When David Grohl Put The Spotlight On Surf Films
Jack McCoy on how he licensed two of the Foo Fighters’ biggest hits in Blue Horizon.
Editor’s note: To celebrate the 20th year anniversary of ‘Blue Horizon’, Jack McCoy is touring his remastered film around Oz with special appearances from Dave Rastovich, Nathan Hedge, Occy and Phil Macdonald. More info on screenings and tickets here.
It was the early 2000s, and I was deep into production on Blue Horizon. I’d picked 90% of the music myself, like I do on all my films, and I was after a soundtrack that hit hard. Not just sonically, but emotionally. The kind of tracks that stuck to a wave — and to the story. I needed something powerful. And I wasn’t interested in phoning a record label and being run around by suits looking to squeeze every cent out of an indie surf film. I’ve never played that game. You go straight to the source — the artists and the managers. They know the value of aligning with surf culture. They know that music can break through with the right visuals. Look what Taylor Steele did with his soundtracks. It’s symbiotic.
One day, I’m in the edit bay with my music producer’s son and I tell him I’m looking for something new, something fresh. And he says, “The drummer from Nirvana’s got a new band — Foo Fighters. They’re playing at the Manning Bar at Sydney Uni. Only a few hundred tickets.”
I bought their album that day. And two songs jumped out: “My Hero” and “Everlong.” Massive. I go to the show — small, sweaty, full of energy. I knew right away this was the band I needed. After the show, I worked my way backstage — something I’d gotten good at by then — and I introduced myself to Dave Grohl.
“Hey, I’m Jack McCoy, I’m making a surf film and I’d love to use your music.”
Dave looks at me and goes, “You’re making a surf movie? That’s so cool.” Then he hands me his manager’s card and says, “Call this guy. I’ll tell him I want to be in your movie.”
‘Nuff said.
We got the tracks. They ended up being part of the heartbeat of Blue Horizon.
A few years later the Foo Fighters announce they’re touring Australia. I know their tour manager through my music producer — so I ask, “Do the Foos want to go for a surf on their day off?” A few minutes later I get a call back: Yes.
That night, Chris Shiflett, the lead guitarist, calls me personally: “Jack, can’t wait to surf with you tomorrow. What are you doing tonight? Come to the show.”
So I go.
I rock up to the ticket booth and say, “Jack McCoy.” Some girl comes out, grabs me and takes me straight backstage. I walk into the dressing room and the whole band is bouncing around to Rock Lobster by the B-52s. Dave comes up to me, all smiles.
“Jack! Man, I loved what you did with our music in Blue Horizon. That opening track is one of the coolest things I’ve seen with our footage.”
Then he pauses, looks at me.
“Do you surf?”
“Every day,” I say. “And twice on weekends.”
He grins. “Mind if I ask how old you are?”
This was 20 years ago, mind you — I told him, ‘I’m over 50.’”
He goes, “Over 50 and you still surf?” — eyes wide like I just told him I could fly.
He grabs his lighting guy, Nathan. “This is Jack. He’s coming out on stage with us. Show him the best spot behind the speakers. And then, Jack, when you’re done back there, head to the sound booth. That’s the best mix in the house.”
So I follow them out. Stage left. Adrenaline pulsing.
Mid-show, Dave gets on the mic. “Are there any teenagers here tonight?” Cheers. “Any 20-year-olds? 30? 40?” Crowd’s getting louder. “Well, I’m 36, and I’m still rocking! How about 50-year-olds?”
I’m in the crowd now, near the sound booth. And I’m pumped. I throw my fist in the air. Yeah!
Just then — boom — spotlight hits me.
“There!” Dave shouts. “There’s one! Over 50 and still surfing. This one’s for you, Jack!”
They go straight into My Hero.
I got texts all night: “The Foo Fighters just shouted you out at the show!”
Since then, Dave and I have kept in touch. We’ve got a mutual respect — artist to artist, surfer to rocker. And yeah, we did get that surf the next day.
