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"White Limo"
Single by Foo Fighters
from the album Wasting Light
ReleasedMarch 28, 2011[1]
Genre
Length3:22
LabelRCA
Songwriters
ProducerButch Vig
Foo Fighters singles chronology
"Rope"
(2011) 		"White Limo"
(2011) 		"Walk"
(2011)
Music video
"White Limo" on YouTube

"White Limo" is a song by American rock band Foo Fighters. It is the second single from their seventh studio album Wasting Light. The single was released on March 28, 2011 as an iTunes digital download.

Composition

[edit]

In an interview with Classic Rock, Dave Grohl stated that the lyrics for "White Limo" were written in just two minutes.[2] MTV writer Chris Ryan noted that the song showed Dave Grohl going back to his roots in hardcore punk, describing it as "...a blistering, paint-stripping thrash track that mixes mosh-inducing hard-core with the Foo’s penchant for melody."[3] Revolver described the song as "the most metal track on "Wasting Light", and one of the most metal Foo Fighters songs ever."[4] The song has also been categorized as simply hard rock.[5]

Release

[edit]

On February 12, 2011, a music video was released for "White Limo", featuring Lemmy of Motörhead.[6] It was the first full song released from Wasting Light,[6] however, it was the second official single, released on March 28, 2011.[1] It was preceded by "Rope" earlier that month.[7]

English musician Liam Howlett, best known as a member of the Prodigy, remixed the song upon Dave Grohl's request and released it on October 16, 2011.[8]

Reception

[edit]

"White Limo" was chosen as the winner of the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2012.[9]

Merchandise

[edit]

The Foo Fighters have made available from their official merchandise website a die-cast White Limo Figurine.[10]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2011) Peak
position
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[11] 28

Awards

[edit]
Year Award Results
2012 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Won

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

White Limo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"White Limo" is a song by the American rock band , released on March 28, 2011, as a digital download and serving as the second single from their seventh studio album, (April 12, 2011). The track, written primarily by frontman in approximately two minutes, features aggressive riffs and nonsensical lyrics inspired by a bandmate's suggestion to avoid overly serious songwriting. The song's music video, directed by Grohl in a lo-fi VHS style reminiscent of 1980s punk clips like those by Black Flag, depicts the band being terrorized in a white driven by bassist Kilmister, with Grohl's wife Jordyn Blum making a . Released on February 12, 2011, the video contributed to the single's promotion ahead of the album's April 12 launch. "White Limo" earned the Foo Fighters a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012, highlighting its raw energy and punk-influenced production by .

Creation and production

Background and writing

"White Limo" emerged during the ' sessions for their seventh studio album, , which began in September 2010 at frontman Dave Grohl's home garage in Encino, . Seeking to recapture the raw energy of their early work, opted for an all-analog recording process using vintage tape machines and minimal digital intervention, transforming the space into a makeshift studio to foster a gritty, punk-rock atmosphere. The song's lyrics were penned by Grohl in an extraordinarily rapid two minutes, born from a spontaneous outburst prompted by an email from bassist Nate Mendel. Mendel had encouraged Grohl not to feel pressured to write overly serious or anthemic tracks like "We Are the World," reminding him of his strength in crafting silly, nonsensical songs, which freed Grohl to embrace a lighter, more playful approach. This quick writing session reflected Grohl's punk-inspired ethos, drawing directly from his formative years in the hardcore scene with bands such as Scream—where he drummed from 1986 to 1990—and Nirvana, emphasizing unpolished, high-velocity expression over polished composition. Initial ideas for the track arose from band discussions during the album's development, where the group aimed to incorporate high-energy, primal rock elements to contrast more introspective material and inject vitality into the sessions. Produced by , these conversations underscored a desire to channel the immediacy of their punk roots into explosive tracks like "White Limo."

