Los Angeles has long been a mecca for live music, with its concert venues serving as the stage for some of the most unforgettable performances in rock history. But on the night of August 9, 2024, BMO Stadium became more than just a venue—it transformed into a sacred space of musical tribute, celebration, and catharsis as Foo Fighters made their emotional return to the City of Angels. With a crowd packed to the brim with longtime fans and newcomers alike, Dave Grohl and the rest of the band delivered an electrifying performance that felt like a love letter to their fans, their late drummer Taylor Hawkins, and the power of music itself.
The Spirit of Taylor Hawkins Looms Large
From the moment Foo Fighters hit the stage, the emotional weight of the night was palpable. The tragic loss of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022 still lingers heavily in the hearts of fans and the band alike. His presence, though absent physically, was felt in every beat of the night’s setlist. Grohl, ever the charismatic frontman, opened the show with a heartfelt dedication to Hawkins, setting the tone for what would be an emotionally charged night.
The show kicked off with a roaring rendition of “All My Life,” sending shockwaves through the crowd as Grohl’s raw vocals matched the thunderous beats of newly inducted drummer Josh Freese. The energy was infectious, as fans—many of whom had followed the band since their early days—screamed along to every word. The sound at BMO Stadium was as polished as it was gritty, a testament to the band’s enduring musicianship and their ability to bring their recorded magic to life.
But it wasn’t just a night of blistering rock anthems. In a more intimate moment, Grohl paused before performing “Aurora,” a track that has taken on a new significance since Hawkins’ passing. Known as Hawkins’ favorite Foo Fighters song, the hauntingly beautiful melody seemed to stop time. Grohl’s voice cracked slightly, and the audience joined him in a cathartic chorus, singing every word as though the song was a collective tribute to a fallen friend. This was not just a concert—it was a grieving process, and the audience was part of it.
A Career-Spanning Setlist for the Ages
The Foo Fighters’ setlist that night was a perfect balance of new tracks from their latest album But Here We Are and classic anthems that have defined their storied career. As Grohl roared through tracks like “Monkey Wrench,” “The Pretender,” and “Times Like These,” it was clear that Foo Fighters have lost none of their edge. Each guitar riff seemed sharper, each drumbeat more profound, and every lyric more poignant in the wake of everything the band has been through in recent years.
In typical Foo Fighters fashion, the show was peppered with humor and Grohl’s signature banter. “We’re not crying—you’re crying!” Grohl joked at one point, wiping his eyes after another emotional tribute to Hawkins. The crowd laughed through their tears, their collective grief temporarily lifted by the joy of being part of a community united by music.
The performance was not without its moments of levity, either. In a surprise twist, Grohl invited his daughter, Violet Grohl, onstage for a stirring duet of “Shame Shame.” The father-daughter moment was a touching highlight of the night, showcasing not only Grohl’s vocal prowess but also the talent that runs in the family. Violet’s ethereal voice added a new layer of emotion to the already heavy atmosphere, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
A Night of Sonic Highs and Emotional Lows
If the first half of the show was an emotional rollercoaster, the second half was an all-out rock explosion. The band launched into “Everlong,” a track that has become synonymous with Foo Fighters’ live performances. As the opening chords rang out, the audience erupted into a sea of hands and voices, singing along with a fervor that only a Foo Fighters show could ignite.
But it wasn’t all about looking back. The band’s new material held its own alongside the classics, particularly “The Teacher,” a 10-minute epic that has quickly become a fan favorite. The track, dedicated to Grohl’s late mother, served as a reminder that loss and love are intertwined—and that the band’s journey, much like life itself, is far from over.
What made the night truly special, though, was the atmosphere of resilience and hope. While the weight of Hawkins’ absence was felt throughout the set, Foo Fighters showed that they are still very much alive and kicking. Their new songs are as vibrant and urgent as anything they’ve ever written, and their live performances continue to be a masterclass in how to channel raw emotion into art.
Encore of a Lifetime
The encore, as expected, was a highlight of the night. Foo Fighters returned to the stage to the deafening roar of the crowd, launching into “Best of You” with all the ferocity they had left. The anthemic track seemed to take on a new meaning in the context of the evening—this was a band that had weathered the storm, and they were giving their best, not just to the fans but to the memory of their lost brother.
As fireworks lit up the Los Angeles sky, Foo Fighters closed the night with “Everlong,” the perfect capstone to a night filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. The entire stadium was singing, swaying, and basking in the glow of a night they would never forget.
A Band Reborn
Foo Fighters’ return to Los Angeles was more than just a concert—it was a testament to the healing power of music. Through their performance, the band reminded everyone in attendance why they are one of the greatest rock bands of all time. In a city that has seen its fair share of legendary performances, this one stands out as an emotional, powerful, and utterly unforgettable night.
While the loss of Taylor Hawkins will always cast a shadow over the band, Foo Fighters showed that they are not defined by tragedy. Instead, they are a band that endures, that pushes through the darkness to find the light. And for the thousands of fans who packed into BMO Stadium that night, they left not just with memories of a great rock show, but with a renewed sense of hope.
