Read this complete transcript to find out what the Foo Fighters had to say, then check out an exclusive video clip of the band performing "Stacked Actors" on Leno, which was not broadcast on NBC and can only be seen here on LAUNCH.com.
launch_host: The band is here... first up is Taylor Hawkins...drummer extraordinaire!
maddildo: Hey Taylor do you dress in drag many times ?? You look so damn sexy on the Learn to Fly Video!!! Want to go on a date with me ???
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: I love to dress in drag. Very much. Thank you for the compliment. Hope I do look sexy. Is this a man or a woman? Either way it's fine.
johnnypark_1999: When are you planning on touring the U.S.?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: We are touring the U.S. later this year around March for about six weeks or so with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
justicejoe_2000: I just want to know what drumsticks ave and Taylor use most of the time? Size and model? nylon or wood tip? Thanks guys!
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: I use 5A Zildjian wood tips. And also I use the Easton grips now.
dpeterson1636: What is the bizzarest reaction or experience you've had with some female fans?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Um...gosh. Well, we have one fan in NY, this little girl, her fanatical ways are just quite unusual. I understand Pat [Smear] used to follow Queen around when he was little to try to get a glimpse of Freddie [Mercury]. I guess that's the most unusual. Our fans aren't too unusual, they just like our music. We're the guy-next-door band.
debbi_hobson: How would you describe each other's influence/imprint on the band's music?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: The majorest influence is obviously Dave. He brings a lot of punk-rock and pop and '70s rock. Just basically an amalgam of that nature.
wonderbunny76: Favourite things in life besides music?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Love. And marijuana. Those two things are all my life consists of right now. Pretty much. Those are my two major issues that I love. Things that I love.
infernokid_19: Is it hard on you guys(traveling, concerts, not enough sleep etc.)
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Yeah, it's hard. You kinda go into autopilot on tour. Just a survival technique, I mean. We shake a lot of hours of sleep, change a lot of climates. We try to stay healthy, which I usually don't do a very good job of. It's one the easiest jobs and one of the hardest jobs in the world. You can't go to your favorite bagel shop every day.
dis_connected53: I'm starting a band, Any pointers?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Don't worry about getting signed, just worry about getting good. Being tight and writing good songs are the things to do, and success will follow. Most bands aren't that tight and they don't write good songs. Rehearse your act, get your act down. The more your act is down the better it comes across to people when they watch you.
Tick000: What's your favorite song on the new album and overall?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: My favorite song on the new album is either "Stacked Actors" or "Aurora," I can't decide. Could be "February Stars," something we don't play very much anymore, unfortunately. My favorite overall, I mean.
a_schwartz_99: Do you guys all have girl friends?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: I do. I can only speak for me though, 'cause that's personal.
babygirl1971_99: Who came up with the concept for the video for "Learn To Fly"?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Dave came up with the germ. And then we all just kind of ran with it from there, threw in our own little bits.
EJB830: who is the youngest foo fighter
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: I think I am. I'm 27.
creasechik: Who would you have opening for you on a tour?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Supergrass. They're amazing, they're one of my favorite bands in the world.
fooweb: Taylor, What drum kit do you recomend for a beginner?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: A cheap one, 'cause chances are, you will not stick with it. Plus, if you get a cheap drum kit to start with, it gives you incentive to get a cooler drum kit and incentive to play more, like it did for me when I was a kid.
pjonze: taylor can you tell my girlfriend theres no chance of her runnin off with you?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Ahh. I would never want to stand in the way of love!
mimer00_12: YOU ARE SUCH AN ENERGETIC DRUMMER!! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PLAY?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: I'd say my 3 all-time favorite drummers are Stewart Copeland, Dave Grohl, and Keith Moon. And Phil Collins.
enough_spaced_lily: Hey Taylor i want to know if u are planning on singing anymore?
launch_foo_fighters_taylor: Could be! You have to talk to the head honcho about that. Maybe one day he'll let me put a song of mine on the album. Thanks, guys! Here comes Chris now...
throwingneedles: Dave, Taylor, Nate, Chris, YOU RULE! Do you plan on playing any b-sides or covers live? (i.e. Have A Cigar, Fraternity, etc.)
launch_foo_fighters_chris: We're gonna play "Have A Cigar" tomorrow night. And I imagine will play it again on tour in the spring. "Iron And Stone" will probably also make it in sometime.
johnnypark_1999: What kind of amps and pedals does Dave and Chris use?
launch_foo_fighters_chris: I've got two going: A Mesa Boogie dual rectifier, and that's for my heavy, distorted tone. And for the clean tone, I've got a Mesa Boogie Heartbreaker. I've got a Boss Digital Delay and a wah-wah pedal. I don't know if I'm gonna use it. And a chorus pedal, I don't know what brand. And one of those Boss digital tuner pedals. Dave's got a bunch of stuff, I don't know what all.
s_ballantyne: what was your favorite album to record and why?
launch_foo_fighters_chris: You should ask Dave that one. My favorite's the next one!
