Dave Grohl wrap 'Hanukkah Sessions' with Velvet Underground cover

Publish Date
Monday, 21 December 2020, 8:01AM

Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters producer Greg Kurstin found a perfectly appropriate song to conclude their 'Hanukkah Sessions' celebration of Jewish artists: Velvet Underground's "Rock and Roll."

In a note accompanying the final video of the series, Grohl added an optimistic message to fans who are struggling during an exceedingly uncomfortable year and the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As 2020 comes to a close and another Hanukkah ends (my first) I am reminded of the two things that have gotten me through this year: music and hope," the frontman wrote.

"This project, which initially began as a silly idea, grew to represent something much more important to me. It showed me that the simple gesture of spreading joy and happiness goes a long way, and as we look forward, we should all make an effort to do so, no matter how many candles are left to light on the menorah."

He added his thanks to Kurstin, video editor Markus Rutledge and Peaches, who lent her voice to Grohl and Kurstin's "F--- the Pain Away" cover over the weekend.

Grohl added that part of the reason he and Kurstin settled on Velvet Underground's "Rock and Roll" for their last cover track was because it is ultimately a song of hope. He urged people to "keep spreading the joy and happiness. It goes a long way..."

Grohl and Kurstin began their Hanukkah exploration of Jewish popular music in the 20th and 21th centuries with a fiery rendition of Beastie Boys' "Sabotage," unveiled last Thursday. They quickly swerved out of the rock realm with Drake's "Hotline Bling," only to come roaring back with Mountain's "Mississippi Queen." That was followed by the Peaches cover, Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women 12 & 35," Elastica's "Connection" and then The Knack's "Frustrated."

This article was first published on iheart.com and is republished here with permission

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