Which drummer joined Foo Fighters from Sunny Day Real Estate in 1995?

William Goldsmith joined Foo Fighters from Sunny Day Real Estate in 1995.

After Nirvana ended, Dave Grohl built Foo Fighters around musicians he knew from Seattle’s alternative-rock scene. He recruited Goldsmith, along with Sunny Day Real Estate bassist Nate Mendel, while Pat Smear joined on guitar. Goldsmith became the band’s drummer for its early touring lineup.

Foo Fighters’ self-titled 1995 debut had largely been recorded by Grohl alone before the full band assembled, so Goldsmith’s importance became clearer during live performances and the work that followed. He played on parts of The Colour and the Shape, although most of his drum tracks were later replaced by Grohl.

A common mix-up is Taylor Hawkins, who became Foo Fighters’ best-known early drummer after joining in 1997. Hawkins did not replace Goldsmith in 1995; Goldsmith was the drummer recruited from Sunny Day Real Estate, while Hawkins arrived later.