Foo Fighters Drop 80-Second Cover of Minor Threat’s Punk Classic

An energetic throwback: Foo Fighters bring life to Minor Threat’s 1981 anthem with a fresh 80-second cover.

Foo Fighters Reignite Hardcore Roots with Minor Threat Cover

The Foo Fighters have unleashed their very first snippet of new music since their 2023 album But Here We Are — and it's a vibrant nod to the past. This time, they’ve delivered a tightly packed 80-second cover of the seminal Washington D.C. hardcore punk band Minor Threat’s 1981 track “I Don’t Wanna Hear It.”

Foo Fighters performing live, capturing their raw energy and powerful stage presence.

What’s fascinating is that the instrumental for this fresh take was actually laid down way back in 1995. However, the vocals, infused with the unmistakable grit of frontman Dave Grohl, were added only this year. That means the band has been sitting on a little hardcore treasure for decades, finally deciding to unleash it in 2025.

Dave Grohl’s D.C. Hardcore Roots and Rare Covers

Dave Grohl’s connection to D.C.'s underground punk scene runs deep. Before he became a legendary figure in the rock world, Grohl cut his teeth with the band Scream, which released music on Dischord Records, the label founded by Minor Threat’s Ian MacKaye. Despite this rich history, Foo Fighters’ covers have usually spotlighted classic rock giants like Queen, David Bowie, AC/DC, and Pink Floyd, making this hardcore punk nod a unique moment in their discography.

“I’m telling you, if the Foos could do a Dischord single, then we could break up. Done deal.”
— Dave Grohl

A Glimpse into the Past: Ian MacKaye and a Teen Grohl’s Letter

Back in 2015, Ian MacKaye shared a touching story about finding a fan letter from a teenage Dave Grohl. The note was an earnest request for contacts within the music scene and even included Grohl's phone number and the best times to reach him — between 3:00 and 10:00 pm. This glimpse into Grohl's early passion perfectly highlights the roots of his lifelong musical journey and respect for the D.C. punk scene.

Celebrating Foo Fighters’ Debut and Upcoming Tour

This cover drops just in time for a special moment — the upcoming 30th anniversary of Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut album on July 4. Fans have been teased with rare images and stories on the band’s dedicated Substack page, inviting a deeper dive into the Foos’ storied career.

Looking ahead, the band is gearing up to hit the road again, starting October 2 in Jakarta. This will be their first live run following the unexpected departure of drummer Josh Freese earlier this year. While no new drummer has been announced yet, anticipation is high for what’s next.

Why This Cover Matters

The Foo Fighters' “I Don’t Wanna Hear It” cover is more than just a throwback; it’s a testament to the band’s roots and a bridge between hardcore punk and mainstream rock audiences. It reveals the layers that shaped Dave Grohl’s career and offers fans a rare, raw glimpse into his musical influences.

FAQs About Foo Fighters’ Minor Threat Cover

• What song did Foo Fighters cover?
  They covered “I Don’t Wanna Hear It,” a hardcore punk track by Minor Threat from 1981.
• When was the instrumental for this cover recorded?
  The instrumental was recorded back in 1995.
• Who added the vocals to the cover?
  Dave Grohl added the vocals this year, in 2025.
• Why is this cover significant?
  It connects Foo Fighters to their punk rock roots and celebrates Dave Grohl’s early music scene in Washington D.C.
• Are Foo Fighters touring soon?
  Yes, they will start touring on October 2 in Jakarta, marking their first shows after drummer Josh Freese’s departure.

Don’t miss out on owning a piece of rock history—shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a stylish tribute to legendary music moments. Shop now.