Foo Fighters Unveil 1997 'Baker Street' Cover Amid Kimmel Residency

3 min read
Source: Louder
Foo Fighters Unveil 1997 'Baker Street' Cover Amid Kimmel Residency
Photo: Louder
TL;DR

The Foo Fighters have officially released their 1997 cover of Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street,' a track previously unavailable on streaming platforms due to licensing issues. The release coincides with the band's four-night residency on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' where they performed the song alongside new material from their 2026 album, 'Your Favorite Toy.'

Key points

  • The Foo Fighters released a cover of Gerry Rafferty's 1978 hit 'Baker Street,' originally recorded in April 1997 for BBC Radio 1.
  • The recording was previously missing from major streaming services due to distribution limitations but is now available.
  • The band performed the track during their recent residency on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' which also featured songs from their latest album, 'Your Favorite Toy.'
  • Dave Grohl dedicated the performance to the 1970s era and honored late Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Hillel Slovak at a separate event in Los Angeles.
  • The release follows the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and the release of 'Your Favorite Toy' in 2026.

Background

The Foo Fighters, founded by Dave Grohl after the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994, have released 12 studio albums. Their latest, 'Your Favorite Toy,' followed 2023's 'But Here We Are,' which was the first album since the passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Recent archive coverage highlights Grohl's discussions about recruiting Hawkins and his emotional tributes to friends and family during live performances.

How outlets are covering it

Louder emphasizes the historical significance of the 'Baker Street' cover, noting its 29-year absence from streaming platforms and its inclusion on various limited-edition releases. Billboard focuses on the band's energetic performance during the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' residency, highlighting the contrast between their new material and classic tracks like 'This Is a Call.' Rolling Stone contextualizes the residency within the band's evolution, noting Grohl's initial reluctance to lead a band after Nirvana. Rock Cellar provides a detailed rundown of the nightly performances, including interviews and new song premieres, while noting the band's current tour schedule.

Why it matters

The release of 'Baker Street' fills a gap in the Foo Fighters' digital catalog, making a long-unavailable track accessible to fans. It also highlights the band's continued relevance and their ability to blend new and old material, as evidenced by their 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' residency and upcoming global tour.

What to watch

The Foo Fighters are set to begin a stadium tour in Australia in November 2026, followed by dates in New Zealand, India, and South America in early 2027. Fans can expect more performances of both new and classic tracks as the band continues to promote 'Your Favorite Toy.'

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