Foo Fighters: Concrete and Gold Tour Kickoff

Foo Fighters secured a special place in my heart during their last tour in 2015, also known as the Broken Leg Tour. The performance at Citi Field in NYC woke up the sleeping artist in me. It was so long since I was in the presence of live music and their infectious energy that night sparked a sense of urgency in me propelling me to get back into writing.

It had been a while since I felt “inspired” enough to pen to paper. I can’t point to a specific moment of ignition that windy summer night but after that show, the creative energy in me craved to get out. I took local workshops, made a few likeminded friends and committed myself to cultivate and challenge my craft.

 

I was looking forward to being stirred up again by the Foos when they kicked off their tour at the grand opening of The Anthem in Washington DC. We were in Dave’s hometown and I knew it would be a helluva show!

The Anthem boasted to be state of the art with incredible views from every seat. You could smell the newness as you entered and staff greeted you with their best grand opening smiles. It's an impressive place that fits about 6,000 people - spacious yet intimate filled with lots of golden lights throughout creating a soft amber glow. Merch stands, bars and ladies room stalls were plentiful. Holla!

I have always been pit intimidated because of my size (short AF) and the size of my bladder (small AF). My best friend once tried to convince me to go into the pit, saying we could “rock Depends diapers” in case of an emergency. No. One of my greatest fears is pissing my pants, so no way was I doing it on purpose.

That night, however, we found a good close spot on the floor with average height pit peers ahead of us. The venue was medium-sized so it brought the intimidation level down a bit.

The Struts opened the show with their sensational force of energy and sparky aura. Literally. Their lead singer, Luke Spiller, often wears sequins.

But, once the house lights came down and the Foos appeared with Dave dashing onto the stage, it was a body rush full of goosebumps, butterflies and the guttural woohs and aahs reserved only for live music shows of this caliber.

Dave blew me a high voltage kiss when he opened with “I’ll Stick Around” whose hook, “I don't owe you anything!” was my teenage life motto. Probably still is.

The set list was lit - old shit, new shit, cover shit. They’re the fuckin Foo Fighters! It’s always The Best, The Best, The Best, The Best of themselves and that is a major reason fans love em.

The show was full of highlights like a harmonious Dave and Taylor front-men duo for “Bitch” (The Rolling Stones cover) with the owner of the new joint, Seth Hurwitz on drums. It was hilarious seeing Dave and Taylor tag team drum haze him, saying, “Don't fuck it up Seth.” “Yeah - don’t fuck it up, Seth!” 

Dave and Taylor with Seth Hurwitz on drums as captured by my rail queen friend, Heide. Check out her IG page, she has great vids of bands in addition to being hilarious and inspiring. * I was so touched that the beautiful Chris Cornell drum kit tribute was up for the show. Love & Respect. #chriscornellforever *

Seth later got on the mic to applaud “Dave Grohl" and the Foo Fighters saying that they really are the nicest guys. Dave’s response? A middle finger in the air which triggered me and my best friend, Glori to do the same to him. ;-)

Taylor singing “Sunday Rain” off their new record, Concert and Gold was spectacular! He has this really cool, soothing, raspy retro rock voice and to be honest, I was glad that he wasn't singing “Cold Day in the Sun.” It’s usually my pee song.

The most perfect song of the night (even more perfect than my beloved “Everlong”) was “Run”. That shit live, OMG, was a head swinging, body bumpin, air drum playing, hands in the air, scream sing along doozy. Add in the light show and BAM.

A few months ago, I was inches away from Dave Grohl at a book signing in NYC for his mom, Virginia Grohl’s book, From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars. After the Q&A, the crowd swarmed in on him, so I never got an autograph or pic but it was still an insanely surreal moment seeing his trademark black forearm tattoos up close.

At The Anthem, he ran to my side of the stage and I saw those same forearm tattoos up close again, this time sweaty and ripping his signature light blue Gibson guitar. He was only feet away in his element, swinging his long brown locks back and forth, giving us a peak of his wet pink cheeks with every swinging motion.

Yes - this is happening!

I hard smile and dance along until - - we now interrupt this moment for a message from Samsung, Apple, LG - -

Phones! Phones! Phones!

They were everywhere! Raised above heads with one arm up, both arms up, blocking a life experience for me AND for them. Why? Only to be relived later through digital channels and not revel in the actual moment? THE moment!

I was pissed (figuratively - I didn't wear Depends). This happened over and over every time he came to our side. And yeah, I get it. I have a couple of videos too but not 15 videos of song after song, precious moment after precious moment, now memories stored on the cloud and not in the mind.

Interestingly enough one of the worst offenders was my 60-something year old pit neighbor. I didn’t have the heart (or balls – she was pretty badass) to ask her to stop. She was way worse with phone etiquette than my teenage neighbor who was busy jumping up and down to her favorite songs. Ha!

The show itself was nothing less than an awesome exchange of blaring love energy for the band, the fans and rock & roll. Til next time, boys!

The glorious Foos - Dave, Pat, Nate, Chris and Taylor (where's Rami?)
Beautiful capture taken by my Foo Sister and pit buddy, Nora Vetter.

Have you seen the Foos live? 

Or, has anyone recently blocked your concert view with a phone? I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts. 

