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"Learn to Fly"
Single by Foo Fighters
from the album There Is Nothing Left to Lose
B-side
ReleasedOctober 18, 1999
Studio
  • Studio 606 (Virginia)
  • Conway (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length3:56
Label
Songwriters
Producers
Foo Fighters singles chronology
"Walking After You"
(1998) 		"Learn to Fly"
(1999) 		"Stacked Actors"
(2000)
Music video
"Learn to Fly" on YouTube

"Learn to Fly" is a song by American rock band Foo Fighters, released by Roswell and RCA Records on October 18, 1999. It was the lead single from their third studio album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose (1999). It was the band's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #19; and it remained their highest-charting song on the chart until "Best of You" peaked at number 18 in 2005. Outside of the U.S., it peaked within the top 40 in Australia, Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and the United Kingdom. The song's music video won Best Short Form Video award at the 43rd Grammy Awards in 2001.

Release and reception

[edit]

"Learn to Fly" was originally released as a promo-only single.[3] It was officially released as a two-disc CD set in the UK and Australia, as well as in Europe, and promotional singles were also released in other countries such as the US for radio play.

In the US, it was the band's first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, charting at number 19,[4] and was the band's first number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.[5]

It is also their highest-charting on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, along with the 1996 hit "Big Me", reaching number 13.[6]

The song set the record for most weeks (13) at number one on the Canadian rock radio charts.[7]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for the song was directed by Jesse Peretz and won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2001.[8]

It takes place on a commercial airliner, parodying the movie Airplane!, and by extension, the films Airport 1975 and its sequel Airport '77, interspersed with a mock concert footage of the band shown as an in-flight movie. The background elevator music is The Moog Cookbook's version of "Everlong".[9]

Two airline cabin cleaners (played by Jack Black and Kyle Gass from Tenacious D) smuggle and hide their narcotics, labeled "World Domination brand 'Erotic' Sleeping Powder",[10] in the coffee-maker. The flight attendants do not notice the narcotics when they use the coffee-maker, and everyone who drinks the resulting coffee becomes incapacitated. The take-off sequence, in addition to the crew members hiding ulterior criminal motives, are a near shot-by-shot homage to the film Airport '77.

The band, having avoided the coffee (choosing liquor instead), mirroring Karen Black's role in Airport 1975, find themselves forced to land the plane. For the video, each band member (Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, and Taylor Hawkins) portrays himself as well as several other roles, including Hawkins as an attractive flight attendant and Grohl as an FBI agent who arrests the two cabin cleaners when they attempt to smuggle more of their narcotics.[11]

2015 tribute video

[edit]

On July 30, 2015, a video was published on YouTube of 1,000 Italian musicians in Cesena, all playing and singing the song in unison, followed by a plea for the Foo Fighters to come play a concert in Cesena.[12][13][14] By August 16, it had gained more than 33 million views.[15]

On July 31, Dave Grohl responded, in Italian, thanking the makers for "the beautiful video" and adding "Thank you so much. We're coming, I swear. We'll see each other soon."[16][17] On November 3, 2015, in response, Foo Fighters performed a twenty-seven-song concert in Cesena for approximately 3,000 people, starting their set with "Learn to Fly".[18]

The group assembled for the stunt have performed subsequently under the name Rockin' 1000, and have been described as the "biggest band in the world."[19]

In August 2015, nearly 16 years after its initial release, the single entered the Austrian Singles Chart at number 69 and the Swiss Singles Chart at number 41.[20]

Other versions

[edit]

A live version recorded in Sydney, Australia, on January 24, 2000, was released on the Australian "Generator" single and CD 1 of "Breakout".

