Dave Grohl stated that he was inspired by his daughters' music lessons to undertake one of the most challenging projects of his career.[1] As the front man of rock band Foo Fighters, Grohl found some time during their world tour for their Concrete and Gold album to write and record the 23-minute instrumental.[1] Grohl stated that he was inspired by watching children at music classes, including his daughters, rehearsing songs over and over again to play them perfectly.[1] Grohl also created a two part documentary that includes him performing seven different versions of "Play" and interviewing young students at the Join the Band music school near his home in Los Angeles.[1] Grohl plays all of the instruments on the 23-minute "Play".[2] However, when he debuted the song live he recruited members from another of his side projects, Them Crooked Vultures and also the band Jane's Addiction.[2][3] They debuted it live on December 8, 2018 at The Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in Asheville.[3]
