Concrete and Gold Album Launch

Lore & Background

The creation of this record involved a unique partnership with producer Greg Kurstin, known for pop sensibilities. This collaboration brought new textures to the instrumentation, blending synthesizers with heavy guitar riffs in ways previously unexplored by the group. Thematically, the work delves into the contrast between the hard surfaces of urban life and the precious moments found within them. The title serves as a metaphor for finding value amidst the mundane struggles of existence, resonating deeply with the audience during that period. Recording sessions took place across multiple locations, allowing the members to capture spontaneous ideas in comfortable environments. This approach ensured that despite the high-gloss production, the emotional rawness remained intact throughout the tracks.

In Their Own Story

The studio lights hummed low as the final mix played through the speakers one last time. Outside the window, the city skyline glowed with neon reflections against the concrete walls of Los Angeles. Inside, the band stood in silence, listening to the echoes of their latest effort before the world would hear it. Dave nodded slowly at the engineer, a look of quiet satisfaction crossing his face. The gold leaf on the mixing console caught the light, mirroring the album's theme perfectly. They had built something that felt both heavy and precious, ready to be shared with everyone who needed to hear it.

Reader's Guide

The promotional campaign initiated with the single Run, introducing a polished production style that surprised long-time listeners seeking raw garage rock energy. Music videos followed quickly, showcasing the band in high-energy performance settings and narrative-driven clips that emphasized resilience. Dave Grohl discussed the creative process during interviews, highlighting the collaboration with Greg Kurstin as a key factor in refining their sound without losing rock authenticity. The album cover was revealed shortly after, depicting the group against an urban skyline backdrop at dusk to match the title's theme. Upon release, critics noted the thematic depth regarding fame and personal struggle within modern society. The event culminated in a worldwide tour announcement, cementing this era as one of sustained relevance for the group within the contemporary rock landscape. Fans gathered at listening parties to experience the new tracks live before hitting streaming platforms globally, marking a successful transition into their ninth studio chapter.

Did You Know?

• The album cover photograph was taken by Vincent Valdez.
• Greg Kurstin co-wrote and produced several tracks, bringing a pop-influenced edge to the rock sound.
• The band's last Grammy win before 2021 was for 'Walk' in 2012; the single 'Run' from Concrete and Gold was nominated for Best Rock Song in 2018 but did not win.