Critical reception

[edit]

Greg Kot of Rolling Stone referred to the song as a "guilt-free power ballad". He noted that "on 'Learn to Fly', the big guitars and arching melody crush all quibbles. Some grunge romantics may even hear it as a touching little hymn to [Nirvana]".[21]

In 2020, Kerrang ranked the song number 11 on their list of the 20 greatest Foo Fighters songs,[22] and in 2021, American Songwriter ranked the song number three on their list of the 10 greatest Foo Fighters songs.[23]

Track listings and formats

[edit]
  1. "Learn to Fly"  – 3:58
  2. "Iron and Stone" (The Obsessed cover)  – 2:52
  3. "Have a Cigar" (Pink Floyd cover)  – 3:58
  1. "Learn to Fly"  – 3:58
  2. "Have a Cigar" (Pink Floyd cover)  – 3:58
  1. "Learn to Fly"  – 3:58
  2. "Make a Bet"  – 3:28
  3. "Have a Cigar" (Pink Floyd cover)  – 3:58

Personnel

[edit]

Personnel are adapted from the "Learn to Fly" CD single liner notes.[25]

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (1999–2000) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[31] 36
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[32] 13
Canada Rock/Alternative (RPM)[33] 1
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[34] 32
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[35] 72
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[36] 23
Quebec Airplay (ADISQ)[37] 3
Scotland Singles (OCC)[38] 15
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[39] 52
UK Singles (OCC)[40] 21
US Billboard Hot 100[41] 19
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[42] 1
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[43] 2
US Adult Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[44] 4
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[45] 15
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[46] 22
Chart (2015) Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[47] 69
France (SNEP)[48] 172
Germany (GfK)[49] 97
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[50] 41
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[51] 2
US Rock Digital Songs (Billboard)[52] 14
Chart (2019) Peak
position
Hungary (Single Top 40)[53] 19

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (2000) Position
Brazil (Crowley)[54] 98

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[55] 4× Platinum 280,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[56] Platinum 60,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[57] Gold 20,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[58] Gold 45,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[59] Gold 25,000‡
Mexico (AMPROFON)[60] Platinum 60,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[61] 2× Platinum 60,000‡
Spain (Promusicae)[62] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[63] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[64] Platinum 1,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Formats(s) Label(s) Ref(s).
United States September 21, 1999
[65]
United Kingdom October 18, 1999
[66]
United States November 2, 1999 Contemporary hit radio
  • Roswell
  • RCA
 [67]
[edit]

"Learn to Fly" appears in the political drama television series The West Wing episode Mr. Willis of Ohio, in the 1999 sports documentary Fift, in the 2002 animated comedy-drama television film Is It College Yet?, in the 2002 romantic comedy-drama Life or Something Like It and the 2016 animated film Rock Dog. The song is also featured as a playable track in the 2007 music video game Rock Band. It was most recently featured as the final song played at the 2025 season of Monster Jam, being featured at the sporting event’s 24th World Finals event in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Other versions

[edit]

Canadian country rock singer Cory Marks covered "Learn to Fly" on his 2024 album Sorry for Nothing.[68]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Learn to Fly

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Learn to Fly" is a song by the American rock band Foo Fighters, written by Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, and Taylor Hawkins, and released on October 18, 1999, as the lead single from their third studio album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose.[1][2] The track marked the band's first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 19 in January 2000, and it also reached number one on the Alternative Airplay chart in November 1999.[3] In the United Kingdom, it debuted and peaked at number 21 on the Official Singles Chart.[4] The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States for sales and streaming exceeding one million units.[5] The music video for "Learn to Fly," directed by Jesse Peretz, features the band members in various roles aboard an airplane, including flight attendants and passengers, in a comedic hijacking scenario.[6] It won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, marking the Foo Fighters' first Grammy win.[7] The video's humorous tone and high production values contributed to the song's widespread popularity and MTV airplay.[8] "Learn to Fly" received positive critical reception for its energetic alternative rock sound and anthemic chorus, often praised as a standout track on There Is Nothing Left to Lose, which itself debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200.[9] The song's themes revolve around seeking inspiration and escapism, as explained by Grohl, who described it as reflecting a desire for a "new revolution" in life.[10] Its enduring legacy includes a 2015 viral cover by the Italian group Rockin'1000, which performed the song with 1,000 musicians to invite the Foo Fighters to Cesena, Italy, leading to a live concert there.[11]

