Dave Grohl Unveils Extended Live Version of Epic 23-Minute Instrumental, 'Play'

Dave Grohl has unveiled an extended live rendition of his 23-minute instrumental masterpiece, 'Play.' Launched on 1st December, the performance was extracted from the recording of Warren Haynes' 30th Annual Christmas Jam benefit concerts, held on 7th and 8th December 2018, in Asheville, North Carolina. 

Expanding to an impressive 36 minutes, this release captures the instrumental's live premiere, marking the inaugural official live recording of the track.

In this live rendition of 'Play,' the frontman of Foo Fighters returns to the drum kit, accompanied by a stellar lineup featuring multi-platinum producer Greg Kurstin on keyboards, Beck sessionist Jason Falkner, Alain Johannes from ‘Them Crooked Vultures’, Barrett Jones, Chris Chaney from ‘Jane's Addiction’ on bass, percussionist Drew Hester and Abby the Spoon Lady, an Asheville-based busker and street-performance advocate. The recording showcases extended solos from Kurstin, Falkner and Johannes on guitars.

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Warren Haynes' 'The Benefit Concert Volume 20'

‘Play’ serves as a sneak peek into Warren Haynes' forthcoming release, 'The Benefit Concert Volume 20,' an upcoming live album that compiles standout moments from his 30th Annual Christmas Jam. 

The album will showcase a lineup of notable guests, including Haynes' Southern rock band Gov’t Mule, country artist Eric Church, Joe Bonamassa, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and more.

Scheduled for digital release on 8th December, 'The Benefit Concert Volume 20' will be available in various physical formats, including four differently-coloured 2-LP vinyl volumes, a 2-CD-plus-DVD package, or a 3-CD-2-Blu-Ray package.

Haynes Will Host his 32nd Annual Christmas Jam Concert

Simultaneously, on 9th December 2023, Haynes will host his 32nd Annual Christmas Jam concert, featuring an illustrious lineup with Slash and Myles Kennedy, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and other prominent artists. Tickets for the event are available for purchase here.

Originally unveiled in August 2018 as a component of a mini-documentary, 'Play' also directed by Grohl, the documentary explores the "rewards and challenges of dedicating a life to playing music." It showcases Grohl skillfully playing all seven instruments of the song simultaneously in a studio setting.

Leading up to the performance, Grohl delved into his creative process, emphasizing that mastery in music is an ongoing pursuit. He expressed, "It’s not something that you ever truly master. You’re always chasing the next challenge, and you’re always trying to find a way to improve on what you’ve learned."