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John Aizlewood's rating
, Friendly face of rock and Grohl
By
John Aizlewood
19 Nov 2007
In 1994, when Kurt Cobain's suicide put an end to Nirvana, the odds against drummer Dave Grohl not only transforming himself into a singing, songwriting guitarist but forming a new band who commercially outperformed his old would have been long indeed. Yet that's exactly what happened and after six feisty, pop-grunge albums, Grohl is a major attraction in his own right.
Although they seem to have risen without trace, Foo Fighters (named after alleged UFOs sighted during the Second World War) have tip-toed their way to the top via songs which either sweep forwards like benign hurricanes such as Breakout, or - when the going gets acoustic as it did in a 20-minute sub-set delivered from a stage in the centre of the seething masses - charm like old friends, especially the haunting, much-loved Skin And Bones.
Equally pivotal to their adoration is Grohl's magnetically sunny disposition, a giant belch by way of an initial greeting notwithstanding. He is the anti-Cobain, a man who introduces his band as "really nice people" and who gives every impression of finding his success a source of boundless joy.
Last night, that joy transferred itself to a second sell-out O2 night. Reports suggest that come 31 December, the O2 will have sold more tickets than any other venue in the world this year. This, of course, does not equate to it being the most "popular" venue in the world, although its food and drink prices are certainly world class.
The O2's post-gig transport nightmare had even filtered through to Grohl. "I know you all have a train to catch," he teased, "but I don't care!" Clearly, he was not exiting the venue by the dreaded Jubilee line and, as ever, by an encore which included a disappointingly PC version of The Dead Kennedys' peerless Holiday In Cambodia sung by System Of A Down's Serj Tankian, ticketholders were already reluctantly braving the sleet to get home.
Grohl was the ideal frontman, smiling, fist shaking and chasing from one side of the stage to the other. More surprisingly, he was always vocally accomplished, and not merely in comparison with drummer Taylor Hawkins who croaked his way uncomfortably through Cold Day In The Sun.
With personnel numbering between four and eight, Foo Fighters dipped into their back catalogue for the big, breezy choruses of This Is A Call, grappled with the rarely aired My Poor Brain during the encore, while their new material, particularly the opening Let It Die and the atypically waspish Cheer Up Boys (Your Make Up Is Running) suggest their songwriting is now worthy of their status.
"We'll be back," trilled Grohl towards the end of a two-hour set, "sooner than you think." They're always welcome.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (9)
After seeing Foo fighters three times before, I knew they were an awesome live band band but oh my who would have thought they would be that good, easily the best gig i've ever been to. Serj Tankian was very very disapointing, funny moments but it just didn't work, he was trying to be too clever and political, came across as annoying. First band, fairly average to be honest, but pretty good.
Back to Foo Fighters, that acoustic stage was one of the most impressive things ive ever seen, and 'My Hero' was the best live song ive ever heard...EVER! was amazing... Everlong was also super!
Already got my tickets for 2008 'special' Wembley arena tour! It's gonna be in the round! How amazing does that sound!
- Alex Lang, Eltham, London, 22/11/2007 22:07
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Just completely awesome. That was the 7th time of seeing them and they just never ever fail.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK, 21/11/2007 12:55
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A small group of us went to the Sunday night gig, their last night and I have to say it was the best gig I had ever been to. Dave Grohl was unbelievable, I have never seen a band so passionate and motivated, they are the best rock band in the world, words can't describe it. The whole band are just completely connected. I can't wait to see them again on the 3rd June, bring it on!
- Tracy Hendron, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, 20/11/2007 17:47
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I was at the O2 on Saturday, the first band (sorry, didn't catch the name) reminded me of 70s band Free. Serj Tankian, showing my ignorance here, hadn't heard of him before but very, very interesting and then The Foo's. Not sure how many superlatives you can think of, but however many you can think of, double it. Outstanding, awesome, brilliant, life-changing etc., etc., Grohl is without doubt a rock god and then don't forget the rest of the band, who drive the whole thing. I have seen a few bands in my time and they rate right up there with the best. And the most important thing about the whole event, they really really enjoyed themselves... do anything to see them, the best on the scene at the moment.
- Bruce, Sevenoaks, Kent, 20/11/2007 14:04
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My son and I were at the Saturday night show and it was the greatest night of our lives. The band was on fire. Thanks Dave, you were truly awesome.
- Graham Legg, Wimborne, Dorset, 19/11/2007 21:43
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My son and I were at the Saturday night show and it was the greatest night of our lives. The band was on fire. Thanks Dave, you were truly awesome.
- Graham Legg, Wimborne, Dorset, 19/11/2007 21:43
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I was there Saturday and it was pure class. Roll on June 7th at Wembley.
- Sarah, Chelmsford, Essex, 19/11/2007 19:46
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See Grohl in the last 15 mins of "Pick of Destiny"- hilarious!
- Robert, London, 19/11/2007 13:44
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I was at the Saturday night gig,and I have got to say it was the best gig I have ever experienced. The Foo Fighters have got to be the best rock band in the world. Dave and the band performed their hearts out! It was a truly amazing night...one I will never forget...We love you Dave!
- Dawn Clowes, Sidcup, Kent, 19/11/2007 13:25
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