Background and recording

Writing and inspiration

Following the exhaustive touring schedule for the Foo Fighters' 1997 album The Colour and the Shape, which spanned over a year and included hundreds of shows worldwide, Dave Grohl sought escapism from the relentless demands of rock stardom.[12] The grueling pace left the band members, including Grohl, yearning for personal outlets beyond the road.[13] In 1998, Grohl pursued this by enrolling in flying lessons, an experience that directly inspired "Learn to Fly." He described the process as both exhilarating and terrifying, with the song emerging from his literal ambition to pilot an aircraft while grappling with the vulnerability of being aloft.[14] This personal pursuit evolved into an aviation metaphor symbolizing freedom and ambition, allowing Grohl to channel the contrast between his grounded, high-pressure touring life and the dream of soaring above it.[15] However, Grohl emphasized the Foo Fighters' version as an original reflection on his immediate circumstances, prioritizing the thrill of aviation over broader existential themes.[16] Grohl began sketching initial demos for the track amid early songwriting sessions for the band's third album in late 1998, laying the groundwork before full recording the following year.[17] This creative spark aligned with the album There Is Nothing Left to Lose's overarching motifs of renewal and reinvention after burnout.[12]

Production and personnel

The recording sessions for "Learn to Fly" occurred primarily from March to June 1999 at Studio 606, a makeshift 24-track analog studio built in the basement of Dave Grohl's home in Alexandria, Virginia, with additional overdubs and mixing taking place in July 1999 at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.[18][19] This home-based approach allowed the band to experiment freely, emphasizing a raw, collaborative process to replicate their live performance energy without the constraints of a commercial facility.[20] The track was co-produced by the Foo Fighters and Adam Kasper, who also handled engineering duties, focusing on analog tape recording to achieve a warm, organic sound.[21] Mixing for "Learn to Fly" was completed by Andy Wallace at Larrabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles.[22] Core personnel on the song consisted of Dave Grohl performing lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and drums; Nate Mendel on bass guitar. Taylor Hawkins, the band's drummer, contributed to other tracks on the album but not to the drum recording on "Learn to Fly," where Grohl handled the instrumentation as part of his multi-instrumental demos. Chris Shiflett, who joined the band as lead guitarist shortly after the main sessions concluded, contributed to the album's guitar elements during post-production overdubs.[21] The production incorporated extensive guitar layering and vocal multi-tracking to build dynamic crescendos, enhancing the track's uplifting, arena-ready structure.[23]

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure

"Learn to Fly" follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, beginning with an intro that transitions into verses, building to expansive choruses, a bridge, and an outro, all within a runtime of 3:55. The song is performed in the key of B Mixolydian (or commonly notated as B major) at a tempo of 136 beats per minute (BPM), giving it an energetic, driving pace suitable for rock radio play.[24][25][26][27] The arrangement opens with a distinctive acoustic guitar riff played by Dave Grohl, featuring arpeggiated chords that establish a melodic foundation before the full band enters. This evolves in the verses and choruses into electric guitar power chords, with Chris Shiflett adding layered rhythm and lead elements for texture. Taylor Hawkins provides dynamic drum fills and a steady 4/4 beat, while Nate Mendel's bass lines offer rhythmic propulsion and harmonic support throughout.[28][29][30] Classified as alternative rock, the track incorporates pop-punk influences through its catchy, upbeat hooks and accessible songwriting, highlighted by soaring choruses and a brief bridge breakdown that introduces tension before resolving back to the main motif. The aviation-themed lyrics align with the uplifting melody, enhancing the song's sense of aspiration.[31][32] The harmonic progression in the chorus revolves around the I–vi–bVII pattern in B (B–F♯m–E), creating an anthemic lift that repeats to emphasize the hook's emotional peak. This simple yet effective sequence, combined with variations in the verse using suspended and added chords, contributes to the song's memorable and radio-friendly quality.[25][33]

