Ep 5. Los Angeles

In Season 1, Episode 5 of Foo Fighters Sonic Highways, the band travels to Los Angeles, California to explore the rich musical history of the city. Dave Grohl and the other band members start off by discussing the impact of the 1950s on rock and roll, noting that L.A. was a particularly important city during this time period. They visit the iconic Capitol Records building and talk about the many artists who recorded there, including the Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra.

From there, the band heads to the very first recording studio in Hollywood, which was started by the legendary African-American producer and entrepreneur, John Dolphin. They discuss the challenges that he faced in the 1950s due to segregation, and how he managed to create an integrated studio where artists of all races could record together.

The episode also explores the rise of punk rock in Los Angeles in the 1970s, with the band visiting the location of the infamous Masque club where bands like X and The Germs got their start. They also talk about the influence of Los Angeles on the early hip hop scene, which took place primarily in South Central L.A. and was often associated with gang culture.

However, the episode isn't just focused on the past – the band also spends time with present-day musicians who are making waves in L.A. One of the musicians they speak with is Zac Carper of the band FIDLAR, who talks about the influence of skate culture on his music, and how he sees his band as a way of carrying on the punk rock tradition in L.A.

Another artist they speak with is producer and songwriter Linda Perry, who has worked with everyone from Christina Aguilera to Pink. She talks about her experiences as a woman in the industry, and how she has had to fight against sexism and stereotyping in order to succeed.

Throughout the episode, the Foo Fighters also perform in a variety of iconic L.A. locations, including the Hollywood Palladium and the Roxy Theatre. In each location, they play a song that was written specifically for the episode, with lyrics that reflect their experiences exploring the musical history of Los Angeles.

Ultimately, the episode is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant musical scene that has existed in Los Angeles for decades. From rock and roll to punk to hip hop, L.A. has been at the forefront of some of the most innovative and influential musical movements of the past century. Through their exploration of the city and its music, the Foo Fighters pay tribute to this legacy and help to ensure that it lives on for future generations.