Why did Pat Smear leave the band Foo Fighters?

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Over the past thirty years, I’ve had an under-the-radar yet phenomenal journey in grunge and alternative music as a guitarist. While my longtime partner-in-crime, Dave Grohl, might be the household name, I’ve been part of some truly iconic bands.

Initially known for his work as a punk guitarist, he experienced a significant leap forward when he became a touring member of Nirvana in 1993. Sadly, Nirvana disintegrated after the passing of their lead vocalist Kurt Cobain. Following this event, drummer Dave Grohl formed Foo Fighters, and our subject joined the band in 1995. However, he hasn’t been a permanent fixture within the group. Here we delve into the reasons behind his inconsistent involvement.

Smear left Foo Fighters due to tension in 1997

From 1995 to 1997, Smear, a guitarist in Foo Fighters, chose to part ways with the band due to various factors. One primary reason was fatigue, as reported by Far Out Magazine. After the tour for “The Color and the Shape”, Smear felt drained and desired a temporary break from performing.

Another point mentioned by the source was the strained relationship between Smear and Grohl. The stress arose due to their shared history, as Grohl’s divorce from Jennifer Youngblood – a friend of Smear – complicated their daily interactions, making them less enjoyable compared to before. According to Grohl, he asked Smear to stay, but the decision was already finalized.

During the late ’90s and early 2000s, Pat Smear mostly stayed out of the limelight musically. However, he reunited with his punk band, the Germs, and made a significant comeback in 2005 when he rejoined Foo Fighters. Initially, he was just a touring member for the Foo Fighters, but he officially re-joined the group in 2010.

Smear officially rejoined the band in 2010

Smear has been a constant member of Foo Fighters for some time now. When Chris Shiflett, the new guitarist brought in to replace Smear, first heard of his return, he was hesitant and even expressed reservations about it. In an interview with Far Out, he stated that he wasn’t ready to give up his position to someone who had left. “To me,” said Shiflett, “Pat was just another guy gunning for my job. So when I found out, I couldn’t believe it.

It’s fortunate that Smear and Shiflett have managed to get along and find a way to coexist, which has significantly boosted the Foo Fighters as a whole. In an unexpected turn of events, Smear joined Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic on stage in January 2025 for a third reunion, this time performing Nirvana songs with female vocalists. Though he may not have played a significant role in the history of Nirvana, his overall impact is indisputable.

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2025-02-01 23:00