Johnny_Park_2: Where is your fave place to play?
launch_foo_fighters_chris: I would have to go with anywhere in Australia or Scotland. Glasgow.
googoodoll_gurl: Who is the biggest prankster in the group?
launch_foo_fighters_chris: I'd have to say a tie between Dave and Taylor. Pretty much a dead heat. Thanks, everyone. Here's Nate!
john_michael8: to nate.....what's the worst thing about being in the foos?
launch_foo_fighters_nate: The constant being on the road. Being on the road is good. Yet--in moderation. It's better in moderation.
kiss_me_dave_grohl: dont know if you already got this, but what are all of your most embarrassing moments?
launch_foo_fighters_nate: Right now--earlier today. We're doing a benefit for an organization called Alive And Well, AIDS Alternative. And the mission of the group is sort of really complicated, and I did an interview about it. And I just came off as extremely inarticulate and ill-informed.
Australian16m: I saw you making a film clip in Sydney . Did you like it in Aus? When are you comeing back.
launch_foo_fighters_nate: Everybody loves Australia, that's a no-brainer, and we're going back on Saturday. I think we're doing seven dates with Big Day Out, and two shows on our own.
yotoy: First, I would like to THANK YOU ALL for an incredible album. Best I've heard in YEARS!! My Question: In the song Live-In Skin, what do you mean when you say I'm Amounted and where can I get some of your Blue and Yellow Pumas
launch_foo_fighters_nate: Those are Dave's lyrics, so it's not really my question to answer. But thanks for the compliment!
babygirl1971_99: How important is charity work to you?
launch_foo_fighters_nate: I know it's something that we would like to do more of in the future. It's something we've kind of slacked on.
elastichick: HAVE ANY OF GUYS THOUGHT ABOUT DOING UNDERWEAR COMERCIALS?
launch_foo_fighters_nate: Yeah, but the midriff's a little flabby. Not me, I don't wanna name names.
john_michael8: what is the song that you would most like to cover?
launch_foo_fighters_nate: Just off the top of my head--"Train In Vain," by the Clash. But let me just say that I hate covers. They just make you wanna listen to the original.
allfoothecows: how often do you change your sheets?
launch_foo_fighters_nate: Wow, that's an important question, and I'm glad somebody finally brought it up! I'm an advocate of daily sheet-changing. And I think all the youth of America should make that a habit right now. Thanks, everyone. Dave's on his way now ...
ginacluc: This is for Dave...If you wanted to pursue another career other than music, what would it be and why?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I suppose it would probably be a commercial airline pilot. Honestly, I've always been fascinated with how they work, and their schedules. How their lives work, and how they have the lives of hundreds of people in the palms of their hands (ha ha).
johnnypark_1999: What do you like better, Marshall or Mesa Boogie?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I am actually a fan of Vox AC30s. Those are the best-sounding guitar amps in the world. I use Mesa Boogies to tour with 'cause they're sturdy and they sound wonderful on a big stage. But when recording, I really prefer Vox AC30.
firstexittoeden: Dave- where do you see Foo Fighters in 5 years?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: OH, that's a good question. After the first record, I wasn't sure we'd make another. And after the second, I wasn't sure we'd make another. I'm not even sure where we're gonna be this summer.
rayner_g: how did you come up with the lyrics for "learn to fly"
launch_foo_fighters_dave: That was actually the first song that I wrote lyrics for on this record, and the lyrics have to do with my search for inspiration, knowing that I had 15 more songs to write lyrics for.
creasechik: Dave how does it feel to be such a huge inspiration to people, especially me ;) ?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I think it's the most flattering thing anyone could say. And I think it's something that most people, not only musicians, strive to make a differences in the world, or other people's lives. So it's amazing that I can reach people that I've never met, and it makes me so happy. I know that I can die a complete man someday.
Thank you very much!
dAiN_bRaMaGe193: I know Dave is sick of this but could he please please tell us some clear information about the Nirvana Boxed Set please!!
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I'm not exactly sure when it's going to finished or what's on it, but I know that it's in the works. Last time I talked to Krist Novoselic we talked about it, and I guess it will be released sometime in the year 2000.
maddildo: When are you dudes release a B-side album?? There are so many B-sides that I havent heard yet!!! Singles are vey hard to find in Europe you know...
