Foo Fighters Go Back To The Beginning With ‘This Is A Call’ On ‘Kimmel’

Foo Fighters reached back to the song that helped launch their career on Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. The band performed “This Is A Call,” the lead single and opening track from their 1995 self-titled debut album, on the second night of their weeklong residency.

“This Is A Call” introduced listeners to Dave Grohl as a frontman more than three decades ago. Released in June 1995 ahead of Foo Fighters that July, the single offered an early look at the singer, guitarist and songwriter’s next chapter following Nirvana. Grohl recorded nearly all of the debut album himself, handling vocals, guitar, bass and drums.

Grohl has described “This Is A Call” as a turning point in rediscovering his love of music after Kurt Cobain’s death. While other songs he was writing reflected his grief, the future Foo Fighters single felt more uplifting. “It was like a renewal or a reawakening where I actually found joy in playing and writing,” Grohl told Apple Music.

The selection brought the residency from Foo Fighters’ latest album back to their first. The band opened the run on Monday with “Window,” a track from their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy. Released earlier this year, the record is their first with drummer Ilan Rubin.

Grohl also sat down with Jimmy Kimmel on Monday and revealed that Foo Fighters will perform Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” later in the week. The band recently revived the cover at a benefit concert in Los Angeles. Foo Fighters are scheduled as the show’s musical guests through Thursday.

Watch Foo Fighters perform “This Is A Call” on Jimmy Kimmel Live below:

Foo Fighters next head to Australia for a run beginning November 5 in Brisbane. The band will return to Southern California for KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Kia Forum on December 12 before resuming overseas touring in January with shows in New Zealand, Australia and India. A South American leg follows in February and March.