Brief Review: Foo Fighters, Weezer, Kaiser Chiefs at Denver's Pepsi Arena

On Friday, September 30th, I had the opportunity to see the Foo Fighters, Weezer, and the Kaiser Chiefs at Denver's Pepsi Arena.

Thanks to my good friend, Stefanie Eulinberg, drummer for Kid Rock, and her friend Red, we got "working crew" passes, which meant we could go pretty much anywhere we wanted to in the arena.

I spent most of the evening with Stef and Red, chatting about the technical aspects of the show (lights, sound, touring, and other interesting stuff).

Unfortunately (or perhaps not), I was backstage during the Kaiser Chief's set meeting the Foo's drummer, Taylor Hawkins, and didn't get to check them out.

Taylor Hawkins and Stefanie Eulinberg

We went out for Weezer, though. While I was generally a little disappointed in their stage show, they sounded great. At the end of their set, they brought a random audience member up on stage to play acoustic guitar with the band for "The Sweater Song". The guy looked like it was the thrill of his life (it probably was!). At the end of the song, they escorted him off stage, and let him keep the acoustic guitar he played on stage. I hope he managed to hold on to it through the Foo's pounding, energetic set -- But more on that now...

Around 9:45 the Foo Fighters took to the stage. The difference between the bands was immediate. The energy level coming off the stage was amazing. Backed by a wall of (faux) speakers and amps, floating video panels, robotic lighting, and lasers, they looked as tough as they sounded. The crowd, ranging from head-bangers, to 10 year olds, and disabled folks in wheelchairs sang along through most of the set.

With one part demanding attitude and two parts humor, Dave Grohl kept the audience shouting, jumping, and generally keeping up with the band. One of the highlights of the show was Dave's acoustic (well, actually clean-electric) rendition of "Evermore". Truly spectacular - it gave me a new appreciation for the song, and I haven't stopped humming it for 5 days.

The Foo's came off a lot harder in concert than on their recordings. I immediately thought "of course: this guy was in Nirvana, after all". Dave Grohl's ability to keep head banging, jumping, and running across the stage while singing was stunning. At the end of the show, he did a brief "raise your hand if..." poll with the audience to gauge his demographics. "Enjoy it while you can" he says to those under 30. "I'm 36 and it sucks! I just blew out a muscle in my leg!" he admitted to the audience. They went nuts. Closing their encores with "Monkey Wrench", he led the band, limping off stage.

Dave Grohl "I blew out a muscle in my leg!"

I must admit, I've never really been into the Foo Fighters. This show really gave me an appreciation for the band. I've since gone back and listened to their music with a new-found interest.

The Foo Fighters rock out

The Foo Fighters are currently on tour with Weezer and the Kaiser Chiefs. Link to Ticketmaster