Music

Dave Grohl writes open letter to town silencing teenage metal band

by Richard Howard

OK, sure – if 1,000 musicians from a faraway nation create a cinematic video playing your song and it goes viral, you pretty much have to accept their request for your band to play their city.

But what about four teenagers asking for help with a noise complaint? To Dave Grohl, looks like it’s all the same.

The fledgeling Cornwall, England metal band Black Leaves of Envy, ranging in age from 15-17, had been practicing in their bassist and drummer’s family’s basement when they were targeted with a noise complaint. In response, the Cornwall Council ordered the band to keep their volume below 40dB (which is quieter than most bird calls).

Andrew Plenty, the father of bassist Cerys and drummer Dylan, has since started a campaign to set up a suitable venue for young area bands to practice, but he and the band also decided to enlist the help of a heavy hitter. “There’s a quote from Dave Grohl saying kids should get into their garages and start practicing if they would like to be the new Nirvana,” the elder Plenty said. “We’ve… sent off a letter to Mr Grohl asking for his endorsement with our campaign.”

You know Dave. In no time flat, the Foo Fighters frontman had fired off a letter to the Council which he shared on the band’s Facebook page. (Click to enlarge.)

In the description, Grohl directed readers to contact Plenty and find out how they can help provide the young musicians with a communal practice space, and additionally provided a link to information on the Foo’s website on how musicians themselves can soundproof their own practice spaces. However, in his letter he implored the Council to stop being such tight-asses and let kids rock out in their basements (I’m paraphrasing):

Opinions on Grohl will always be divided, but you gotta say this – instead of using his rock star status to shill products or special appearances, he’s doing what that fame is truly meant for: embarrassing old folks in positions of power to stop being such squares and support art they don’t understand.