church, Joe Bonamassa, Gov’t Mule, Mike Gordon, Marco Benevento, Jamey Johnson, Edwin McCain, Kevn Kinney, Tyler Ramsey, Scott Murawski, and Ron Holloway.
Out December 8th via Evil Teen Records/Mascot Label Group, the album will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. Pre-orders are ongoing.
During a recent performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with his band Foo Fighters, Grohl placed a “No Cursing” sign on stage as a reminder that using the F-word in the United Arab Emeritus is strictly prohibited.
Fortunately, Grohl didn’t have to worry about self-censorship during the band’s Australian tour kick-off, where Foo Fighters performed “Statues” live for the first time.
Foo Fighters’ current tour of Australia and New Zealand will be followed by a 2024 jaunt across the UK and North America. Get tickets to the North American dates here and international dates here.
