VOTE: Foo Fighters vs. Godsmack
April 19, 2020
Here at the Independent, we’ve organized a tournament to determine which band ruled the mid-to-late 2000s, otherwise known as the MySpace Era. A generation that gravitated toward rock and its various subgenres, the mid-2000s were defined by the emergence of punk, pop punk and emo, three subgenres that experienced peak commercial success. While rock and its subgenres no longer monopolize the airwaves, the bands that propelled the genre to the tops of charts possess a resiliency that keeps them near and dear to the hearts of listeners. This first round matchup is between the Foo Fighters and Godsmack.
Foo Fighters
From the ashes of premature death rose the Dave Grohl-led Foo Fighters, who developed into a pillar of the hard rock scene over the past 25 years. While the Seattle hard rockers are primarily known for hits such as “Best of You,” “Everlong,” and “The Pretender,” the Foo Fighters have flooded their audience with a downpour of timeless radio hits.
Harnessing an ability to fluctuate between energetic anthems and pensive epics, the Foo Fighters catalog remained consistent throughout the 2000s. Grohl and Co. began the millennium with 2002’s One by One, introducing listeners to the band’s newfound amalgamation of introspection and aggression. Propelled by hit singles such as “All My Life” and “Times Like These,” One by One earned a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2004.
A year later, the Foo Fighters arguably topped their award-winning effort with 2005’s In Your Honor. While the band left award season empty-handed, the album–which featured Kerrang! Award for Best Single recipient “Best of You”–procured five Grammy Award nominations.
The Foo Fighters’ decade concluded with 2007’s Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, which collected a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. The album’s lead single also secured a nomination for Record of the Year and Best Rock Song of the year before earning a victory for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Godsmack
Renowned for unbridled energy atop resounding riffs, Massachusetts hard rockers Godsmack introduced themselves to the rock landscape with their 1998 eponymous debut effort.
Since then, Godsmack–vocalist Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Shannon Larkin–enjoyed remarkable success, releasing seven studio albums over a 22-year span.
Between 2001 and 2006, Godsmack was nominated for four Grammy Awards and three Billboard Awards, earning Billboard’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. In 2002, “I Stand Alone” claimed Metal Edge Readers’ Choice Awards Song of the Year from a Movie Soundtrack after appearing in The Scorpion King.
Godsmack also collected three consecutive No. 1 releases on the Billboard Top 100 (Faceless, IV and The Oracle) to go alongside 25 top-10 rock radio hits and 18 top-five singles. 2003’s Faceless featured the aforementioned “I Stand Alone” and “Straight Out of Line.” two singles that earned Grammy nominations for “Best Hard Rock Performance” and “Best Rock Song,” respectively.
Enjoy this article? Vote in our other first-round matchups!
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Jerry • Jun 3, 2020 at 6:09 am
GODSMACK!!!!
Pamela Barner • May 31, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Godsmack alllll the way !!
Donna Henderson • May 31, 2020 at 11:31 am
God smack all the way
I would however like to hear both singers,both being drummers 1st do a drum off
Melvin paul • May 13, 2020 at 3:06 pm
Godsmack blows them away!
Shawn conrad • May 11, 2020 at 8:41 pm
Foo Fighters, but it’s close. Some of you commenting don’t seem to know how to be objective. Saying things like “it’s Godsmack” and it’s not even close. I didn’t see many FF can comments like that. Now if they’d said Nirvana and Godsmack, then it wouldn’t be close. It’d be Nirvana. Dave Grohl is not trying to write like that anymore, or even like he did on the Foos first 2-3 albums. You get older and things change. Life progresses. He is a top 10 drummer of all time. Played onstage with the remnants of Led Zeppelin. It’s just different styles, but for people to say it’s not even close is absurd
Paul Morgan • May 11, 2020 at 10:33 am
Godsmack!!!!!!!All day long yeaya…..
Karen Johnson • May 11, 2020 at 5:32 am
Godsmack all the way!!!!!
Isbel Sandoval • May 3, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Foo fighters
Denise • May 3, 2020 at 3:03 pm
GODSMACK
Kara • May 3, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Godsmack!!!!!!!!!!
Taylor H • May 2, 2020 at 11:00 pm
FOO FIGHTERS!!!
Tara Salazar • May 2, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Godsmack
Mary • May 2, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Godsmack
Diane PerusseIvot • May 2, 2020 at 6:18 pm
I vote for Godsmack….on course!
Jonathan Oakley • May 2, 2020 at 5:51 pm
*TYPO
GODSMACK
Jonathan Oakley • May 2, 2020 at 5:50 pm
Dave gets too damn political!! I do like Foo’s, but, GODSMACK IS IN MY TOP 3 of ALL TIME!!
GIDSMSCK IT IS!!
Cynthia Patino • May 2, 2020 at 5:34 pm
GodSmack!!!?
