The Free Global Streaming Event, one-hour special from Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts streamed last tonight (21st May 2023) performing tracks from their upcoming 11th studio album But Here We Are alongside a bunch of classics. Filmed at Foo Fighters’ own 606 Studios in California, their live performances were accompanied with behind-the-scenes footage and a few initial surprises!
Starting with typical Foo banter, we open with a string of teasers of drummers starting with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers who wondered into the studio with the band commenting on his exit “It was good to see Chad” and “I love Chad“. Continuing with the casual chat, the band reminised over one of their first tours which was with Red Hot Chili Peppers where they all wore matching/colour coordinated outfits – that was over 20 years ago! Tommy Lee then joined the room entering with Chinese Food, followed by Danny Carey of Tool who “groomed [Dave’s] poodles!” with Grohl commenting on his exit – “What a bro“.
We were then finally shown the reveal of their brand new live drummer as…..drum roll…..veteran Josh Freese! Exciting news for rock fans everywhere. Freese has played with a variety of iconic rock bands including Guns N’ Roses, Sting, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, A Perfect Circle, Devo, and more. During their Veeps.com livestream performance, Freese wasted no time showing off his heavy-hitting approach to playing.
Freese’s attitude perfectly matches that of Dave Grohl and the late Taylor Hawkins, with whom he has inherited the spot. The band is preparing for a busy touring schedule in the second half of 2023, including headlining for various festivals. This announcement comes after the band reflected on the difficult year they have had together and the healing power of music.
There was a very humble moment before their performance of Monkey Wrench where Freese asked Grohl for advice on one of the drum fills after the middle block of the song, and seeing that level of respect between two exceptional musicians was highlight of the entire stream. They started at a faster speed than the normal tempo which you could see the band found ammusing trying to keep up with Freese’s pace but of course, completely nailed it! Once the song finished Dave was the first to comment with “Jeeeez Josh!” and Pat straight after with the compliment of the evening “Thats some Shane Hawkins speed right there!”.
Overall, the addition of Josh Freese as the Foo Fighter’s new drummer is a thrilling development that promises to bring a refreshing new energy to the band’s future performances. It is great to see the guys carrying on, as Taylor would have wanted, in their fun and passionate ways as they always bring to performances. Afterall, they just love playing some tunes with the guys.
Set List:
All My Life opening
Rescued
No Son of Mine
Under You
Working For A Livin’
Sky is a Neighbourhood
Nothing At All
Monkey Wrench
Aurora
This streaming event took place just three days before Foo Fighters play their first headline show since Taylor Hawkins’ death. Their upcoming new album But Here We Are has been dedicated to their late drummer Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl’s mother, Virginia.