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Yeah, I think that someday we'll release our rarities CD, which will be filled with B-sides and alternate versions of songs. And maybe some things people have never heard. But indeed it would be probably a double-CD.
debbi_hobson: What song are you most proud of and why? Or for that matter, which one do you wish you had not written?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I think that "Aurora" is the song I'm most proud of. 'Cause it represents the relationship we have in the band musically. And it made us very proud to be in this band. And a song I wish I'd never written--"Big Me." Just cause people would throw Mentos at us when we played it.
digby_dawg: have any of you considered acting?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I think that Nate is going to be in an independent film that's coming out sometime next year. But all four of us are more concerned with music than anything.
barbellen7: Are you nervous or excited about tonight on Jay Leno? Will you be interviewed
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I'm not sure if we'll be interviewed, maybe. You never know. We always get nervous.
otter_dtx: Did you have any goals when you went into the studio to record your new album
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I think that we had a pretty concise idea about what we wanted the album to sound like, which was anything we wanted it to sound like. We just wanted to make an album that represented our love of music and songs, whether they were heavy, whether they were not. And writing and arranging was more important than guitar tones or heavy or soft dynamic. We just tried to build songs better than we ever have. And you also have to take into consideration that we've been listening to hardcore punk rock, speed metal, industrial noise music for over 16 years now. So you get to the point where it's a challenge to do something different. And that's what makes being in a band fun.
throwingneedles: Dave, your my drumming idol, do you plan on re-releasing Late "Pocketwatch"
launch_foo_fighters_dave: We were actually just talking about that five minutes ago. So someday, yes, who knows. Maybe it will come out on that rarities CD.
finle311: Dave played drums and now he plays guitar. Are there any other instruments besides drums that you can play?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: My first instrument was the trombone. I was in a showboat band. But I put it down 'cause it didn't look so cool. And you can 't play trombone in a punk-rock band, I don't think.
foofan_zoe: How do you write songs? music first or lyrics?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: We always write the music first.
doll_of_grace: What serves as your muse or inspiration?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Probably my dysfunctional romanticism.
roswell_zen: OK, so, First off, you guys rock. Heres my question: "Next Year" is probably my favorite song ever. Its got some great lyrics - I was kind of wondering, what is the song about??
launch_foo_fighters_dave: The song is just basically about escapism. Getting away from everything, sitting above the world spinning round and watching the riot that goes on beneath you.
blair119: Dave once said "never let anyone tell you you can't go home." Do you feel that the connection to home is important and people lose that easily as they leave home to fulfill their dreams in other places?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Well, I think that if you had a positive experience at home, and a healthy upbringing, then it's very, very easy and satisfying once you go back home. But to me home represents all of the things that made me who I am. So I feel completely comfortable there.
rozwell_2001: Dave, how many tatoos do you have?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Um ... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Eight.
metallicapuppets: Will the Foo Fighters ever release a home video?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Yeah. I hope so. We have enough ridiculously crazy footage to make something pretty cool. But nothing could ever be as good as the Pantera home videos.
kev_tipps: WHAT DIFFERENCES ARE THERE BETWEEN ENGLISH CROWDS AND AMERICIAN, AND DO YOU ENJOY
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Well, the English crowds seem to understand the pogo, jump up and down to the beat dance. Whereas in America people like to beat the sh-t out of each other. So maybe the biggest difference is the first-aid tent at the English shows are not as crowded as the American.
dapjswtgrl: How long do you practice, on average?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Oh, God, we don't practice much. Maybe a week before a tour, and while you're on tour there's really no need to practice. When we have time off, we just like to have time off.
succulentgoddess69: for dave..your song seem very personal...some i would term even love songs... do you write from a deeply personal standpoint?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Definitely.
metallicapuppets: What were your favorite bands as kids growing up?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Growing up my favorite bands were the Beatles and B-52s, and Led Zeppelin, and Bad Brains. And the Melvins.
littlebunnyfoofoo241: do you guys like palying your own shows or festivals more?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: We prefer our own shows. But festivals are almost just as fun.
pjonze: which member of the band would you most aprove of your sister dating?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Nate, definitely.
fooina: Dave, what's the one band you'd like to see open for you (or open for)?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: It would probably have to be Supergrass. We love them. Or the Hellacopters.
mimer00_12: DAVE WILL YOU PLEASE GO TO PROM WITH ME? SERIOUSLY
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I'm sorry I can't go to the prom with you because I'm 31. And I dropped out of high school so I would never have to go to another prom again.
joedonnelly98: well, i am a regular on foofighters.com and we were wondering if ya'll EVER go there? by the way this is reallly little bunny foo foo! also did dave recieve the bithday gift from all of us?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Absolutely, every day. Someone's handing the gift to me right now....
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Oh my God! It's a book of just notes from tons of people, from fans. That is so sweet! And they made me a T-shirt. Oh, with all of their names on the back. That's so great! Thank you all so much, that is so nice!