Themes and interpretation

"Learn to Fly" explores themes of yearning for adventure and personal transformation, with Dave Grohl using the metaphor of flight to represent breaking free from routine and overcoming self-doubt. In the song's core lyrics, the narrator expresses a desire to "learn to fly," symbolizing a quest to escape stagnation and embrace new possibilities, as Grohl described the track as being about "the search for some sort of inspiration, the search for signs of life that will make you feel alive."[10] This metaphorical elevation reflects a broader aspiration to rise above limitations, drawing on imagery of soaring to convey emotional liberation rather than literal aviation. However, in a 2021 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Grohl revealed that the song was more literally inspired by his desire to learn to pilot an airplane, stating he wrote it because "I wanted to be a pilot," though he acknowledged listeners often interpret it more deeply.[16][34] Specific lines, such as "Run and tell all of the angels / This could take all night," underscore persistence in the pursuit of dreams, evoking a sense of determination and spiritual urgency in the face of obstacles. Grohl has elaborated that the song captures "looking for inspiration, just trying to find... life," emphasizing not just survival but a vibrant reawakening.[35] These elements highlight the theme of endurance, where the journey toward self-realization demands time and resolve, free from superficial interpretations like actual flying instruction.[10] The band's stated intent positions "Learn to Fly" as an anthem of emotional upliftment, composed during a transitional period for Grohl following the dissolution of Nirvana and personal challenges, including a failed marriage and relocation from Los Angeles to Virginia for renewal. This context frames the song as a response to post-Nirvana pressures, where Grohl sought to redefine his identity beyond past traumas, channeling the album's creation in a relaxed basement setting into themes of hope and reinvention.[35] Rather than dwelling on loss, the lyrics promote a forward-looking resilience, aligning with Grohl's aim for melodic accessibility to inspire listeners amid his own search for stability.[34] Fans and critics often interpret the song as embodying resilience and aspiration within rock music traditions, viewing its optimistic narrative as a universal call to overcome doubt and pursue fulfillment. Many connect the flight motif to broader rock archetypes of rebellion and self-empowerment, interpreting lines like "Into the night, I'm reaching for something more" as symbols of defiant growth in the face of adversity.[10] This reception reinforces the track's role in rock's aspirational ethos, where personal struggles fuel creative and emotional ascent. The musical uplift in the chorus mirrors this lyrical optimism, amplifying the sense of breakthrough.[35]

Release and promotion

Single formats

"Learn to Fly" was released as the lead single from Foo Fighters' third studio album There Is Nothing Left to Lose on October 18, 1999, through Roswell Records and RCA Records.[36] The single was issued in several physical formats, including CD and vinyl. The standard CD single featured the album version of "Learn to Fly" alongside B-side track "Keep It Clean" and a radio edit of the title track. Limited edition CD releases incorporated additional live recordings, such as a version of "Weenie Beenie." European maxi-singles varied in content, with one edition listing:
  • "Learn to Fly" (4:01)
  • "Iron and Stone" (2:55)
  • "Have a Cigar" (3:58)
Another European CD variation included:
  • "Learn to Fly" (4:01)
  • "Make a Bet" (3:23)
  • "Have a Cigar" (3:58)
Promotional CD and CDr formats were distributed in regions including the US, Europe, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea, often containing the album version or alternate mixes.[1] Vinyl releases included a 7-inch single pressed in Europe, featuring "Learn to Fly" backed with "Have a Cigar," and a UK cassette single with the same tracks. A 7-inch promo vinyl was also produced.[1][37] Digital re-releases of "Learn to Fly" appeared in 2009 as part of the band's Greatest Hits compilation, which included the original album version.

