Best National Pop/Rock Act

Foo Fighters

David Grohl has piloted the Foo Fighters with blazing success. The group barely missed a step when former Nirvana cohort and guitarist Pat Smear left in the middle of an appearance at last year's MTV Music Awards and have been rejuvenated by a new line-up that includes Grohl on guitar, Nate Mendel on bass, Tyler Hawkins (formerly with Alanis Morissette) on drums, and Franz Stahl on guitar. The reunion of Stahl and Grohl harks back to pre-grunge days when they played together in Washington, DC, hardcore band Scream. With the instillation of this pure hardcore rock guitarist, Grohl hammers the final nail in Kurt Cobain's coffin, an act which has caused him to question whether his decision to turn the group into a pure rock band is an act of selling out.

Ironically, it was a recipe for success as Grohl has moved passed his image as Nirvana's long-hair drummer to find his own personal distinction as a performer and a songwriter. The lyrics on the group's second CD, The Color and the Shape, are the thematic ramblings of his subconscious, beginning with "Doll," a song about uncertainty, and onto a roller coaster of guilt, love, loss (with illusions to Cobain), and the break-up of his marriage. Each sentiment is underscored by balance of rage and harmony with intense guitars and savage drums.

After rocketing the band to stardom in 1995, capturing the MTV's Best New Artist and Best Group Video awards, and exploring his talents as lyricist and video director, Grohl continues to fly the Foo Fighters high during their current rigorous world tour. His talent has proved that he and his band can skillfully adjust to any wrench thrown in their works.

-- Jill Giordano