Cut Me Some Slack
Rock song by McCartney and former Nirvana members.
"Cut Me Some Slack" is a rock track credited to Paul McCartney alongside three former Nirvana members: Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear. It first appeared on YouTube in 2012, then on the soundtrack for Grohl’s documentary *Sound City* the following year. The song took home the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2014. Grohl, while working on a documentary about Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, brought together musicians to create new material for the film. This group included McCartney, as well as Novoselic and Smear—both of whom had played with Grohl in Nirvana. The track began as a jam session among the four; McCartney later called it a “Nirvana reunion.” Novoselic coined the portmanteau “Sirvana,” blending Sir Paul McCartney and Nirvana. The quartet debuted the song live at the 12-12-12 benefit concert, then released it via YouTube on December 14, 2012. They performed it again on *Saturday Night Live* that same year, and on June 19, 2013, at a McCartney concert in Seattle—Nirvana’s hometown—where they also played several Beatles songs. Critics responded positively.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear
- Album
- Sound City: Real to Reel
- Released
- 2012-12-14
- Recorded
- April 2012
- Studio
- Studio 606 West, Northridge, Los Angeles
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 4:35
- Label
- RCA Records
- Writer
- Paul McCartney / Dave Grohl / Krist Novoselic / Pat Smear
- Producer
- Butch Vig
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The song began as a jam between Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear, assembled by Grohl for his documentary about Sound City Studios. McCartney later described it as a "Nirvana reunion", while Novoselic referred to the partnership as "Sirvana", a portmanteau of Sir Paul McCartney and Nirvana. The song was first performed at the 12-12-12 benefit concert by the four, and was released on December 14, 2012, through YouTube. The four performed the song on Saturday Night Live in 2012, and again on June 19, 2013, along with a number of Beatles songs at a McCartney concert in Seattle.
Reader's Guide
The song represents a notable collaboration between a former Beatle and members of Nirvana, bridging two iconic eras of rock music. Its Grammy win for Best Rock Song in 2014 highlighted its critical and commercial impact. The track originated from Grohl's documentary project about Sound City Studios, a historic recording venue in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Critics received the song well; Allmusic called it a "tune with an immediate hook [and] melody". The collaboration was also performed live at significant events, including the 12-12-12 benefit concert and Saturday Night Live, and later in Seattle, Nirvana's hometown, where it was paired with Beatles songs.
Did You Know?
- The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2014.
- Paul McCartney played a cigar box guitar on the track.
More in Band Members & Collaborators
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