July 18, 2024

Foo Fighters played Citi Field (Night 1)


Foo Fighters were ready to kick-off the next eg of their U.S. summer tour, but sadly the weather had other plans.

Getting teased can be tough in more ways than one. Whether it happens to you when your kid when you get called names or made fun of, or in weird ways when you get older. A taste of something great just to have it taken away is no fun and that was unfortunately the case when Foo Fighters took the stage at Citi Field for what was supposed to be an epic summer night. Entering the stadium, the band immediately floored it with a robust and resounding "All My Life," a song that catapulted the energy all the way to the upper deck and instantly reminded everyone exactly why Dave Grohl has the reputation as one of rock and rolls greatest frontmen. Running down the catwalk with that charged up riff echoing behind him, the night seemed poised for greatness. And for about an hour, it really was feeling like something special. Cracking jokes from the get go and egging the crowd on with his witty jokes and determination to make everyone in attendance have the time of their life, Grohl's passion for his craft was evident from the moment he appeared. To see him up close as he commands the crowd is truly a sight to behold and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone else (musician or otherwise) who appears to enjoy their job and outlook on life with as much joy as Dave Grohl and all of that comes through with flying colors the moment he straps on his guitar to lead his band and let it rip. While we didn't get to hear all the hits (and certainly not some of the biggest ones many were patiently waiting to hear), what we were given was a hell of a sixty minute showcase that cleared any doubt as to how this band is still packing ballparks thirty years into their career. Massive sing-a-longs to raging anthems like "Times Like These" and "My Hero" hit with such an emotional punch that it hard to grasp the reality and power of the situation as tens of thousands shouted the words with utter conviction ad purpose. "The Pretender"  was another blast of pure rock and roll firepower and snippets of some of their favorite covers from Black Sabbath, Metallica, AC/DC, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, the Ramones, and Van Halen really got the capacity crowd revved up for what was about to come. Old school throwbacks (Dave's term, not really mine) "Generator" and "Breakout" did more to ignite the crowd as the band came together with unbridled power and grace that did more to knock any haters who think the band can't hang quite like they used to while "Learn to Fly" found the band in their comfort zone and let them do what they do best. Just went it felt like the band was in their sweet spot, lightning began to break over the stadium and the band were forced to exit the stage after an all too brief attempt to squeeze in "Everlong." As much as a disappoint as it was to be left hanging, it's certainly no fault of the band and it was evident that they wanted the show to go on as much as everyone else in the building. Still, seeing the Foos for an hour is still better than not seeing them at all.

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