The Song Dave Grohl Praised as the "Greatest Rock Intro Ever"
(Image Credit: Far Out / Raphael Pour-Hashemi)
January 24, 2026
Dave Grohl, the legendary musician and former Nirvana drummer, has a keen eye for what makes a record's opening truly magical. Despite Nirvana's unique and unconventional approach to rock and roll in the 1980s, Grohl was still learning the art of crafting a record's introduction. While his iconic drum fills in 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' are unparalleled, Grohl was influenced by numerous commercial bands that showcased the power of the first few seconds of a record.
The opening track of any album presents a unique opportunity to capture listeners' attention. From Black Sabbath's debut to the delayed notes of Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction,' artists have long understood the importance of a captivating introduction. Concept albums may reign supreme in this style, but Grohl opted for a more direct approach, ensuring his music made an immediate impact.
Foo Fighters' debut, though more of a demo tape, showcased Grohl's creativity in keeping things fresh. 'The Pretender' stands as one of the best openers of the 2000s, with the one-two punch of 'Doll' and 'Monkey Wrench' on 'The Colour and the Shape' seamlessly building anticipation. Even the opening power chords of 'All My Life' on 'One By One' evoke a sense of musical explosion.
Grohl's musical influences extended beyond the calculated precision of bands like Rush, with their warped sound effects in '2112.' He was also inspired by the theatrical and circus-like nature of Kiss, who transformed rock and roll into a spectacle. While Kiss's early records seemed standard, it was 'Alive' that showcased their true potential.
The album 'Alive' introduced Kiss in their natural habitat, emphasizing their stage performance. When creating their next record, Kiss couldn't revert to their previous studio setup. With Bob Ezrin's involvement, the opening of 'Detroit Rock City' became a transformative experience. The jingling keys and car engine, followed by one of Kiss' best riffs, left a profound impact on Grohl, who praised the legendary intro as perhaps the greatest rock 'n' roll album introduction ever recorded.
Ezrin's contributions extended beyond the opening. He taught the band guitar harmonies in the middle of 'Detroit Rock City,' conceived the demonic children at the top of 'God of Thunder,' and his arranging skills ensured 'Beth' evolved into a proto-power ballad rather than a country tune.
Although Grohl's later heroes included Minor Threat and Iggy Pop, Kiss provided an excellent starting point for a 12-year-old with big dreams. Their superhero status and the lasting impact they had on listeners, even as they grew out of their peak popularity, cannot be overstated. Grohl's appreciation for the greatest rock intros ever is a testament to the power of these opening moments in music.