Marketing and chart debut

The release of "Learn to Fly" as the lead single from Foo Fighters' third album, There Is Nothing Left to Lose, was supported by a coordinated promotional campaign that tied the song closely to the album's rollout. The music video, directed by Jesse Peretz and parodying the 1980 film Airplane!, premiered on MTV in late October 1999, capitalizing on the network's heavy rotation of alternative rock content to generate immediate buzz and increase radio airplay across U.S. stations.[6] This visual promotion helped position the track as an accessible entry point into the album's more melodic sound, encouraging cross-promotion through album samplers and in-store displays at major retailers like Tower Records and HMV. To build momentum, Foo Fighters integrated live performances of "Learn to Fly" into their There Is Nothing Left to Lose Tour, which launched in late 1999 and extended into 2000, featuring high-profile festival appearances such as main stage performances at Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2000. These shows, drawing crowds of over 50,000 per event, showcased the song's anthemic energy in front of diverse audiences, amplifying word-of-mouth promotion and media coverage in rock outlets. The tour's emphasis on the new material, including multiple encores of the single, reinforced its status as the band's flagship track during the promotional cycle.[38][39] A targeted radio campaign focused on alternative rock formats played a key role in the song's early commercial breakthrough, with RCA Records distributing promo CDs to stations like KROQ in Los Angeles and WNEW in New York, leading to rapid adoption. This effort culminated in "Learn to Fly" debuting on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and reaching No. 1 for ten consecutive weeks starting November 6, 1999, marking Foo Fighters' first chart-topper in the format and signaling strong initial reception among core listeners.[3] Internationally, the promotion extended to the UK and Europe through television exposure and regional radio pushes, complemented by festival tie-ins, establishing the song's global appeal early in its lifecycle. The single debuted at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in October 1999.[4]

Music videos and tributes

Original music video

The official music video for "Learn to Fly," directed by Jesse Peretz, premiered in October 1999 and features the Foo Fighters band members portraying multiple comedic roles aboard a chaotic commercial airliner.[6] The concept parodies classic disaster films such as Airplane! and the Airport series, with the band members dressed as pilots, flight attendants, passengers, and other characters to satirize air travel mishaps, directly tying into the song's aviation-themed lyrics about aspiring to take flight.[40] Filming took place prior to the video's release, utilizing elaborate costumes including wigs to allow the band to appear in various guises throughout the narrative. The storyline begins with airline mechanics—played by Jack Black and Kyle Gass—tampering with the plane's coffee machine by adding a sleeping powder intended for "world domination," leading to escalating absurdity among the passengers and crew.[41] Key scenes highlight the band's humorous performances: Dave Grohl appears as the bumbling pilot struggling with controls, Taylor Hawkins as a disruptive female passenger and part of an obese couple causing turbulence-like chaos, Nate Mendel as the co-pilot and a large-headed baby, and Pat Smear and Chris Shiflett in economy class antics amid the pandemonium. The video builds to a climactic "crash" landing sequence, where the band members cleverly avoid the tainted coffee, resolving the farce without disaster.[40] The video received nominations at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, including for Best Editing due to its rapid cuts and seamless role switches. It also earned the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2001.[42]

2015 Rockin'1000 tribute

In 2015, the Italian collective Rockin'1000 organized a massive cover performance of "Learn to Fly" in Cesena, Italy, to persuade the Foo Fighters to play a concert in their hometown. On July 26, over 1,000 amateur musicians gathered in a field at Parco Ippodromo, delivering a synchronized rendition featuring guitars, drums, vocals, and crowd participation, accompanied by coordinated lighting effects.[43][44][45] The event's official video, uploaded to YouTube on July 30, 2015, and directed by a production team including video director Anita Rivaroli, quickly went viral, accumulating over 66 million views to date.[11][46] This widespread attention prompted Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl to respond positively on social media, announcing that the band would kick off their European tour with a show in Cesena on November 3, 2015.[47][48] During the subsequent concert at Cesena's Hippodrome Park, the Foo Fighters opened with "Learn to Fly" and invited several Rockin'1000 participants onstage to join them, fulfilling the fans' invitation in a moment of direct collaboration.[43][49] The tribute not only secured the performance but also amplified the Foo Fighters' global fan engagement, highlighting the song's lasting appeal among international audiences.[50]

