Photos by Dylan Simmons
The last time I was in proximity to the Foo Fighters was when my pregnant mother went to their acoustic set two decades ago. A couple months later, a forever fan was born. While I may not have formed any lasting memories of that show, I can confidently say I will remember this night at the Kia Forum for the rest of my life.
The band hosted a large-scale benefit concert on the evening of Dave Grohl’s 57th birthday. In collaboration with Hope the Mission and Los Angeles Mission, the band donated a portion of their ticket profits to organizations combating poverty and homelessness across the county. The night marked one of community, generosity, and a shared love of rock.
As I explored the halls of the arena, giant portraits of George Harrison and Michael Jackson lined the walls. Pushing past a sea of polo tees and bedazzled Foo Fighters’ shirts, I felt noticeably younger than the average fan. However, I also noticed many parents accompanying their young children — a marker of the Foo Fighters’ unique ability to bring people together and attract a fanbase spanning generations.
Right as the clock struck 8:30, a video of guitarist Pat Smear lit up the jumbotron. He announced how he had to miss the show due to a broken leg but wished Grohl a happy birthday and for us to have a great time.
Once the video ended, the entire arena cheered as the Foo Fighters strided across the stage and took position at their respective instruments. Chaotic noise began to fill the venue as Dave Grohl yelled into the mic, rallying up the crowd before him and dedicating the first song to Smear. All of a sudden, the opening percussion to “My Hero” began to fill the venue, as Grohl embraced his signature blue Gibson and played the iconic riff. As Grohl finished the first verse, the crowd shouted the chorus back to him. The music filled the entire arena, evoking a vibrant energy that enveloped each and every person in the crowd.
A running bit throughout the show was the Forum’s revolving stage that seemed to have a mind of its own. This unique aspect allowed the band to engage with every angle of the crowd, and they clearly had a blast running around the spinning stage.
I was also transfixed by the extended instrumental solos that tied the setlist together, emphasizing the band’s undeniable talent as musicians and offering a truly unique live experience. After seeing so many concerts reliant upon recorded tracks, the Foo Fighters made me realize how much energy is lost without a live band. “Old school,” Grohl said. “That’s how we do it.”
When the opening chords to “Pretender” traveled through the arena, energy sizzled throughout the crowd as they were gearing up to chant the anticipated chorus. In the middle of an instrumental break, Grohl asked, “Do you love rock and roll music?” The crowd erupted in cheers, but the frontman still wasn’t satisfied. Taunting the crowd, he repeated the question and somehow the crowd grew even louder. “Well I got that rock and roll,” Groal gloated as he descended into the rest of the song.
My favorite performance of the night was of “Aurora,” one of the band’s softer songs. I instantly felt transported back to high school when I would listen to the band with my family. Even though I was rocking it solo in the crowd, the sense of community and connection the Foo Fighters instilled through their music was hard to miss.
Another standout track was “Best of You,” which permeated the arena with a blend of sweet nostalgia and fiery passion. The entire performance transfixed the crowd under a hypnotic spell — which may also be accredited to the constant spinning stage. At the last note of the song, Grohl thanked the audience and the band made their way off the stage.
Not long after, the Foo Fighters thankfully returned to the stage to perform an obligatory encore. As purple and pink hues lit up the stage, the band broke into an instrumental frenzy of “Exhausted.” The electricity of the song rallied the audience full of energy for one last hoorah. As the song ended, people lingered, waiting to see if they would play the song. With just one familiar stroke of the guitar, the crowd roared so loud the arena rumbled. As Grohl sang the opening line to “Everlong,” I couldn’t believe I was witnessing something I have been wishing to see for nearly a decade. The crowd sang, cried, and danced their hearts away.
The Foo Fighters’ benefit show proved just how powerful music can be. Not only can it shape communities and offer lasting memories, but it can leverage its power for change.
