Foo Fighters Frontman Dave Grohl Thanks Whiskey and Beer for Long-Lasting Vocals

Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters performing during filming for the Graham Norton Show on Feb. 19 at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London. (Photo: Jas Lehal/PA Media Assignments/AP Images)

Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana alum Dave Grohl has been performing for a long time, and his voice is still going strong. This, apparently, is owed to nothing more than his go-to pre-show routine, which includes whiskey and beer — an approach he claims has kept his vocals in top shape for decades.

Speaking on the Dish Podcast, Grohl detailed a ritual that begins about an hour before hitting the stage.

The routine starts simply: a beer. Then another. Along the way, Grohl adds a shot of whiskey — sometimes multiple — often shared with bandmates in what he calls a “band prayer.” He also mentioned occasionally taking Advil to manage aches before performing.

Despite how it sounds, Grohl said the habit came into focus after a medical check on his vocal cords roughly eight years ago. Expecting bad news, he instead got reassurance.

According to Grohl, the doctor found his vocal cords in excellent condition and asked about his routine.

“I said, ‘Honestly? An hour before the show, I’ll open a beer, and I’ll start drinking the beer. I might take an Advil because my knees hurt, my ankles hurt, whatever. I’m old. Then, I have a shot of whiskey. And then once the beer is done, I’ll open another beer,'” he said.

Grohl’s doctor didn’t appear to see any red flags there, according to the rockstar.

“My doctor said, ‘Just don’t change what you’re doing. It’s working.’ And I was like, ‘OK, great,'” Grohl said.

While Grohl acknowledged the regimen wouldn’t appear in any medical journal, he said it’s worked throughout his career. The band, now marking roughly 30 years together, has leaned on these pre-show rituals as a way to prepare and stay connected before performances.

The comments come as Foo Fighters prepare for the release of their upcoming album Your Favorite Toy and a scheduled appearance on Saturday Night Live UK, where they will be the first non-British musical guest.