Feel free to engage in the comments below. <3

The Anthem Set list

1. I'll Stick Around        
2. All My Life
3. Learn to Fly
4. The Sky Is a Neighborhood
5. The Pretender
6. These Days
7. Rope
8. Big Me
9. Congregation
10. Walk
11. My Hero
12. Sunday Rain
13. Arlandria
14. Monkey Wrench
15. Another One Bites the Dust (Queen cover) (short sample during Pat Smear’s solo)
16. Dirty Water
17. Make It Right
18. Times Like These
19. Breakout
20. Run
21. Bitch (The Rolling Stones cover) (Seth Hurwitz, owner of The Anthem on drums)
22. Best of You
23. Everlong

Let's Play Two

A personal recap of a great film about the greatest band

I brought the hype with me to view the new Danny Clinch film, Let’s Play Two, which documented two of Pearl Jam’s most memorable shows at Wrigley Field last year. The PJ community was buzzing with excitement around the film and as expected, it did not disappoint.

Being blessed enough to have experienced those two shows live in all of their adrenaline boosting awesomeness, watching the film was like reliving it, this time with a backstage pass.

Let’s Play Two hit a double home run - it was two hours of smiling, singing, clapping, laughing, hand-over-heart moments that made me have to see it again the next day and bring my dad and little brother along!  

My dudes aren't Pearl Jam fans at all, but the way the film paralleled the historical, monumental Cubs championship with the perfect selection of song performances, amplified by the energy of impassioned, ride or die fans was seamless. There was no doubt my guys would relate to the overarching themes of hope, devotion and camaraderie. Plus, they knew of my “band adventures” and this was the perfect opportunity to share more about them.

The film played at the IFC Theater, a no frills spot off of West 4th Street in NYC. Danny was even there the first night for Q&A following the show which was super cool!

Let’s Play Two represented the guys for who they are - genuine, grateful, talented-beyond-belief men that share a fierce passion for their art and people. Pearl Jam songs are often true to life and stimulate thought and emotion. 

As portrayed in the film, the concerts were so much more than just a “show” with a sweaty, crazy-eyed, cussing frontman (although that is one amazing aspect). They are like reciprocal rock recitals of loyal love, enlivened enthusiasm, and sincere respect for the power of music and the community it inspires. Healing takes place there, all while jamming out with some of the greatest rock and rollers of our time.  

Throughout the concert clips, my dad would make declarations like, “Wow!” after a McCready solo or “That was awesome!” at the end of a song or “That drummer, my God!”  He tried to score some credibility with me during Jeremy by saying, “Oh yeah, I know this song,” while groovin to it. My brother (who is 16) was quiet throughout the film but did not check his phone once, so, score!

A memorable moment was when a fan named John was being interviewed outside of Wrigley Field. He was camped out for 4 days to get his perfect spot on the rail. When asked about his favorite performance, he got choked up and referenced Release being played at show around the time he lost his dad. 

Shortly after we get a glimpse of Ed dedicating Release to him during one of the Wrigley shows. Even though one was on stage and one was in the pit, they were united in that moment. Ed personalized one of the lyrics with John’s name and he was brought to tears. Those alongside John placed their hands on his shoulders in comfort.

That’s my band, I thought.

It is evident that the band has a mutual love and respect for their fans. Danny echoed this sentiment during the Q&A when he repeated a few times that the band “loves their fans” and it meant a lot. It’s something we know and see but still a beautiful thing to be reminded of.

Another striking scene, my favorite actually, was when the group was rehearsing on the roof of Murphy’s Bleachers. A usually robust and beer clanging space became an incredibly intimate setting. The guys were in a circle tuning their instruments and exchanging laughs. The vibe shifted when you heard the soulful sound of Ed singing Thumbing My Way, his head low while strumming an amber acoustic guitar in the gentle golden hue of the late day sun. A tranquil but powerful moment soon to be offset by the hilarity of Ed’s confusion at the sight of fans gathered outside of Murphy’s Bleachers at news of the band being there. “That’s crazy,” he responded as he shrugged his shoulders and walked off.

We also got a personal glimpse into Ed’s Cubs fandom and saw how serious he takes the game. During the Q&A Danny shared that even after being around Ed all these years, he was shocked to see how immensely involved Ed was as a fan, using score cards and all. 

It was rad seeing him geek out during Cubs wins and game plays and how deeply the losses affected him. But, he was a hopeful fan like the rest and no matter how dire the series appeared, hope prevailed in the city. I appreciated all the fun Wrigleyville fan footage. Having reveled in Wrigleyville, I knew the town must have been a robust and exhilarating place during that time. 

The culmination and visually vibrant cinematography of the Alive performance paired with scenes from the World Series win leading up to the iconic Clinch capture of Ed jumping above gravity was phenomenal! I gasped and applauded at this during both screenings and it got another another big “Wow!” from my dad. 

Let’s Play Two for the win!

Me and my guys on the second night

Some shots from Wrigley!

The local bars love PJ fans!!

PJ fans unite! First time meeting my PJ Instagram fam in person! She's as sweet as she is beautiful and made personalized "Alive stick man" gifts for us! #jamily

Oh, just getting ready for the time of our lives...

Bros bonding during Black. Check out the video here.

Let's Drink Two!

Bless the heart of the man that took this pic and cut off the head of Ernie Banks.
He was so pleased when he returned the phone after the pic. If he only knew...

Who else saw the film or attended the Wrigley shows? Would love to hear about your experience too, so feel free to share in the comments below.