Picture this: a rock anthem from over two decades ago suddenly roaring back to life in a packed arena, surprising fans who never thought they'd hear it that way again. That's the magic Foo Fighters delivered on October 10 at the Glion Arena in Kobe, Japan, when they unleashed the original album version of 'Breakout' for the very first time since 2002. But here's where it gets intriguing – what makes this revival so special, and why does it stir up such nostalgia among die-hard fans?
For those just getting into the band, Foo Fighters are the powerhouse rock group led by Dave Grohl, known for their high-energy shows and anthems that define the genre. 'Breakout' comes from their third studio album, 'There Is Nothing Left To Lose,' where it sits as the second track and was later released as the fourth single. It's a gritty, pulsing song about breaking free from constraints – think driving riffs and Grohl's signature raw vocals that capture that rebellious spirit. At the concert, frontman Dave Grohl set the stage with a cheeky intro: 'Let’s do something we haven’t done in a long, long time,' before diving into the song's iconic opening bars, leaving the crowd in stunned delight.
This Kobe show is part of the band's current tour leg, which has them rocking stages in Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Mexico through November. If you're a fan of surprise sets, this lineup keeps things fresh and unpredictable.
And this is the part most people miss – the full setlist from that night, which blended classics with deep cuts to create an unforgettable journey. Here's what they played:
- ‘Enough Space’
- ‘All My Life’
- ‘Rope’
- ‘The Pretender’
- ‘Times Like These’
- ‘La Dee Da’
- ‘These Days’
- ‘Walk’
- ‘My Hero’
- ‘Learn to Fly’
- ‘This Is a Call’
- ‘No Son of Mine’
- ‘The Sky Is a Neighborhood’
- ‘Shame Shame’
- ‘Big Me’
- ‘Monkey Wrench’
- ‘Aurora’
- ‘Breakout’ (album version)
- ‘Best of You’
- ‘Exhausted’
- ‘Everlong’
As if that wasn't enough excitement, Foo Fighters dropped a brand-new live album just earlier that month on October 3. Titled 'Are Playing Where??? Vol. I,' this six-track gem captures the raw energy of their recent intimate club gigs. For beginners wondering what makes live albums special, they're recordings of actual performances, often more stripped-down and electric than studio versions, giving you a taste of the chaos and connection between band and audience.
These shows marked the Foos' first live outings in over a year, hitting spots like San Luis Obispo, Santa Ana, Washington D.C., and New Haven. The press release describes them as 'absolutely ripping live tracks recorded in front of dozens, possibly hundreds of lucky fans at the band’s recent surprise club gigs.' It's that intimate vibe that makes them feel exclusive, like sneaking into a secret party with your favorite musicians.
The tracklist dives deep into their roots, featuring songs from their self-titled debut album in 1995: 'Alone + Easy Target,' 'Exhausted,' 'Wattershed,' and 'Weenie Beenie.' There's also a bonus-era live take on 'Winnebago' and a rendition of 'White Limo' from their 2011 album 'Wasting Light.' Fans can stream the whole album for free on Bandcamp or grab a digital copy on a 'pay what you want' basis – and the best part? Any money raised goes straight to local charities in those cities where the gigs happened. As the band put it in their description: 'Hope you check out more music while you are here. Long live rock!!!'
Speaking of the band's journey, their latest effort, the 11th album 'But Here We Are,' hit shelves in 2023. It was their first new material following the tragic loss of drummer Taylor Hawkins the year before, a heart-wrenching event that shook the rock world. To keep the momentum going, they brought in Josh Freese as a touring drummer – a seasoned pro who added his flair to the live shows.
Over the summer, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, the Foos unveiled a fresh single called 'Today’s Song,' a nod to their storied past and the members who've shaped them. But here's where things get controversial – drummer changes have become a bit of a pattern for the band. Earlier this year, Josh Freese announced he was out after the group decided to pivot in a different direction. They swapped him out for Ilan Rubin, who was previously drumming for Nine Inch Nails. Is this constant shuffling a sign of creative evolution, or could it be disrupting the band's signature groove? Some fans argue it keeps things fresh, while others worry it dilutes the original chemistry.
After his debut gigs, Ilan Rubin opened up about the experience, sharing: 'After keeping my head down for a couple wild months and throwing myself into the material, that first show was such an incredible release of energy.' It's a testament to how the band welcomes new blood while honoring their legacy.
What do you think? Does the Foo Fighters' approach to reviving old songs and rotating drummers enhance their legacy, or is it a risky move that might alienate purists? Do you believe playing 'Breakout' in its original form was a brilliant callback, or should they stick to newer material? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a totally different take!
