Saturday night the city of Warren, Ohio unveiled a record-breaking monument to one of their own, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. 

Clocking in at almost 23 feet long and 900 pounds each, the pair of poplar drumsticks is the world’s largest. An homage to Grohl’s stints in numerous bands (Scream, Nirvana, and Them Crooked Vultures, just to name a few), they also feature a feather design, similar to the tattoos on his forearms.

The tribute was unveiled Saturday in a champagne-showered ceremony at the Warren Amphitheatre and will remain on display there until September, when it is moved to – what else-  David Grohl Alley.

The alley, in downtown Warren, features Grohl-inspired artwork and graffiti. It was dedicated in 2009, in a ceremony that featured a short performance by the musician himself.

While he could not be present in person this time, Grohl nonetheless made his presence known: a full-page ad in Warren’s local paper, the Tribune Chronicle, featured a personal message and a picture of him in a t-shirt reading “Made in Warren.”

“To the wonderful city of Warren,” the ad reads, “from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank you all so much. For the childhood memories, for my family, for my very own alley, for the world’s largest drumsticks, and for all of your support; but, most of all, for being such a great community. One that makes me proud to say…I am from Warren, Ohio!”

Warren’s mayor and members of the community unveiled the drumsticks at the Warren Amphitheatre on Saturday.

Warren’s mayor read the ad aloud from the Amphitheatre’s stage, thanking members of the community who had helped to make the project possible.  The “anthem” of David Grohl Alley, “This One is for You” by local band Bittercrush, played over the sound system as the drumsticks were unveiled.

Grohl was born in Warren 1969 and later moved with his family to Virginia, where he grew to be an active member of the local music scene.

About The Author

Morgan Lawrence is a Blast editor-at-large

One Response

  1. RM Nixon

    I heard that Larry Long Jr and his band, The Backsliders, made a contribution to help make this all possible. The charitable work that Larry Long Jr and The Backsliders far out steps the great country sounds that come from their heart. They are truly a Warren gem. If you get a chance, go see this local band at a watering hole near you.

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