Foo Fighters formed in 1994 by Dave Grohl initially as a one man project following the dissolution of his former band, Nirvana.

Dave Grohl almost accepted a position as drummer in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers before deciding to form his own project.

The band's name came from the World War II collective term used to describe UFOs and other unidentified flying objects reported by Allied aircraft pilots.

Grohl initially considered asking Nirvana bandmate Krist Noveslic to join the band but the pair decided against it to prevent upsetting the fans of their previous group. He eventually brought in Nate Mendel, and drummer William Goldsmith.

During sessions for 'The Colour And The Shape', released in 1997, Grohl re-recorded Goldsmith's drum parts. The drummer said he was told about the changes and left the band.

Taylor Hawkins, who replaced Goldsmith on drums, previously performed with Alanis Morissette.

In 2000, Grohl was arrested by Australian police for driving a scooter under the influence of alcohol along the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Foo Fighters enjoy a close relationship with the remaining members of Queen and inducted them into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001.

In 2004, Dave Grohl was so outraged that George W Bush had been using 'Times Like These' at his rallies that he lent his support to rival presidential candidate John Kerry, and went on to perform solo acoustic sets at his rallies.

Pat Smear, who left the band in the 90s, rejoined Grohl and the rest of the Foo Fighters as an extra guitarist for an acoustic tour in 2006.

Foo Fighters have secured a total of six Grammy Awards, including Best video for "Learn to Fly" in 2000.

Grohl released the heavy-metal album 'Probot' in 2004 as part of a side-project away from Foo Fighters. Each track includes a different lead singer, and features the likes of Lemmy, Max Cavalera and King Diamond.

Despite being tied full-time to Foo Fighters, Grohl has always pursued collaborations with other artists. He has drummed on records by Tony Iommi, Tenacious D, Nine Inch Nails and also has the side-project, Them Crooked Vultures. He has performed in over 30 bands since launching his music career.

'Skin and Bones', released in 2006, was Foo Fighters first live album, and included fifteen songs from their three-night residency in Los Angeles.

In August 2009, Grohl was given the key to the city of Warren, Ohio, where he was born, and also has a road – Dave Grohl Alley – named after him in the town.

Foo Fighters latest album 'Wasting Light' was recorded using old analogue equipment in Dave Grohl's garage.

In 2007, Grohl revealed a passion for trashy TV. He told Maxim: “I’m in love with the Bravo channel. I dig a lot of the metrosexual shows: Top Chef, Project Runway. I do a little America’s Next Top Model every now and then, but that’s just the womanizer in me. I like to see those girls strut.”

But that doesn't mean Grohl loves Glee. In 2011, he defended Kings Of Leon for refusing to licence their music to the TV show. “You [bands] shouldn’t have to do f*cking Glee,” he said.