Dave Wight • May 2, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Foofighters are B Leaguers
Godsmack are A Leaguers, clearly get my vote
Kjelbi • Apr 24, 2020 at 5:54 pm
Godsmack
Cynthia • Apr 22, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Godsmack is the BEST!!!
Joe Fisher • Apr 22, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Godsmack all the way
Raymond Rios • Apr 22, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Godsmack
Audrey Bethea • Apr 22, 2020 at 9:37 am
Godsmack!!!
Lyubomir Lambev • Apr 22, 2020 at 2:52 am
Godsmack!
christina Millis • Apr 21, 2020 at 11:19 pm
Godsmack
Tina Grohl • Apr 21, 2020 at 1:39 pm
FOOS FOREVER!!
I’M 66 and have seen them countless times… no comparison!!
Teresa • Apr 21, 2020 at 11:32 am
GODSMACK LOVE THIS BAND!!
Anthony Strand • Apr 21, 2020 at 10:55 am
Foo Fighters definitely. Godsmack = vomit on toast.
Tony • Apr 21, 2020 at 10:43 am
Godsmack
Christopher W. Bower • Apr 21, 2020 at 9:25 am
Sully erna! Tony! Shannon! And robie! Enough said!!!
Bo • Apr 21, 2020 at 9:13 am
GODSMACK no competition
Shane G • Apr 21, 2020 at 8:20 am
Godsmack is simply the best. Foo Fighters are good…but they are in the shadows compared to Godsmack.
Vince • Apr 21, 2020 at 8:00 am
Damn. Had to put Godsmack up against the Foo Fighters in the first round, eh? Godsmack gets my vote, but besting the Foo Fighters isn’t going to be easy.
Heather Willard • Apr 21, 2020 at 7:46 am
Number one band always godsmack ???
Heather Willard • Apr 21, 2020 at 7:45 am
Godsmack is the best band love sully and the guys great music ???❤❤❤❤
Melissa Rademacher • Apr 21, 2020 at 7:41 am
Godsmack
Donna Landry • Apr 21, 2020 at 7:06 am
FOOFIGHTERS !!
Susan • Apr 21, 2020 at 2:15 am
Godsmack, Godsmack, GODSMACK!!! They are the best by far!!!! Love their music!! Love Sully!!! They have been rocking & amazing since their first song & are still killing it to this day!!!! Foo Fighters don’t have shit compared to them!!!
Mildred Hendon • Apr 20, 2020 at 11:02 pm
I am a 63 yr old grandmother of 4. I live in Paradise Texas. The fact that I even listen to Godsmack is kinda weird according to my kids but my grandkids love it. I absolutely love Godsmack. I’ve heard a few songs from foofighter but their music just doesn’t make me move like Godsmack. Sully is unbelievable and the drum dual he does with their drummer Shannon Larkin is just great. Keep it up guys, ya are the best the very best.
Kyle • Apr 20, 2020 at 9:42 pm
Foo Fighters, everything Dave Gruhl touches turns to gold. There’s really no comparison, they sell more records, they sell out venue’s like Wembley stadium, the band is worth way more money and it’s really not even close.
Jason Littlefield • Apr 20, 2020 at 9:24 pm
Godsmack all day every day.They outsell all their concerts.Much better music than FOO FIGHTERS.Im not a fan of Dave Grohl.Their music sucks.
Brianna • Apr 20, 2020 at 8:29 pm
I pick Godsmack because it has more energy and they are better than the Foo Fighters.
Steffan • Apr 20, 2020 at 7:44 pm
Godsmack>FooFighters
eric halliday • Apr 20, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Foo fighters are seattle leftovers if kurt cobain never existed neither would the foo fighters GODSMACK 100%
yes300ed • Apr 20, 2020 at 7:02 pm
I’m 65 years old. Been following Godsmack since their inception!
JB • Apr 20, 2020 at 6:30 pm
GODSMACK!! Best Frontman ever.
Pamela Burchette • Apr 20, 2020 at 6:11 pm
GODSMACK 1000 percent !!!!! Sully is amazing and the guys put on an awesome live show. ❤️ Foo Fighters suck.
Jennifer wright • Apr 20, 2020 at 6:06 pm
Goodsmack is the best I listen to them everyday..love their music and lyrics..by far most sensational band I’ve heard next to motley crue..
Marilyn Koon • Apr 20, 2020 at 5:57 pm
Godsmack is ultimately my vote because Sully Erna has so much compassion and feelings for the fans that have followed the band all these years and I really appreciate him and the rest of the band for making such amazing music to listen to. I was fortunate enough to see Godsmack in Florida at the Livestock Festival many moons ago and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love you guys, keep up the great work.
Mr • Apr 20, 2020 at 5:50 pm
Foo Fighters really??? Godsmack all day! Foo Fighters 1 of the most overrated bands ever.