Recording and composition

"White Limo" was recorded at Dave Grohl's home studio, a converted two-car garage located in Encino, , during the production of the ' seventh studio album, (2011). The sessions utilized entirely analog equipment to capture a raw, live sound, including two A827 24-track tape recorders for a total of 48 tracks, an API 1608 console with 32 channels, Neve preamps, and various compressors such as UA LA3As and Chandler Little Devils. Producer , reuniting with Grohl after their work on Nirvana's , directed the process with a focus on precise performances, as the analog tape demanded minimal edits through razor-blade splicing rather than digital fixes. Band members contributed instrumentally in a collaborative, garage-band setup that emphasized unquantized, organic takes. provided lead vocals, , and drums; for "White Limo" specifically, his vocals were tracked using an routed through a pedal and into a JC-120 amplifier to achieve a gritty, saturated texture. handled lead guitar and riffs on and custom Audio Kitchen amplifiers, while laid down bass lines with basses amplified through Ashdown heads and cabinets. drummed with a song-specific kit configuration, delivering dynamic fills and grooves that locked tightly with Grohl's rhythms, and added layers using a amp and a for added bite. Compositionally, "White Limo" runs 3:22 in length and adheres to a straightforward verse-chorus structure driven by thrashy, palm-muted guitar riffs that build tension before explosive choruses. The track unfolds at a fast of 168 beats per minute in the key of , creating an urgent propulsion. Its musical style draws from roots with clear and metal influences, highlighted by aggressive, distorted guitar tones and an overall raw, high-octane energy that evokes Grohl's early punk ethos.

Music video

Concept and filming

The concept for the "White Limo" music video originated from Dave Grohl's desire to parody the raw, low-fi aesthetic of early 1980s videos, creating a deliberately gritty and chaotic narrative centered on a wild ride that captures the song's high-octane punk energy. The video depicts the band members being sequentially "kidnapped" from the streets by a manic driver, leading to a frenzied performance inside the vehicle as it careens through the city, emphasizing themes of rebellion and abandon that align with the track's aggressive . Filming took place in early 2011 throughout , , under Grohl's direction, with the entire production captured on tape to produce the intended grainy, bootleg quality reminiscent of amateur punk footage from the era. The shoot embraced a spontaneous, party-like vibe, incorporating improvised elements such as band members enduring upside-down sequences, comedic physical gags, and costume changes including drag attire. The cast included the —Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, and Pat Smear—appearing as themselves, alongside Motörhead's Kilmister in the key role of the deranged limo driver who initiates the band's hijacking. Cameos featured Grohl's wife Jordyn Blum as a passenger and various friends packed into the limo for added mayhem, with Mendel notably rollerblading in short shorts during street scenes. Production operated on a shoestring to match the video's DIY , relying on practical effects for the turbulent interior shots, including simulated crashes and overcrowding that turned the limo into a cramped, bouncing stage. Logistical hurdles arose from the and large crew of participants, necessitating a (friend Wiley Hodgden dressed as ) to handle the actual driving for safety, while filmed his scenes separately to accommodate his rider demands of , Marlboros, and . This unpolished approach amplified the video's humorous horror-parody tone, transforming potential chaos into its core appeal.

Release and content

The music video for "White Limo" premiered online on February 12, 2011, via the Foo Fighters' official YouTube channel, where it was uploaded by the band themselves. It quickly garnered attention as a Valentine's Day surprise for fans, with subsequent airings on television networks. The release built anticipation for the band's seventh studio album, Wasting Light, serving as the first full song and visual teaser from the project. Directed by frontman , the video adopts a deliberately lo-fi, color aesthetic mimicking an VHS recording, with a runtime of approximately 3 minutes and 22 seconds to match the song's length. The narrative depicts the band members—, , , , and —being picked up by a seemingly innocuous white limousine, only for chaos to ensue as they attempt to escape the vehicle while it careens wildly through streets. Driving the limo is frontman Kilmister, appearing in a brief but memorable cameo as a manic, chain-smoking chauffeur whose possession-like frenzy propels the plot. Jordyn Blum, Grohl's wife, also features in a cameo as a pedestrian reacting to the mayhem. The video's raw, humorous style and Kilmister's guest spot fueled its initial viral spread , amassing millions of views shortly after launch and sparking fan discussions on forums and about its punk-infused energy. footage and photos from the shoot, including interactions between Grohl and Kilmister on set, were later shared publicly, highlighting the low-budget production filmed over a single day in .

