Foo Fighters Soldier On: Concert Review
Dave Grohl is doing what he does best — using the power of music to heal from tragedy. But is music enough?
Review: Talking Stick Amphitheater, Phoenix, AZ, October 3, 2023
ARE YOU READY?
When Foo Fighters took the stage in Phoenix, AZ on October 3, 2023, the crowd was more than ready.
You could feel the excitement and energy throughout the entire sold-out Talking Stick Amphitheater. More than half of the audience were there to see the Foo Fighters for the very first time (as per a poll taken by a surprised Grohl), and the enthusiasm was palpable.
When Grohl launched into “All My Life,” he set the tone for the show–hard rockin’, upbeat, uplifting, and a celebration–and the crowd went nuts.
However, there seemed to be a problem.
Despite the crowd’s high energy, the band’s incredible sound and tight performance, the uplifting energetic songs, and (new drummer) Josh Freese KILLING it on the drums, something was off with Grohl.
If you watched closely, his energy was much lower than usual.
The crowd was totally into it, and sending the band tsunami-level waves of love and energy.
But, Grohl appeared unable to meet it or feed off of it, like he normally does.
He wasn’t running across the stage like he usually does. His voice was strong, and he hit all the notes. He talked to the crowd. But something seemed off. He looked emotionally and physically exhausted.
Remember, this is someone who continued to play a concert after falling off the stage and breaking his leg.
This subtle nuance wasn’t noticeable to everyone. They rocked hard, (particularly during “No Son of Mine”), they sounded great, the lighting and production were amazing, and the energy coming from Josh Freese was otherworldly.
However, as a longtime fan and someone who’s seen them multiple times since their inception, Grohl’s change in body language was noticeable.
Foo Fighters were born in the wake of Nirvana
It’s been well-documented how Grohl formed Foo Fighters in the months that followed the suicide of Kurt Cobain.
He’s spoken many times about how music saved him, and that Foo Fighters was a way for him to move forward from tragedy. It’s only natural that he would rely on music again to help him heal.
However, circumstances have changed.
- It’s only been just over a year since losing Hawkins, and on top of it, a few months after Hawkins’ death Grohl’s beloved mother, Virginia, passed away.
- When Grohl formed Foo Fighters, they didn’t have the level of fame that they have now.
- He started something entirely new — he didn’t go back to the same band, and position. He chose not to play the drums in Foo Fighters–he stated that every time he sat behind a drum kit, it reminded him of Nirvana.
So how could being on tour without Hawkins not be difficult for him, night after night?
Not many bands have returned to touring quickly after a significant loss, and if they did it wasn’t without some carnage along the way (looking at you, Metallica). It takes most bands years to return. Some decide to never return.
On the same day of the Phoenix show, Foo Fighters announced a stadium tour for summer 2024.
On the heels of the Ohana Festival in Hawkins’ hometown
Prior to the Phoenix concert, Foo Fighters performed at the Ohaha Festival in Dana Point, CA, which coincidentally took place near Hawkins’ hometown of Laguna Beach, CA.
Before dedicating and performing the now staple “Aurora” (the first song Grohl and Hawkins wrote together), Grohl recounted memories of Hawkins and acknowledged his concern about returning to Laguna.
“I knew that tonight would be kinda heavy because we’re here where Taylor grew up,” he said.
The Phoenix show took place just two days after the Ohana Festival.
Maybe the timing had something to do with it. Or the location.
Earlier shows on the tour featured notable boosts, such as Grohl’s daughter, Violet, on backing vocals, or a surprise visit from Michael Bublé.
Phoenix is a city that gets underestimated for music fans. It’s not a major music hub like LA, NY, San Francisco, Chicago, Nashville, or Austin. It’s not unusual for bands to inadvertently “phone it in,” particularly after an industry-heavy show in nearby Los Angeles.
But Here We Are
The new Foo Fighters album, But Here We Are, was released on June 2, 2023, and is a masterpiece in reflecting themes of loss and grief.
Although some songs from the new album were woven in, the setlist was primarily an upbeat medley of their greatest hits — like nothing ever happened — much to the delight of the audience.
For fans expecting the concert to be an emotional experience similar to the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts, that wasn’t the case.
Perhaps the tribute shows were the time to honor Hawkins, and this tour is their way of moving forward.
But Here We Are is a heavy album, and it just might be too painful for Grohl (and the band) to perform it each night. They saved the haunting song, “The Teacher,” for the encore.
Grohl has always appeared somewhat superhuman with boundless energy and drive. He’s not one to sit still.
Everyone handles grief differently. It’s understandable and commendable that Foo Fighters would have the strength to continue on and move forward so quickly.
However, maybe we shouldn’t expect a high energy show and a “regular” concert every night. Maybe they shouldn’t either.
Maybe the tour is what’s needed, but it’s not only the music that will heal, but also the love and energy coming from the fans.
And you know what? That’s just fine. Foo Fighters’ music has been there for us during many difficult times over the past 26 years.
Maybe it’s our turn to be there for them.
****
Rating: 7/10
Tammy Holzer is a freelance writer, music fanatic, podcast co-host of Women of Rock, and writer/editor of Deep Rock Talks. For more music interviews, stories, and articles, follow her on Medium.
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