Dima • Apr 20, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Serenity and Straight out of line are on my top 10 fav songs ever
Lilli • Apr 20, 2020 at 5:16 pm
GODSMACK!! Without a doubt
April C • Apr 20, 2020 at 5:10 pm
These bands are way different. You honestly can’t compare them. Godsmack has mainly been a harder rocker. Both leads are very talented. Foo fighters are great as well. But started with Nirvana which was more grudge not all that type of hard metal.
I personally love Godsmack! The New England band has a way to motivate a crowd like no other. Sully can play most musical instruments, great vocals. These are some WICKED guy’s. Sorry too fighters. Godsmack has this! ?? WICKED RAW
Rob Towler • Apr 20, 2020 at 4:43 pm
GODSMACK ?
John Bullock • Apr 20, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Easy 1! God smack!hands down!..shannon larkin fan indeed!*****
Regina • Apr 20, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Godsmack!!!Seen them live 4 times and they have aged well..Incredible energy!
SUSAN SIMPSON • Apr 20, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Unfair! I picked Godsmack I got their symbol for a tattoo but dang really it’s a close tie! I love Dave Grohl he is such a funny good guy & rocks out it’s just I lean toward heavier music ? love & respect to both bands
Logan • Apr 20, 2020 at 3:26 pm
GODSMACK!!!!
Andy Gasaway • Apr 20, 2020 at 3:25 pm
GODSMACK No question about it
Jessica cruz • Apr 20, 2020 at 3:16 pm
GODSMACK ALL THE WAY..LOVE SULLY HE ROCKS???
Donna Roberts • Apr 20, 2020 at 2:57 pm
Foo fighters win with me every time
Donna Thepault • Apr 20, 2020 at 2:52 pm
GODSMACK
Sheila manson • Apr 20, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Godsmack rules!!?
Robin Rick • Apr 20, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Foo Fighters. I love Godsmack, but I play some Foo Fighters every freakin day. #wash your fucking hands!!!!
Gayle • Apr 20, 2020 at 1:14 pm
Godsmack!!!❤️
James • Apr 20, 2020 at 11:25 am
Foo Fighters all the way
Jill • Apr 20, 2020 at 7:14 am
Foo Fighters!
AAA • Apr 20, 2020 at 3:38 am
I like both. But Godsmack music interests me more
Kyle Leclair • Apr 19, 2020 at 11:30 pm
This isn’t even a fair contest. Foo Fighters suck ass and Godsmack is really good.
Anthony Valovic • Apr 19, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Good Smack is by far the better band.
Rene • Apr 19, 2020 at 10:05 pm
Godsmack ? much better band there music motivates you
Robert Stembridge • Apr 19, 2020 at 9:58 pm
Godsmack
bela kiss • Apr 19, 2020 at 9:38 pm
I like the Foo FIghters, am a big fan of Dave Grohl BUT I love GODSMACK
Godsmack has the best drummer in Shannon Larkin and one of the strongest front men
in the world is Sully Erna. The music hitall aspects of emotion, from sadness to in your
face madness !!! Godsmack is the best, No 1..
Donna • Apr 19, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Godsmack by far.
Nicole Fishburn • Apr 19, 2020 at 8:34 pm
Godsmack..I have loved all thier music..and this last album really touched my soul..with under your scars..amazing band that keeps rocking .mgives an amazing show..and love that Sully gets on the drums with Larkin !!
Ruben Cardenas • Apr 19, 2020 at 8:32 pm
Godsmack all the way.! No comparison
Sarah • Apr 19, 2020 at 8:05 pm
Godsmack
Leslie • Apr 19, 2020 at 7:41 pm
GODSMACK ALL DAY LONG EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!
Jackie • Apr 19, 2020 at 7:33 pm
This is a hard choice cuz both bands kick ass….but I would say Godsmack baby !!
charles atkins jr • Apr 19, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Godsmack so much better than the Foos
Jennifer • Apr 19, 2020 at 6:10 pm
There both oood but SULLY is way better …. Godsmack
Justin Patnode • Apr 19, 2020 at 6:06 pm
Both bands are good but I am much more fond of Godsmack. They’re great live and still making good music. I feel they have a really cool sound.
Darren • Apr 19, 2020 at 5:32 pm
I have been a fan of Godsmack for 22 years and counting I remember the first time I heard them I was amazed by Sully’s voice singing Voodoo and since then they are my favourite band
Sandy Erickson • Apr 19, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Keep up the great music and all your doing love godsmack keep rocking
Donna Roberts • Apr 19, 2020 at 5:25 pm
Foo fighters 100%
Lee gibbs • Apr 19, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Both good bands …each have their place in music ..everyone is in different places in there minds dark n light..each speaks to its each listeners in way to suit the listener
Steven Chirico • Apr 19, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Foo Fighters by far
Beth Parker • Apr 19, 2020 at 3:08 pm
Godsmack!!!!!