GN: As Space Ghost himself once asked Dave, do you guys really fight foo?
CS: Of course! On a daily basis …

GN: How familiar with the first three Foo Fighters albums were you when you joined in 1999?
CS: Well, I knew the first two really well, because I was a fan of the band, but the third one had just been finished and wasn’t out yet. Let’s just say I learned it as fast as I could.

GN: How would you characterize the guitar interplay between you and Dave?
CS: Usually there are two different things happening all the time; it’s pretty rare that we both hunker down on the same chords.

GN: What Gretsch guitar(s) do you use?
CS: I just got the Brian Setzer Black Phoenix, which sounds kick-ass for the loud, distorted, s—t. I was really blown away at how well it handles the gain, because I’ve got an Anniversary™, too, that’s better for the clean-tone stuff. Also, I’ve got an old Firebird™ and a Raleigh, but I don’t like to take ’em on the road. Don’t wanna screw ’em up.

GN: For you personally, just what is it about a Gretsch?
CS: I grew up worshipping Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats, so Gretsch guitars are something I always dreamed of playing.

GN: What’s all this about a “dream Gretsch” being made for you to your own demanding specifications?
CS: (laughs heartily) See my answer to the above question! I just ordered a ’59 Nashville® reissue, and I think that’s what Brian Setzer used to play, right? The only thing I changed was the bridge. It’s got to be the pinned-down bridge, or I’ll f—k it up! I’m too heavy-handed when we’re playing, I guess …

GN: Who or what are Viva Death and Jackson United?
CS: Viva Death is a band that my brother, Scott, started with the singer from his old band, Face to Face. They had me come in and play a little baritone guitar on their recordings. I think Scott is getting ready to finally put out the second Viva Death record.

I basically got him to return the favor by coming and playing on a recording by my little side band, Jackson United. He actually hasn’t played with us for a couple of years, but I corralled him to come down to Brazil with us at the end of the month.

GN: Foo Fighters have always done an inspired choice of covers (see below, Appendix “A”).  How do you guys decide what to cover?
CS: Usually, each guy picks a song. And then you have to sing it, too. Truth be told, Dave usually picks two and Nate never does one—Taylor usually shoots down Nate’s song choice.

GN: Speaking of covers, we’ve cleverly found out that you’re Jackson from Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Aren’t you? And what’s new with the Gimmes?
CS: Oh damn, the new Gimmes album is all country songs. We do Hank, Willie, Johnny Cash; and then get into some newer stuff, like Garth, the Dixie Chicks, etc.

I think it might be our best record. I got to play a lot of twang Gretsch, because it’s country! Actually, it’s punk versions of country, but you know what I mean …

GN: Would you agree that the current Foo Fighters lineup seems to be the most, uh, stable one?
CS: S—t, I hope so! It’s the only lineup I’ve ever known. We just did an acoustic show with the extended lineup of Pat Smear, Rami, Petra and Drew, in addition to the usual gang. Acoustic is hard!

GN: How has your role in the Foo Fighters evolved since One By One?
CS: I feel more and more comfortable in the band as the years go by. There was a time when I’d keep my mouth shut, but now they  can’t shut me up, even if they wanted to!

Appendix “A”

Songs covered by the Foo Fighters at one time or another, including but not limited to: “Baker Street” (Gerry Rafferty), “Cactus” (Pixies), “Carry On My Wayward Son” (Kansas), “Danny Says” (Ramones), “Darling Nikki” (Prince), “Down In the Park (Gary Numan), “Drive Me Wild” (Vanity 6), “Freedom Of ’76” (Ween), “Gas Chamber” (Angry Samoans), “Have A Cigar” (Pink Floyd), “Iron and Stone” (the Obsessed), “Life of Illusion” (Joe Walsh), “Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’” (Journey), “Now I’m Here” (Queen), “Ozone” (Ace Frehley), “Purple Rain” (Prince), “Requiem (Killing Joke), “Satan’s In the Manger” (the Frogs), “Sister Europe” (Psychedelic Furs).

Shifflet and friend onstage.
Photo by Wiley Hodgden