The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 35

www.pantagraph.com The Pantagraph Wednesday January 16, 2008 D5 Foo Fighters frontman Grohl turns introspective jiii Milium ii mwiMJUIli.i awn um hi fit xK By Melinda Newman FOR THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES Even though she's a good few years away from taking stubby pencil to paper herself, Dave Grohl's baby daughter Violet gets full credit for influencing her daddy's writing style. For the Foo Fighters' founder and frontman, the 2006 birth of his first child added a personal, often confessional tone to his lyrics. "Having a child made me feel like a superman in a way because I had to be," says Grohl, who turns 39 this month. "Just as I can't be afraid to ride the Spi-derman roller coaster at Magic Mountain when it's time, I can't be scared of writing things that I really feel. There are a lot of things that I kept myself from saying over the years." Indeed, the Foo Fighters' current album, "Echoes, Silence, Patience Grace," includes some of Grohl's most revealing, introspective lyrics such as on "Stranger Things Have Happened," an intimate look at marriage.

It's clear both fans and critics are responding to "Echoes." The album has sold more than 530,000 copies in the U.S. since its September release and received five Grammy nominations including a coveted album of the year nod. The first single, "The Pretender," took up residence atop Bill- "One of the things Dave really wanted to do was to combine the acoustic album that he'd done coming off the acoustic tour the bigger band, string players and build things from acoustic songs into rock songs. That's the sort of dynamic he wanted," he says. But Hawkins admits that he worried whether Norton could bring the right dynamic to the Foos, which also includes guitarist Chris Shiflett and bassist Nate Mendel.

"The first record he did with the band, the drummer Hawkins says, referring to William Goldsmith. "I heard he was a complete work horse and a tyrant and nothing's good enough (but) he was a hard-working guy and he did work us hard." Norton wasn't the only hard-worker he calls Grohl "possibly the hardest-working man in rock. I swear to God, he never stops. He is so driven." And now, as the band is hitting the road for a nationwide tour, Grohl is ready to be on stage, a sensation he compares to being "a ringleader of this circus." Still, he says he has tempered his work habits since Violet entered the picture. "I used to be able to say there's nothing I'd rather do than (play), but finally there's something I'd rather be doing," he says.

Grohl set a two-week limit on time away from his family. ano for his birthday a few years ago, which spurred him to write the mid-tempo, Beatles-esque "Statues." He also takes on blue-grass-tinged country with "The Beaconsfield Miners." Grohl, the Foos' primary songwriter, wrote the song as a tribute to two trapped miners in Australia who requested Foo Fighters' music delivered to them on an iPod. It wasn't until that incident that he realized the impact the Foos' music could have. "For years, I've had people come up to me and say, 'That album helped me through a really difficult time' or say 'This song was the first dance at our but something like the Beaconsfield incident, that was so much heavier. It was about survival," he says.

It's an idea he still has difficulty getting used to. "The music that changed my life was made by people that I consider heroes," he says. "So it's hard for me to think the same of myself because that would be a little weird, wouldn't it?" "Echoes" was recorded with Gil Norton, the producer of 1997s "The Colour and the Shape." The Brit is best known for his work with the Pixies, Throwing Muses, Dashboard Confessional and Jimmy Eat World. Norton says Grohl was looking to continue the acoustic direction the band had ventured into in recent years. 1 -v Associated PressMATT SAYLES Music group Foo Fighters are, from left, Chris Shiflett, Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel.

rock of "The Pretender" to the pop sheen of the second single "Long Road to Ruin." However, the CD also takes the band in new musical directions, in addition to the added lyrical depth. Grohl's wife gave him a pi up to 2006's live acoustic CD "Skin and Bones." As drummer Taylor Hawkins explains, the album "covers everything we've ever done in a weird way, sometimes in one song." The tunes on "Echoes" range from the hard board's Modern Rock chart, spending a record 17 weeks at No. 1. The group will play the song at the 50th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 10.

"Echoes" is the group's sixth studio album, and is the follow- Horoscope J. Geils singer to join Kid Rock in B-N show; ered an opening act. all of the guests will appear, on stage and perform with the. headliner in a communal revue fashion. Tickets for the 8 p.m.

show are still available at the Coliseum box office by calling (866) By Dan Craft dcraft9pantagraph.com BLOOMINGTON The Kid Rock concert coming to Bloom-ington's U.S. Cellular' Coliseum on Jan. 26 keeps expanding its horizons. During an interview with the Pantagraph to be published two days before the concert, the performer dropped the news that several more previously unannounced names have been added to the lineup. Already on board is Kid Rock's longtime friend and musical ally Reverend Run, of legendary rap duo Run-DMC.

