One of the extraordinary traits of my favorite band, Foo Fighters, is their ability to turn even the smallest of venues into stadiums with their rawest rock performance and Dave Grohl’s infectious charisma. (They even toured in garages during their Wasting Light era.)
While the places the Foos have rocked at have varied in terms of capacity and intimacy, I never imagined they would step into a cramped yet iconic spot like NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts. But here we are. (Pun intended.)
After seeing that notification on YouTube, my jaw dropped so low that even my tongue almost went along. Never in my wildest dreams would I see Dave Grohl (lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist), Rami Jaffee (keyboardist), Chris Shiflett (lead guitarist/backup vocalist), Ilan Rubin (drummer/backup vocalist), Nate Mendel (bassist/backup vocalist), and Pat Smear (guitarist) perform stripped-down songs in the same space where Billie Eilish, Laufey, Post Malone, and even Living Colour performed. Even my Younger Brother (who is a more avid fan of Tiny Desk than I) quipped, “Huh? Foo Fighters?!” But still, it’s lovely to see the legendary alternative rock band perform some of their greatest hits and songs from their newest album, Your Favorite Toy, in a way that reminds me of MTV Unplugged.
Mr. Grohl’s use of the megaphone added another layer of intensity to the already aggressive “Spit Shine.” It brought tears to my eyes when they performed my newest favorite song, the anthem of the unseen, “Child Actor.” And, of course, seeing them play their signature songs, “Learn to Fly,” “My Hero,” and “Everlong” stripped down with the same stadium rock energy made me grin from ear to ear.
Overall, the Foo Fighters’ first appearance in Tiny Desk is a jaw-dropping yet pleasant surprise, and I hope this is not their last. Also, personally, I beg the heavens for more performances of “Child Actor” because the third-to-the-last track from Your Favorite Toy truly moved me.
Foo Fighters’ Tiny Desk Concert Setlist
| 1. Spit Shine – 0:10 |
| 2. Learn to Fly – 4:34 |
| 3. Child Actor – 09:44 |
| 4. My Hero – 14:15 |
| 5. Everlong – 18:54 |
See you in the next post.
Header image: Foo Fighters’ Tiny Desk Concert (from NPR Music’s YouTube channel). No copyright infringement intended.
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