Of the Foo Fighters

Western Springs, Auckland, New Zealand. December 13, 2011.A last-minute pair of tickets meant that I got to go to a show that I really wanted to attend but couldn’t afford to when ticket sales were open. I am grateful.After dashing home from a networking event to change into something a little more bogan, and definitely more weatherproof, I met my mate and we made our way to the venue.An aside: I am still very amused by the choice of attire of people at these events. Heels really don’t work on a muddy, grassed surface. And rain is the great equaliser. You can’t look your best wearing plastic ponchos and having your hair plastered down your face. Pretentiousness out the window, freedom to enjoy, in.As a side note, thankfully the rain eased up during the show. Still, it wouldn’t have mattered too much. It really added to the experience for me.It’s been a while since I went to a concert - and this was so good.The band played for 2:45hrs. And rocked. They have amazing fitness and stamina.  Old songs, new songs. Hits, not-yet-hits.Dave Grohl gave a lesson in how to connect with a crowd. I was hugely impressed.I especially enjoyed the people-watching.I saw people wearing plastic bags (the New World ones really weren’t that successful). I saw a guy wearing a ‘Creed’ shirt (there is actually no reason for that kind of behaviour). I saw a lot of air-guitar and air-drums.I see a few people complaining about the sound. Well, it's an outdoor stadium. Wind affects it. And they threw a lot of power into the PA to resolve. If you want 'studio quality' you may as well sit in your car with a CD.Thankfully, the ‘Woooooooooo’ guy from the Santana concert wasn’t standing behind me. That would have elicited a few complaints from me...A good night? Absolutely.I think that Grohl fellow may have a career in music ahead of him.- S