Just signed up for the tour, which kicks off Jan. 25, is another legend from the past: J. Geils Band front man Peter Wolf, who Rock calls another of his key for mative influences. Wolf handled lead vocals on such hits from the band as "Centerfold" and "Did You No Wrong." He was with the band from 1967 through 1983, when he left over artistic disagreements. Though there have been several brief reunions in the years since, today the original J.

Geils Band is considered largely defunct. Meanwhile, another big name from classic rock's past will also join the Kid Rock tour, but not until after the Bloomington date, which is only the second stop on the tour: Dickie Betts, one of the founding members of the Altaian Brothers Band and another of Kid Rock's self-professed formative influences. According to Rock, none of the performers is to be consid HaM3j HAIRBANGERS BALL Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Operate on your own as much as possible, because objectives that are significant to you can meet with a total indifference by your associates.

These cohorts may lack your vision and your sense of adventure. Libra (Sept. 23-0ct. 23) You may find it necessary to take measures to alter or change those conditions in your life that are retarding your progress. Keep in mind that although it may be difficult, it is doable and the right thing to do.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) For good or for ill, you tend to reflect the behavior patterns of your peers. Instead, if you know that your personality is stronger than your companions, step forward and be the one who determines the mode of operation. Sagittarius (Nov.

23-Dec. 21) Observers will admire your confidence and capabilities in regards to the manner in which you handle tough situations, so there is no need to toot your own horn. They will be singing your praises for you. are seeking. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Although you have what it takes to do quite well in competitive situations, you need to remember to do so with grace and humility.

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Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) There are wonderful opportunities for personal gain at this moment, but once you experience success, there could be a tendency to take some kind of foolish risk. Invest your funds and time only in feasible situations. MIKE JOE Your birthday today Financial conditions look encouraging in the year ahead, but only if you are determined to succeed and willing to do what it takes to generate the returns you want. Nothing will be handed to you on a silver platter.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You possess excellent management skills in handling situations that require a deft touch, yet for reasons known only to you, you might not have the courage to use them in all cases. Don't let yourself down. Aquarius (Jan.

20-Feb. 19) Remember it is always difficult to please everyone, so if someone requires more pats on the back, don't take it as a failure on your part. This person simply needs more coddling than others. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) Sincerity is essential if you want to make a good impression on others, so forgo using flattery as a tool.

But don't use the blunt truth, either. Chances are either extreme will prove to be counterproductive. Aries (March 21-April 19) Take measures to trim as much nonessential spending from your budget as possible; once you do, you will find your financial position greatly improved, and it will provide the peace of mind you www.myspace.comdaddioslive presented by St. tout Ewtagmph Caravan 75 ik-n-EZ it- PWW January 20 Bud Family 24 Packs Cans pjyi Zao tax (limit 4) Offer good 116-122 -7 This Week: Natural 30 Pack S1 0.98 tax (limit 4) Miller Family 18 Pack Bottles $9.99 tax (limit 4) PLEASE CALL THEATRE OR VISIT Us lONLINE FOR MOVIES AND SHOWTiMESj uiFuramsiiiciDDt www.carmixe.com Dr.l Sumit Bhatia has joined Special Player Appearances from Aaron Miles Tyler Johnson and more! Players will sign autographs for kids 14 and under! Bid on items in silent auction! AT THE CELLULAR the Board Certified Ophthalmology staff at Gailey Eye Clinic. Dr.

Bhatia and his wife, Vijeyta and daughter, Shreya are happy to return to the Central Illinois area. Dr. Bhatia grew up in Peoria, he attended the University of Illinois, Urbana for his undergraduate studies and received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Bhatia completed a two year vitreoretina fellowship at Boston University Boston Medical Center.

Dr. Bhatia is the Retinal Specialist for the Gailey Eye Clinic, Dr. Bhatia and his family look forward to theh involvement in the Bloomington, Normal community. Please call Dr. Bhatia for all your retinal needs.

Gailey Eye Clinic IO98 N. Main Bloomington, IL 61701 www.gaileyeyeclinic.com (309) 829-53 llj(800y 25-7706 8 COLISEUM Tickets are $8 '3a portion of the a proceeds go to On Sale HOW! American Junior Baseball 309.434.2679 vvw.u scellularcoliseum.com.