Post-2020 tributes

In 2022, following the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, the Italian collective Rockin'1000 organized a global tribute featuring hundreds of drummers from various countries performing the drum section of "Learn to Fly" in Turin, Italy, to honor Hawkins' influential role in the song's original recording.[51][52] At the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert held at Wembley Stadium in September 2022, 12-year-old drummer Nandi Bushell joined the Foo Fighters onstage to perform "Learn to Fly," recreating Hawkins' dynamic drum parts with precision and energy.[53] In October 2024, Bushell, then 14, revisited the song in a solo rendition for Drumeo, using drumsticks gifted to her by Hawkins, emphasizing her emotional connection to the track and the late drummer's legacy.[54][55] On April 3, 2025, Kelly Clarkson delivered an acoustic "Kellyoke" cover of "Learn to Fly" during an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, transforming the rock anthem into a soaring, emotive ballad that highlighted her vocal range and infused the lyrics with themes of personal resilience.[56][57] In May 2025, teen drummer Lauren Young shared a viral TikTok video of her high-energy drum solo cover of "Learn to Fly," capturing the song's driving rhythm and gaining widespread attention for her technical skill and enthusiastic delivery. In October 2025, Rockin'1000 performed "Learn to Fly" as the encore during their annual event in Cesena, Italy, with over 1,000 musicians, further cementing the song's place in their tradition of large-scale rock performances.[58]

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as the lead single from Foo Fighters' third album There Is Nothing Left to Lose on October 18, 1999, "Learn to Fly" received largely positive reviews from critics, who highlighted its blend of pop accessibility and rock vigor.[1] Rolling Stone commended the track for its "big guitars and arching melody," which overcame any reservations about the album's direction, describing it as a powerful showcase of the band's dynamic range.[59] The publication awarded the album 3.5 out of 5 stars overall, positioning "Learn to Fly" as a key highlight that evoked the joys of touring with its uplifting drive.[59] AllMusic echoed this enthusiasm in its album review, rating There Is Nothing Left to Lose 4 out of 5 stars and singling out "Learn to Fly" as the standout opener with punchy pop hooks and a direct rock attack that recalled the band's debut while advancing their sound.[60] The review emphasized how the song's immediate energy and melodic immediacy made it a natural fit for radio play, contributing to the record's cohesive, band-oriented feel.[60] Some responses were more mixed, acknowledging the song's commercial appeal while critiquing its place within the album's formulaic structure. In a contemporary Harvard Crimson review, the single was praised for "sneak[ing] sparse, soaring pop into the typical rock scuffle to a stunning effect," though the writer noted it overshadowed the rest of the LP, which felt repetitive by comparison.[61] The accompanying music video, featuring Dave Grohl in multiple roles aboard a chaotic flight, further amplified the song's visibility on MTV and helped cement its pop-rock crossover success.[62]

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, "Learn to Fly" has been recognized as an enduring highlight of the Foo Fighters' catalog, notably included as the sixth track on the band's 2009 compilation album Greatest Hits, which curated their most popular songs up to that point and affirmed its status as a fan favorite across decades.[63] Dave Grohl reflected on the song's deeper significance during a 2021 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, revealing that its lyrics stemmed from his literal aspiration to learn how to pilot an airplane amid personal frustrations, yet evolved into a broader anthem about resilience and human connection that has sustained the band's career. He emphasized how listeners often project their own interpretations onto the track—such as overcoming depression or seeking escape—highlighting its role in fostering communal healing and symbolizing the Foo Fighters' lasting impact.[14] A 2023 retrospective in The Guardian praised "Learn to Fly" during the band's surprise Glastonbury Festival performance, describing it as an "open-hearted and guileless" alt-rock staple with a "trotting, girlish melody" that embodied optimism and renewal, particularly resonant after the 2022 death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. The review framed the song's inclusion in the set as evidence of the Foo Fighters "learning to fly again," channeling grief into breezy, anthemic energy that underscored their resilience as a group.[64]

