Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel Make a Statement at the Resonator Awards in West Hollywood……..
Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel stepped out last night for the 2026 Resonator Awards, joining fellow creatives at the historic Charlie Chaplin Studios in West Hollywood on January 27. The Foo Fighters bandmates attended the ceremony with their wives—Grohl alongside Jordyn Blum, and Mendel with Carrie Brownstein—bringing both star power and a clear message to an evening dedicated to reshaping the future of the recording industry.
Presented by We Are Moving The Needle, the Resonator Awards spotlight and celebrate women, non-binary, and trans producers and engineers—groups that have historically been underrepresented behind the console. The organization’s mission is ambitious and urgent: to radically rebalance opportunity, visibility, and leadership in music production through advocacy, education, and recognition. Last night’s event underscored that mission, drawing artists, executives, and allies who believe the sound of tomorrow should be built by a broader, more inclusive community.
On the red carpet, both couples cut striking figures, but it was a small accessory that carried outsized meaning. Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum were seen wearing “ICE OUT” buttons, a pointed statement that immediately sparked conversation among attendees and on social media. While the Resonator Awards are centered on music and equity within the industry, the buttons added a layer of social commentary—reflecting Grohl’s long-standing willingness to align himself publicly with humanitarian causes and progressive values. In a room filled with creatives who often use their platforms to advocate for change, the gesture felt consistent with the spirit of the night.
Grohl, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and one of modern rock’s most recognizable figures, has frequently spoken about the importance of community, empathy, and access in music. From championing young musicians to supporting disaster relief efforts, his presence at the Resonator Awards signaled more than celebrity attendance—it was an endorsement of the organization’s goals. Nate Mendel, known for his steady influence both onstage and behind the scenes, has likewise been a quiet but consistent supporter of initiatives that prioritize fairness and sustainability within the music ecosystem.
The Resonator Awards ceremony itself honored producers and engineers whose work is pushing boundaries across genres, from indie and alternative to pop, hip-hop, and experimental sound. Speeches throughout the evening emphasized mentorship, fair pay, and the necessity of opening studio doors that have long been closed to marginalized talent. We Are Moving The Needle’s leadership reiterated that representation behind the scenes doesn’t just change who gets hired—it changes the music itself.
The choice of Charlie Chaplin Studios as the venue added symbolic weight. A landmark steeped in Hollywood history, the studio has witnessed a century of creative evolution. Hosting an awards show focused on the future of music production within those walls felt like a bridge between legacy and progress—a reminder that industries can honor their past while still committing to meaningful transformation.
As photos from the red carpet circulated, fans praised Grohl and Mendel for showing up not only to celebrate excellence but also to stand in solidarity with a cause larger than any single award. In an era when visibility matters, their attendance—and the messages they chose to wear—reinforced the idea that allyship in music is not just about applause from the audience, but about who gets empowered behind the glass.
By the end of the night, the Resonator Awards had accomplished exactly what they set out to do: amplify voices, recognize trailblazers, and spark conversations that extend beyond the studio. With figures like Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel lending their support, the movement to create a more inclusive, equitable recording industry continues to gain both momentum and volume. 🎶