Release and promotion

Single formats

"White Limo" was released as the second single from the ' seventh studio album on March 28, 2011, ahead of the album's release on April 12, 2011, by and . The single was issued in digital download format, with no physical release in the United States. The standard digital single features the title track "White Limo" as the sole song, running 3:22 in length. The single was released digitally worldwide on March 28, 2011, and debuted on the Rock & Metal Singles Chart the week of April 17 at No. 28. The associated artwork for the single depicts a white limousine against a black background, consistent with the song's thematic imagery. A version of "White Limo" produced by of was released digitally on October 16, 2011. This electronic-infused was made available as a standalone digital single in file formats such as and AAC. Although physical formats like CD singles and 7-inch vinyl were not issued for the original single in major markets, collector editions and promotional copies occasionally featured the track on vinyl pressings tied to the promotion. The edition included updated highlighting 's involvement, with track listings limited to the remixed version. It was bundled with merchandise purchases, such as a die-cast of the white from the music video.

Marketing efforts

To build anticipation for "White Limo" as the second single from , the announced their Garage Tour on March 18, 2011, consisting of intimate album listening parties and performances in eight fans' garages across the and , from New York to , where they previewed tracks from the upcoming album. These events served as key pre-release hype, allowing fans early access to songs like "White Limo" in a raw, garage-recorded setting that echoed the album's production style. The tour's announcement and execution leveraged for fan engagement, with winners selected via online contests and locations revealed through the band's account. The song's official music video premiered on February 14, 2011, as a Valentine's Day release, featuring Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister as a chaotic limo driver picking up the band members, and was promoted through social media campaigns encouraging shares and fan reactions. This tied into the broader "This Video Sucks" contest, launched in January 2011, where fans submitted their own low-budget videos for Wasting Light tracks including "White Limo," with winning entries officially released on the band's YouTube channel to boost viral interaction and community involvement. The song received its live debut during secret promotional shows in February 2011, including a performance on February 8 at Spaceland in , prior to its official release. It was subsequently performed on the tour's Garage Tour leg, beginning in early April 2011, such as on April 8 in . Radio promotion focused on U.S. stations, where "White Limo" was added to playlists in late March 2011 following its digital single launch, leading to its debut on the Alternative Songs chart in May and a peak position of No. 15. In , the band supported this with promotional tours, including radio interviews and appearances to push the single ahead of the album's April 12 release. Marketing also featured limited edition bundles previewing tour merchandise, such as die-cast replicas of the "White Limo" Cadillac from the video, offered as part of early album pre-orders and fan club exclusives to tie the single's theme into physical collectibles.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as the second single from the Foo Fighters' seventh studio album Wasting Light in March 2011, "White Limo" garnered largely positive initial critical reception for its high-energy, aggressive sound and return to the band's raw rock roots. Rolling Stone awarded the album four out of five stars, praising its "raw, aggressive energy" and specifically highlighting "White Limo" for its visceral punch and by Motörhead's Kilmister as the deranged chauffeur. The review compared the track's intensity to the band's earlier high-octane efforts, evoking the punk-infused aggression of songs like "" from 1997's . NME lauded the single as a "scuzzy white-trash punk record" and deeming it "properly amazing" amid the album's garage-recorded grit. Spin magazine offered a strong endorsement with a 9/10 rating for the album, calling "White Limo" a "three-guitar riff bomb" that delivered "real heavy-metal muscle" and marked one of Grohl's most memorable compositions since the band's mid-1990s peak. However, not all responses were unqualified praise; The Guardian's two-star album review critiqued the track as emblematic of the Foo Fighters' "tattooed-dad rock formula," noting its predictability within the band's established hard rock template despite the evident enthusiasm. Aggregate reception for , which heavily influenced single commentary, averaged 82 out of 100 on based on 37 reviews, reflecting "universal acclaim" for its revitalized vigor. The accompanying , directed by and featuring alongside humorous cameos and over-the-top action sequences, drew specific acclaim for its playful satire and low-budget charm; Stereogum described it as a "playful" romp with "Hulk Hogan-esque acting" that amplified the song's manic fun.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, "White Limo" has been reevaluated as one of the Foo Fighters' heaviest and most aggressive tracks, often highlighted for its raw energy and departure from the band's typical melodic rock sound. In a 2023 Revolver magazine ranking of the band's 10 heaviest songs, "White Limo" topped the list, praised for its "mean as hell" guitar tone, Dave Grohl's "wild and cut-throat" screams, and a dirtier mix that evokes the band's early intensity, encouraging listeners to "crank this bad boy up and let loose." The song has appeared in various "best of" compilations throughout the and , underscoring its enduring appeal within the . For instance, Ultimate Classic Rock's 2020 list of the top 25 songs placed "White Limo" among the highlights of , noting its aggressive, loud, and abrasive qualities as a nod to Grohl's early influences. Cultural and musical analyses have positioned "White Limo" as a bridge between punk's raw aggression and mainstream rock's accessibility, reflecting Grohl's roots in the Washington, D.C., hardcore scene. The song's video drew inspiration from simple, VHS-era punk clips like Black Flag's "TV Party," as Grohl explained in a 2011 interview. This fusion has been credited with revitalizing the band's sound during the era, blending punk's rebellious spirit with polished production. As part of the ' 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025, marked by the #FF30 series, "White Limo" received renewed attention for its lasting live energy, with a new live recording released on October 3, 2025, capturing its chaotic appeal in performance. These reflections have emphasized the track's role in the band's evolution, building on its initial acclaim as a high-octane standout without significant negative reevaluations in later discourse.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"White Limo" achieved moderate success on rock-oriented charts following its release. In the United Kingdom, the single peaked at number 28 on the Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart dated April 17, 2011.

