DAVE GROHL’S BABY ANNOUCEMENT

Typical rock star behavior, but totally off brand for Mr. Grohl, America’s sweetheart, the rock statesman in counterbalance to Questlove’s hip-hop statesman.

Dave may have started out as a punk, but he’s appeared warm and fuzzy for years, even promoting a book by his mother!

And didn’t he ever hear of a condom?

Of course condoms can break, and I don’t know the specifics here, but it’s not a good look.

Criminal? No. But there will be an effect on his family. Didn’t Moon Zappa’s book tell us this? Frank was a notorious “swordsman” as Ahmet once said to me.

On one hand, it’s good for rock and roll. It never changes, even if it’s on life support.

Rock stars are not like you and me. They don’t play by the same rules. They’re offered opportunities we are not. And it’s hard not to take advantage of them.

But this doesn’t square with a guy who parades his children and talks about his home life, who is constantly smiling like a regular guy. He’s not. He’s a rock star. Complicated, in a world of temptations.

Do I think this will hurt the Foo Fighters, Grohl’s musical career?

Not a whit.

But will the press continue to look to him for answers… That will be diminished, I guarantee you. The press runs from scandals, unless they’re getting inside, salacious details. Outlets don’t want to employ the words of tainted celebrities, it undercuts their authority, the actions taint the words, and ultimately the publications.

Then again, what is the job of a rock star… To be a wholesome family man or to make music?

The latter.

P.S. I give Grohl credit for announcing the news, coming out ahead of the tabloids. Like Letterman. But there was no baby involved in that Dave’s case. And the kid makes a difference.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S ENDORSEMENT OF KAMALA HARRIS

For someone supposedly so publicity savvy, to announce on the same night as the debate was a gross miscalculation. You want to make your statement when it will get the most ink, the most attention, when it will have the most impact and spread. You don’t want to compete with another news story.

Will Swift’s endorsement of Kamala have a definitive effect?

Could be, but nowhere near the degree everybody is anticipating.

People follow celebrities in fashion, but when it comes to core beliefs… Hell, even Chris Christie is a giant Springsteen fan.

This was completely mishandled. Swift should have announced on the VMAs, where she will look big in contrast to all the gnats appearing.

She should have waited for a slow news day.

This is PR 101. Just like governments release negative news on Friday afternoons, when people are leaving the office and are in weekend mode.

And the post did not look spontaneous, but premeditated. 

Now the story is overshadowed by all the reporting about last night’s debate.

Swift normally wants to own the stage, she sets everything up for that.

But not this time.