Tick000: Hey Dave, what's your favorite guitar to play?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: My favorite guitar is probably a Gibson RD.
jasonfoo26: are you ever going to start playing butterflies again?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Maybe someday. Hold on, Jay Leno just walked in the room...
optimus169: Dave, how low do you tune the E string in Stacked actors
launch_foo_fighters_dave: To an A.
grohl4king: Hey Dave, do you still hate Bush?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: No, no, no. We are best friends with Bush now. We settled all of our differences. We've all grown up.
kiss_me_dave_grohl: dave, what are you doing for your bday tomorrow?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Tomorrow we're playing a show at the Palace in Los Angeles, and afterwards I'm having a party with all of my closest friends. I never have birthday parties so I'm very excited.
exhausted00: Do you guys all watch the Evil Dead movies alot.. I notice Everlong video is based on it.
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I've seen them, and I love them. But it was the director's concept. So I think he may be the big fan.
Bentitty: Id Chris a Touring musician or is he fully in the band?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Well, we're all touring musicians right now.
kenny9999_99: Is My Hero about Kurt
launch_foo_fighters_dave: No, "My Hero" is more general than anything that specific. It's as much about him as it is about other people in my life. So yes and no.
sammer9: you guys are wicked and i cant wait till u come to canada, when's it gonna be??
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I'm not sure, hopefully this spring or summer.
Australian16m: if the foo fighters could live, work and have fun anywhere, where would it be?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: For me it would be Virginia. For everyone else it would probably be California. But I think everyone would answer their own hometown.
nemesis_01: Do you guys plan on doing an unplugged show soon?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: No. Kind of considered one once but decided it wouldn't work yet. The songs on the new record could definitely translate into that, but not anytime soon.
roswell_zen: Is there any type of Rivalry between Dave and Taylor? Since you're both drummers and all?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: No, I think it brings us closer together. It's what makes us seem like twins. I'm the right side of the brain, he's the left. I'm the front and he's the back.
xian8182: Who would win in an arm wrestling match out of you all?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Probably Chris. He's a fighter. He's a boxer. He'll take anyone on, no matter how big. He loves to fight.
princessleiha_2000: What's your favorite song to perform live?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: "Stacked Actors."
nadkel_99: do you believe in aliens?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Yes. I've never seen one.
Goodfella_77: Any plans to release any previously unreleased song?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Possibly, eventually. We'll put a bunch of them together and release them.
Italian_Stud_18: What is your favourite Foo Fighters album?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I really think that this new one is my favorite. I know that it is. It's miles above the last one. It might not be as heavy, but it's definitely more interesting.
Bentitty: Do you have a private jet or travel learn to fly style?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Not really. If someone else pays for it, sure.
Italian_Stud_18: Who would u say is the sexiest woman on earth?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: My girlfriend. And I know that she is.
kev_tipps: Whats the best advice for morale on stage?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I would say a nice teaspoon of Crown Royal.
Adidas0313: What did you guys want to be when you were little?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: The Six Million Dollar man.
nadkel_99: whats the most difficult song to perform?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: "Aurora." Because it's the most important.
p_horcajo_2000: Dave my wife wants to know what kind of man you are.
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I'm a sensual human being. I am a man of all men. I am the only man to ever truly please a woman.
sammer9: are u psyched to hook up with the chilis?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Absolutely. I'm honored that they would ask us to do this.
berg14_2000: what do you guys think of the boy band invasion?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: What do you think we think of the boy band invasion? Next!
pjonze: if you had to have a spicegirl like nickname what Foo would you be?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I would be, let's see, I would probably be Baby Foo. Nate would be Ginger Foo.
d_bercier: Dave, have you ever been to the Foo Fighters club here at Yahoo? I am one of the founders
launch_foo_fighters_dave: I don't think that I have, but thanks for the invitation, and I'll see you there.
pmjaws: What record/cd/cassette is the most cherished in your collection, and why?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Oh gosh, probably my first show with Nirvana bootleg.
coo_foo_2000: what does stacked actors mean
launch_foo_fighters_dave: It's just a play on words, really. God.
brendallen21: Dave, you were contemplating being a drummer for Tom Petty at one time?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Yes, I was, actually. It was a hard decision to make.
skatebetty42: How do you get over a creative hump while writing your music? How do find your inspiration again?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Just keep playing and keep writing.
dis_connected53: what's been the proudest momment of your musical career?
launch_foo_fighters_dave: Probably hearing that our song has broken a record in Canada for being the longest consecutive No. 1 in Rock radio. "Learn To Fly." Thank you everybody for logging on. I gotta go do "Learn To Fly" AGAIN on the Leno show. But don't worry, we'll be playing "Stacked Actors" soon.
launch_host: Thanks for coming everyone! There were more than 7,000 questions, sorry we couldn't get to them all.
