Foo Fighters at the O2 Arena

Following the release of their ninth studio album, Concrete and Gold, last week, Foo Fighters played a sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena, as part of their ten-year anniversary celebrations. It was an intense gig from start to finish, jam-packed with 27 of their best songs.

Taking to the stage a little late, the band kicked off with old track I’ll Stick Around to get the crowd going, followed by fan-favourites All My Life and Learn to Fly, the combination of which confirmed that this was going to be an unforgettable night. Despite the latter being nearly 20 years old, lead singer Dave Grohl’s vocals remain flawless as ever, and his stage presence is something to behold. Even when performing new songs Sky Is a Neighbourhood and La Dee Da, the group sounded faultless, and they never rely on gimmicks or stage props, just their talent to deliver an incredible show.

After some more crowd-pleasers, including The Pretender and the less-frequently played Rope, Grohl stopped to introduce the members of the band, who each performed short solos, including the first verse of Queen’s Tie Your Mother Down. The frontman repeatedly told the concertgoers that they would play all nigh – as Foo Fighters are known for breaking curfews – and with every tune the fans screamed for more so loud that, had the rockers had their way, the gig could have gone on into the early hours. But, nonetheless, the “limited” three hours contained hit after hit.

A bizarre highlight came in the form of Rick Astley, who joined them on stage to perform a (much rockier) cover of his famous song Never Gonna Give You Up, much to the audience’s delight. It was unexpected yet everything we could have hoped it would be. After seeing the crowd’s reaction, Grohl joked that he could never follow that performance, but quickly propelled into Best of You, arguably Foo Fighter’s most sing-a-long track, and the echoing of voices around the arena was incredible, as the lights were down and the phone torches were out.

Finishing with Everlong, it was an amazing end to an impeccable set that confirmed that Foo Fighters can do no wrong, and with the success of their new album, the band promised they would be back soon and that the end of the gig did not mean goodbye – leaving everyone with something to look forward to.

Naomi Penn
Photo: Pedro A Pina

For further information and future events visit the Foo Fighters website here.

Watch the video for The Sky is a Neighbourhood here.