Certifications

"White Limo" has not received any official sales or streaming certifications from major industry bodies such as the RIAA in the United States, the BPI in the United Kingdom, or ARIA in Australia, as verified through their respective certification databases. Despite the absence of formal awards, the song has achieved notable digital success, accumulating over 29 million streams on as of November 2025. This milestone reflects the shift in the music industry toward streaming-based metrics, where equivalent units combine paid downloads, physical sales, and on-demand audio/video streams; however, "White Limo" has not met the thresholds for or higher status under these updated criteria in any certified market.

Awards and legacy

Grammy recognition

"White Limo" earned a for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance at the , held on February 12, 2012. The track won the award in the pre-telecast ceremony, defeating strong competition including Dream Theater's "On the Backs of Angels," Coheed and Cambria's "The Twist," Mastodon's "Curl of the Burl," and Megadeth's "Public Enemy No. 1." Frontman accepted the award on behalf of the band, noting it as a "huge honor" and expressing admiration for the category's competitors, particularly highlighting the talent in and metal. The victory helped propel sales of the parent album , which saw a 134% increase in U.S. CD sales in the week following the ceremony. No other Grammy nominations were received for "White Limo."

Cultural impact and merchandise

"White Limo" became a staple in ' live performances during their Tour in 2011, frequently appearing in setlists alongside other album tracks like "" and "Arlandria" at major venues such as and the Sydney Football Stadium. The song's high-octane energy made it a highlight of the tour, often positioned mid-set to energize crowds. It continued to feature in subsequent tours through 2023, including select dates on the in 2017-2018, where it opened surprise pop-up shows and appeared in standard arena sets. Following the of drummer in 2022, the band incorporated "White Limo" into post-2023 performances as part of broader tributes to his legacy, including shows at in 2023, Manchester's Emirates Old Trafford in 2024, and in New Haven in 2025. The song has permeated through various media appearances and online phenomena. while the music video's lo-fi, horror-comedy aesthetic—starring Kilmister as the driver—has inspired memes and GIFs circulating on platforms like and , often referencing its chaotic, over-the-top vibe. As part of the band's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025 under the #FF30 campaign, highlighted "White Limo" on their official , sharing archival footage from 2011 to underscore its enduring appeal. Official merchandise tied to "White Limo" includes a model produced by in 2011 to promote the album, replicating the white limousine from the music video with band branding. Originally retailed for $5 to $10, the collectible was available at major stores and featured variants with custom packaging, appealing to both rock fans and enthusiasts. Beyond performances and products, "White Limo" symbolizes ' high-energy phase during the era, capturing their raw, garage-rock revival with punk influences and humor. Fans have extended this legacy through recreations of the music video, including entries in the band's 2011 "This Video Sucks" contest, where participants mimicked its DIY horror style using everyday props and settings. No major controversies have arisen from the song or its promotions.

