Donned in a black button down, black pants, tangled locks, and blue Gibson, lead singer and guitarist for the Foo Fighters Dave Grohl confessed, “[this is] the first time I’ve sold out the arena in my hometown,” to an at-capacity crowd last Friday at the Verizon Center—located just miles from the DC suburbs where he grew up (and where he notably recorded his Grammy-nominated album, The Colour and the Shape).
With a set longer than most major motion pictures (just under three hours… yes… three), and more energy than a Capitals vs. Penguins showdown, the Foo Fighters came to DC with every intention to put on a show everyone would be talking about. Sure enough they did—I think my ears are still ringing.
The night opened with “Bridge Burning,” the premier track off the band’s latest release, Wasting Light. The arena-echoing rifts and extended guitar-solos vibrating from the fingertips of Grohl and guitarist Pat Smear kept Foo fans on their feet for every moment of the marathon set.
180 minutes of relentless rock shook the venue to its core, putting the energy and talents of the band to the ultimate test. Running corner to corner on the stage and even out into the center of the arena floor, the Foo Fighters frontman made sure even “the shittiest seats in the house” were having a good time.
Although Grohl may have opted not to “scream his balls off,” entirely, that is, on “Monkey Wrench,” his voice was best served for the six-song encore that featured acoustic renditions of “Wheels,” “Best of You,” and “These Days” on an elevated platform towards the rear of the venue.
Legendary punk rock guitarist Bob Mould joined the Foos on stage during “Dear Rosemary,” having recorded the song with the band. Together the rock and roll force transitioned into a cover of Tom Petty’s “Breakdown” and concluded with The Colour and The Shape favorite, “Everlong.”
Currently opening for the tour are Social Distortion and up-and-coming Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable—with whom we had a chance to sit down and chat before the show. Look for Jon’s interview soon!
In the meantime, check out more shots from the night below.
Photos by Amy Willard
