Instead of resting on their laurels or revisiting past triumphs, The Foo Fighters chose to celebrate their tenth anniversary as a band by releasing their most ambitious album yet. In Your Honor is a sprawling, half-acoustic, half-electric double CD that showcases the band’s tight songwriting and impressive range, from the sultry collaboration with Norah Jones, “Virginia Moon,” to the hard-driving first single, “The Best of You.” Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett recently braved mtvU’s Hot Seat to talk about his musical influences, surfing advice, Dio and more.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: I can’t go into detail but it involves three clowns, a tube of Astro Glide, and a Motel 6. I think you can connect the dots.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: I dropped out of high school so I don’t think they would let me into most colleges. If they did, I’d probably take history.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: I think everywhere is fun to visit but if I have to pick just one city then I’d go with NYC. Let’s face it–NYC is the greatest American city hands down!
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: “Keep your knees bent when you’re surfing.” Greg Venable - April 2005
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: When I jog I listen to Bad Religion, All Ages. I mostly listen to music when I jog or am driving.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: I’m reading a really good book right now called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins. That is some freaky scary s—, brother!
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: I saw Dio on the “Holy Diver” tour at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA. Are you kidding?!?!? It was f—ing awesome! Black and Blue opened up the show…
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: My iPod, my laptop, and my backpack.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: I listen to all kinds of s—, but I grew up on Kiss, Sabbath, Scorpions, etc. Then I found glam rock (Hanoi Rocks, Faster Pussycat, NY Dolls, etc.). Later on I got into The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, The Damned, etc. Then even later I got into Bad Religion, NOFX, Lagwagon, etc…
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Say nope to dope and ugh to drugs!
