Play is a 23-minute instrumental composition composed and performed by Dave Grohl and released in 2018.

Play
EP by
ReleasedAugust 10, 2018
GenreProgressive rock, alternative rock, progressive metal
Length23:00
LabelRoswell, RCA
ProducerDave Grohl
Music video
"Play" on YouTube

Recording and composition

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Dave Grohl stated that he was inspired by his daughters' music lessons to undertake one of the most challenging projects of his career.[1] As the front man of rock band Foo Fighters, Grohl found some time during their world tour for their Concrete and Gold album to write and record the 23-minute instrumental.[1] Grohl stated that he was inspired by watching children at music classes, including his daughters, rehearsing songs over and over again to play them perfectly.[1] Grohl also created a two part documentary that includes him performing seven different versions of "Play" and interviewing young students at the Join the Band music school near his home in Los Angeles.[1] Grohl plays all of the instruments on the 23-minute "Play".[2] However, when he debuted the song live he recruited members from another of his side projects, Them Crooked Vultures and also the band Jane's Addiction.[2][3] They debuted it live on December 8, 2018 at The Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in Asheville.[3]

Personnel

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Charts

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Weekly charts

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Singles charts

Chart (2018) Position
UK Physical Singles (Official Charts Company)[4] 1
UK Vinyl Singles (Official Charts Company)[5] 1
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[6] 33

Album charts

Chart (2018) Position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[7] 66
US Billboard 200[8] 124
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[9] 7
US Vinyl Albums (Billboard)[10] 3
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[11] 15
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[12] 21
US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard)[13] 6
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[14] 10
US Soundtrack Albums (Billboard)[15] 9

Year-end charts

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Chart (2018) Position
UK Vinyl Singles (Official Charts Company)[16] 19

Accolades

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Year Publication Country Accolade Rank
2019 The Guardian United Kingdom Dave Grohl's Landmark Songs[17] N/A

References

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  1. ^ a b c d McCabe, Kathy (August 1, 2018). "Dave Grohl's daughters inspire his epic new instrumental PLAY". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Daramola, Israel. "Dave Grohl to Debut His 23-Minute Instrumental 'PLAY' at Live Show". Spin. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  3. ^ a b Maine, Samantha. "Dave Grohl recruits members of Them Crooked Vultures and Jane's Addiction for live debut of instrumental project Play". NME. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  4. ^ "Official Physical Singles Chart Top 100 - 05 October 2018 - 11 October 2018". officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  5. ^ "Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40 - 05 October 2018 - 11 October 2018". officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  6. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  7. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  8. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  9. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Digital Albums)".[dead link] Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  10. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Vinyl Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  11. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  12. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  13. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  14. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  15. ^ "Dave Grohl Chart History (Soundtrack Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  16. ^ "The Official Top 40 biggest vinyl albums and singles of 2018". officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  17. ^ Barlow, Eve (August 16, 2019). "Dave Grohl: 'I never imagined myself to be Freddie Mercury'". The Guardian. Retrieved August 22, 2019.