Dave Grohl Stretches “Play” on ‘Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit Concert Volume 20’ in First and Only Live Performance

Photo Credit: Jay Blakesberg

Dave Grohl has released the first and only live performance of “Play.” The stretched-out instrumental has been shared as a part of The Benefit Concert Volume 20, a collection of standout performances from Warren Haynes’ 30th Annual Christmas Jam. 

Augmented from its original 23-minute format, the newly shared live rendition pushes to the 36-minute mark. Initially composed and performed entirely by Grohl on every instrument, “Play” is a high-speed ride through Grohl’s musical prowess and explosive creativity. 

Today’s release captures the Foo Fighter delivering “Play” with help from Greg Kurstin (keys), guitarists Jason Falkner, Alain Johannes and Barrett Jones, Chris Chaney (bass), and Drew Hester (percussion). Also included is Abby the Spoon Lady, a prominent Asheville-based busker whose unique spoon-playing skill adds to the performance.

As a complete set, The Benefit Concert Volume 20 is an anthology of unforgettable live moments sourced from concerts past. The sonic journey through the evening’s most memorable performances summarizes the holistic spirit of giving steeped in community and a shared admiration for the power of music.  

The event’s long-standing charitable commitment to aid the local community is at the heart of the yearly coming together, having raised over $2.8 million for the Asheville Habitat for Humanity and stroked Haynes’ three-decade-long commitment to delivering unforgettable live shows, which also uplifts and unites audiences. 

Apart from Grohl, the forthcoming album includes fellow contributors such as Eric Church, Joe Bonamassa, Mike Gordon, Marco Benevento, Jamey Johnson, Edwin McCain, Kevn Kinney, Tyler Ramsey, and more sitting in with Gov’t Mule. The Benefit Concert Volume 20 will be available in four distinct double vinyl volumes (in other colors: purple, orange, blue, and red), a 2-CD + DVD set, and a 3-CD + 2 Blu-ray set, along with a digital-only format. Bundles are available now to pre-order.

The 2023 iteration of the Warren Haynes presents Christmas Jam will occur on Dec. 9, 2023, at the Exploreasheville.com Arena, with featured guests Slash, Myles Kennedy, Billy F. Gibbons, Gov’t Mule, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, and many more. A very limited number of tickets remain on sale. Get them before they are gone at www.xmasjam.com.

Watch “Play” below.