William Goldsmith (born July 4, 1972) is an American drummer best known as a founding member of the influential post-hardcore band Sunny Day Real Estate and as the original drummer for Foo Fighters. Goldsmith's precise, dynamic drumming style has earned him recognition as a key figure in the alternative rock and post-hardcore scenes.
Early life[]
Goldsmith was born in Seattle, Washington, where he grew up immersed in the vibrant music scene that would later shape his career. As a teenager, he was drawn to punk rock and began playing drums in local bands.
Career[]
Goldsmith's career took off in 1992 when he co-founded Sunny Day Real Estate with vocalist/guitarist Jeremy Enigk, bassist Nate Mendel, and guitarist Dan Hoerner. The band's emotive sound and Goldsmith's intricate drumming became defining elements of the emerging emo and post-hardcore movements. Sunny Day Real Estate's debut album, Diary (1994), remains a landmark release in the genre.
In 1995, Goldsmith and Mendel joined Foo Fighters, the new project of former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. Goldsmith recorded parts of the band's second album, The Colour and the Shape (1997), but left during its production due to creative tensions. He later reunited with Sunny Day Real Estate for their 1998 reunion and subsequent album How It Feels to Be Something On (1998).
In the early 2000s, Goldsmith joined The Fire Theft, a project featuring Sunny Day Real Estate members Jeremy Enigk and Nate Mendel. The band released their self-titled album in 2003.
Goldsmith has also played with several other projects and remains an influential figure in the indie and alternative rock scenes.
Personal life[]
Goldsmith is known for his dedication to the craft of drumming and his contributions to the evolution of alternative rock. He continues to reside in Seattle, where he remains active in the music community.
Discography[]
With Sunny Day Real Estate[]
- Diary (1994)
- LP2 (1995)
- How It Feels to Be Something On (1998)
- The Rising Tide (2000)
With Foo Fighters[]
- The Colour and the Shape (partial recordings, 1997)
With The Fire Theft[]
- The Fire Theft (2003)
Other Projects[]
- Contributions to various indie and alternative acts.