Dave Grohl stated that he was inspired by his daughters' music lessons to undertake one of the most challenging projects of his career. As the front man of rock band Foo Fighters, Grohl found some time during their world tour for their Concrete and Gold album to write and record the 23-minute instrumental. Grohl stated that he was inspired by watching children at music classes, including his daughters, rehearsing songs over and over again to play them perfectly. Grohl also created a two part documentary that includes him performing seven different versions of "Play" and interviewing young students at the Join the Band music school near his home in Los Angeles. Grohl plays all of the instruments on the 23-minute "Play". However, when he debuted the song live he recruited members from another of his side projects, Them Crooked Vultures and also the band Jane's Addiction.They debuted it live on December 8, 2018 at The Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in Asheville.