Foo Fighters' Los Angeles Concert Review: A Birthday Celebration Like No Other
When Dave Grohl celebrates his birthday with a concert in Los Angeles, it’s always a memorable event. The last time he did this was back in 2015, and I was fortunate enough to be in attendance then as well. That previous show was a grand affair, filled with surprise guests and a plethora of spectacular moments. However, Wednesday night’s performance at the Kia Forum felt intentionally more intimate, a feat considering it took place in an arena that holds 18,000 people. There were no extravagant theatrics, no gimmicks, just the Foo Fighters in their purest form.
The band began by recognizing the absence of guitarist Pat Smear, whose image was projected on Ilan Rubin's drum kit. They dedicated their opening track to him, starting with "My Hero," which set an immediate emotional tone for the night. Without allowing the audience to fully settle in, they seamlessly transitioned into "All My Life," indicating that there would be no gradual ramp-up; it was time to rock.
As the performance progressed, "Times Like These" arrived like an old friend, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity, while "The Pretender" electrified the atmosphere, energizing not just the audience but the entire block surrounding the venue. Grohl’s engaging banter oscillated between light-hearted humor and heartfelt sincerity, encouraging the crowd to join in. At one point, the cheers became less about the band and transformed into a collective expression of joy and unity. We weren’t merely spectators; we became part of something greater, yelling together in unison – it felt cathartic.
The night featured a birthday cake, a rotating stage, and a poignant tribute to the late Taylor Hawkins, whose spirit seemed to linger in every corner of the venue. Grohl became visibly emotional during these moments. Friends and fellow musicians joined him not merely as special guests but as beloved family members, including Chad Smith, Beck, Matt Bellamy, Alison Mosshart, Josh Homme, and Butch Vig, all gathered to honor someone they deeply cherish.
Even within the vastness of the Forum, the connection felt intimate. By the time "Monkey Wrench" blasted through the speakers, the audience was completely absorbed. While phones were present, they weren't the focus; everyone was genuinely engaged in the music. Grohl took a moment to express gratitude to the fans for their contributions to Hope United, doing so with genuine appreciation without making the moment self-centered. He thanked everyone multiple times, emphasizing the importance of the occasion.
As expected, "Everlong" brought the evening to a close, yet it didn’t feel like just another finale. Instead, it felt hard-earned and profoundly moving. Despite its familiarity, it still managed to evoke emotion and surprise, a remarkable achievement for a band with such a lengthy career.
Grohl, along with Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Ilan Rubin, Rami Jaffee, and Jason Falkner (filling in for Smear), moved together with a synergy that stems from years of shared experiences. There was nothing flashy about their performance; every moment was purposeful.
Last night wasn’t merely a concert; it felt like a gathering of friends. There was no agenda, no pretense—just a band delivering what they do best: connecting through music.
Foo Fighters Setlist:
- My Hero (dedicated to Pat Smear)
- All My Life
- Times Like These
- The Pretender
- La Dee Da
- These Days
- Walk
- Stacked Actors
- Learn to Fly
- Run
- This Is a Call
- No Son of Mine (including an interlude of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades”)
- Under You (dedicated to Taylor Hawkins)
- Aurora
- White Limo
- Arlandria
- Monkey Wrench
- Hey, Johnny Park!
- Best of You
Encore:
- Exhausted
- Everlong
Foo Fighters Photo Gallery