References

  1. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/a65aa499-b2a1-40ab-b706-51eb535b3a2d
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/foo-fighters/white-limo
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5211234/
  4. https://www.soundonsound.com/people/foo-fighters-recording-wasting-light
  5. https://www.foofighterslive.com/album/wasting-light-11
  6. http://www.fooarchive.com/gpb/classicrock11.htm
  7. http://www.fooarchive.com/features/butchvig11.htm
  8. https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/foo-fighters/white-limo-chords-2813252
  9. https://www.bpmdatabase.com/music/search/?artist=Foo%2BFighters&sort=-bpm
  10. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-heaviest-foo-fighters-songs/
  11. http://www.fooarchive.com/features/classicrockdec11.htm
  12. https://www.guerrillacandy.com/2011/02/14/watch-foo-fighters-white-limo-video/
  13. https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-11-best-foo-fighters-videos
  14. https://hypebeast.com/2011/2/foo-fighters-featuring-lemmy-white-limo
  15. https://www.nme.com/news/music/foo-fighters-358-1301819
  16. https://www.loudersound.com/features/foo-fighters-videography
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebJ2brErERQ
  18. https://www.spin.com/2011/02/watch-foo-fighters-new-video-white-limo/
  19. https://consequence.net/2011/02/watch-foo-fighters-white-limo/
  20. https://www.bravewords.com/news/foo-fighters-new-album-details-revealed-lemmy-featured-in-white-limo-video
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/2990657-Foo-Fighters-White-Limo
  22. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20110417/111/
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/3759856-Foo-Fighters-The-Prodigy-White-Limo-The-Prodigy-Remix
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/18/foo-fighters-tour-fans-garages
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTSWxKeWb98
  26. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/foo-fighters/2011/spaceland-los-angeles-ca-33d23405.html
  27. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/foo-fighters/2011/155-rockne-road-yonkers-ny-1bdce550.html
  28. https://www.metacritic.com/music/wasting-light/foo-fighters
  29. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/wasting-light-127317/
  30. https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-foo-fighters-11877-319064
  31. https://www.spin.com/2011/04/foo-fighters-wasting-light-roswellrca/
  32. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/apr/10/foo-fighters-wasting-light-review
  33. https://www.stereogum.com/638991/foo-fighters-white-limo-video-feat-lemmy/video/
  34. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/foo-fighters-songs/
  35. https://foofighters.bandcamp.com/track/white-limo-live-from-somewhere-2025
  36. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/
  37. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/7jy3rLJdDQY21OgRLCZ9sD_songs.html
  38. https://www.grammy.com/news/and-the-grammy-went-to-foo-fighters
  39. https://www.eonline.com/news/277725/complete-list-of-nominees-for-the-54th-annual-grammy-awards
  40. https://loudwire.com/dave-grohl-foo-fighters-hard-rock-metal-grammy-win-feel-bad-for-dream-theater/
  41. https://www.nydailynews.com/2012/02/22/adele-sees-the-largest-grammy-bounce-in-the-award-shows-54-year-history/
  42. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/foo-fighters/2011/madison-square-garden-new-york-ny-3d1fd8b.html
  43. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/foo-fighters-bd6893a.html?tour=5bd017e4
  44. https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/Concrete_and_Gold_Tour
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NInho0LuGkA
  46. https://www.facebook.com/foofighters/videos/foo-fighters-white-limo/10159630241315545/
  47. https://www.facebook.com/foofighters/videos/white-limo-2011/962004875934540/
  48. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXxrvApvFj/
  49. https://www.ebay.com/itm/256465542976
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/Foofighters/comments/12xqaf3/white_limo/
  51. https://backlinebeat.com/2023/05/02/tiut-wasting-light/
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