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Learn to Fly" achieved significant chart success upon its release, marking the Foo Fighters' first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at number 19 in January 2000.[65] On the Alternative Airplay chart, the song reached number 1 for one week in November 1999, becoming the band's first leader on that tally.[3] It also climbed to number 25 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart, reflecting its crossover appeal to pop radio audiences. In the United Kingdom, "Learn to Fly" debuted and peaked at number 21 on the Singles Chart in November 1999, spending a total of seven weeks in the top 75.[4] The track experienced notable re-entries following viral tributes, including a surge to number 59 in 2015 after the Rockin'1000 performance in Italy, and another climb to number 16 on the Singles Sales Chart in 2022 amid renewed interest following Taylor Hawkins' death.[4] It ranked at number 45 on the UK year-end Singles Chart for 2000. Internationally, the single peaked at number 36 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia, where it charted for nine weeks.[66] In Canada, it reached number 13 on the RPM Top Singles chart.[67] The song also topped multiple European rock charts and entered the top 40 in several countries, including number 25 in Germany and number 19 in the Netherlands.
Chart (2000)Peak Position
Australia (ARIA)36
Canada Top Singles (RPM)13
Germany (Official German Charts)25
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)19
UK Singles (OCC)21
US Billboard Hot 10019
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)1
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)25
In the streaming era, "Learn to Fly" saw a resurgence following the 2022 Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts, with U.S. on-demand streams increasing by 267% to 505,000 on March 26, 2022.[68] By November 2025, the track had accumulated approximately 714 million streams on Spotify alone, contributing to its total exceeding 1 billion streams across platforms.

Certifications and sales

"Learn to Fly" earned its first certification in the United States when the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded it Gold status in 2000 for 500,000 units shipped, later upgrading it to Platinum in 2017 for 1 million units. In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the single Platinum in 2005, denoting 600,000 units sold or streamed. The track also received Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which was upgraded to triple Platinum by 2023 for 210,000 units. In Canada, Music Canada bestowed Platinum status in 2018 for 80,000 units. By 2005, global physical sales of the single surpassed 2 million copies, establishing its early commercial dominance. Digital sales followed suit, exceeding 500,000 units by 2010 amid the rise of online music platforms.[69] In the streaming era, "Learn to Fly" has accumulated approximately 714 million plays on Spotify as of November 2025, translating to significant equivalent album units and underscoring its lasting appeal.[70]

Covers and other versions

Official remixes and live versions

The Foo Fighters released a radio edit of "Learn to Fly" in 1999 for radio airplay. A live version recorded during their January 2000 concert at The Metro in Sydney, Australia, was included as a B-side on the "Breakout" single.[71] An acoustic rendition of the song appears on the band's 2006 live album Skin and Bones, captured during performances at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. "Learn to Fly" has been a live staple for the Foo Fighters since 1999, performed at every major tour with frequent extended jams. The song received a notable rendition at the 2017 CalJam festival, highlighting its enduring appeal in the band's setlists. In 2019, a live recording from the band's October 2002 show at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles was released on the Foo Files EP (also known as 00020225).[72]

Notable covers and homages

British boy band A1 included a pop rendition of "Learn to Fly" on their third studio album, Make It Good, released in 2002.[73] This version, produced under Sony Music, reimagined the original rock track with upbeat harmonies and synthesized elements characteristic of early 2000s boy band music.[74] The Vitamin String Quartet offered an orchestral interpretation of the song on their 2003 tribute album The String Quartet Tribute to Foo Fighters.[75] Featuring strings arranged by Michael J. McEvoy, the cover transforms the high-energy rock anthem into a classical crossover piece, emphasizing melodic lines and rhythmic subtlety through violin, viola, cello, and bass. In 2024, young drummer Nandi Bushell paid homage to the track with a non-vocal drum performance, using drumsticks gifted to her by the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.[54] Filmed for Drumeo, the cover highlights Bushell's technical prowess on the kit, replicating the song's dynamic grooves and fills as a tribute to Hawkins' legacy.[76]

