Hanukkah is the festival of lights. But now, sound has a seat at the table. Dave Grohl wants to give you a gift for every night of the holiday with his “Hanukkah Sessions” series. (Which returns for the second year in a row.) The aim of the “Hanukkah Sessions” series is simple. It wants to celebrate and honor Jewish artists during this exciting time of year. So light your menorah (technically: Chanukiah) grab your jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot) and crank up these excellent, festive Dave Grohl covers.
At the time of this writing, we’ve gotten to enjoy four nights of Hanukkah. This means four excellent “Hanukkah Sessions” from Dave Grohl. Grohl has again teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin for these covers. First up on the docket, “Stay” by Lisa Loeb. Grohl shares on the Foo Fighter’s YouTube channel:
Welcome back to the menorah, y’all. Let’s kick it this year’s Hanukkah sessions with one of Dallas, Texas’s favorite Jewish daughters. So put on your coffee shop spectacles and your Betsey Johnson dress and HAVA listen to this…
And let me tell you, he commits. We especially love the heavy metal screaming sections. Grohl is one talented mensch.
Night two brings us “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones:
Night three brings us an absolutely delightful version of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana.” Grohl goes hard on the ’70s vibes. We have to say… it’s basically out of a bar mitzvah scene. And we mean that with the most love. Although, of course, your bar mitzvah band never sounded so good.
Finally, for now, night four dedicates itself to “Jump” by Van Halen.
But fear not, there are four more nights to celebrate. And we can’t wait to see what Hanukkah gifts Grohl will share with us next. We know they’ll light up our lives though.
If you still want a little more Hanukkah fun from Grohl, check out all the songs from last year’s celebration. Just visit the #hanukkahsessions tag on YouTube. Our 2020 favorites? Grohl’s take on Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”
We’re wishing everyone celebrating the happiest of Hanukkahs.