Cultural impact and legacy

Use in media

The song "Learn to Fly" has been featured in several films, television episodes, commercials, and video games, often highlighting its energetic and uplifting tone to underscore themes of adventure and aspiration. In film, it appears in the 1999 ski documentary "Fifty" by Warren Miller, serving as background music for the Alta/Snowbird segment that showcases high-energy skiing sequences. The track is also included in the 2016 animated feature "Rock Dog", where it plays during a key scene in which the protagonist Bodi boards a train to pursue his dreams in the city.[77] On television, "Learn to Fly" is used in the medical comedy "Scrubs" during the Season 4 episode "My Unicorn" (aired November 23, 2004), accompanying a montage of hospital antics directed by guest star Matthew Perry. The song has appeared in advertisements, notably in Ram Trucks' 2021 TV spots, including the "Great Deals" campaign during Truck Month promotions, where its driving rhythm complements footage of rugged vehicle performance.[78] Another Ram ad, "Never Been Done Before," from the same year, similarly employs the track to emphasize bold innovation in truck design.[79] In video games, "Learn to Fly" is available as a playable track in the rhythm game "Rock Band" (released 2007 for multiple platforms), allowing players to perform the song on virtual instruments as part of the core setlist.[80] It is also featured in "Guitar Hero World Tour" (2008), where it serves as a downloadable or included song for guitar, drum, vocal, and band modes.[81]

Influence and events

The release of "Learn to Fly" as the lead single from There Is Nothing Left to Lose marked a pivotal milestone for Foo Fighters, helping to drive the album to platinum certification by the RIAA in the United States for sales exceeding one million units. The song's success also contributed to the album's broader commercial breakthrough, with There Is Nothing Left to Lose earning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, while the music video for "Learn to Fly" won Best Short Form Music Video in the same ceremony. These accolades represented the band's first Grammy wins and solidified their transition from underground rock act to mainstream powerhouse. In 2015, "Learn to Fly" became the catalyst for one of the most notable fan-driven cultural events in rock history when over 1,000 musicians in Cesena, Italy—known as Rockin'1000—performed the song in unison in a viral video pleading for Foo Fighters to play their city, which had been overlooked on the band's tour schedule. Impressed by the gesture, Dave Grohl and the band organized an impromptu concert in Cesena that November, drawing approximately 3,000 attendees, including many of the participating musicians, and turning the event into a celebration of global fan devotion. The song's enduring appeal was further highlighted in 2022 following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, with worldwide memorial performances featuring "Learn to Fly," such as at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in London where young drummer Nandi Bushell joined Foo Fighters onstage for the track, symbolizing communal grief and resilience within the rock community. "Learn to Fly" has exerted significant influence on alternative rock, particularly in its anthemic songwriting structure that blends introspective lyrics with soaring choruses, a style cited by artists like Paramore's Hayley Williams as inspirational to her band's energetic, emotionally charged sound. Williams has publicly reflected on Foo Fighters' impact, noting how their music shaped Paramore's approach to blending pop-punk accessibility with raw rock intensity.[82] The song remains an enduring staple in Foo Fighters' live performances, frequently serving as a high-energy setlist closer to rally crowds and encapsulate the band's themes of perseverance. In 2025, Kelly Clarkson's cover of "Learn to Fly" on The Kelly Clarkson Show sparked a resurgence in the song's popularity on streaming playlists, introducing it to new audiences and underscoring Foo Fighters' ability to thrive in a post-Hawkins era with their ongoing tours featuring new drummer Josh Freese. This renewed interest, amplified by media appearances, highlights the track's timeless role in the band's legacy of adaptation and fan connection.

References

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