SPILL FEATURE: ALMOST A SATIRE OF WHAT A ROCK STAR WAS - A CONVERSATION WITH BOB WEGNER: MUSIC HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR OF MAX WEBSTER: HIGH CLASS
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SPILL NEW MUSIC: HIGHWAYVES DEAL WITH ESCAPISM WITH INTENSE ALT-ROCK WHIRLWIND "EVIE"
FOO FIGHTERS w/ TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS & HOT MILK
@ AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE (AU)
DECEMBER 4, 2023
Support acts Hot Milk & Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers were up first on Monday night, opening for what could easily be considered one of the world’s biggest bands, the Foo Fighters, at AAMI Park, with a capacity of up to 32,000.
Hot Milk up first, Hannah “Han” Mee and Jim Shaw dominated the stage with a unique dual vocal harmony, the first support act in the sweltering 32 degrees heat; no doubt the Manchester locals would have been feeling the effects but didn’t seem to detract as Mee threw herself recklessly around the stage for the entire 30-min set. “Bloodstream” with lyrics “kaleidoscope of the abyss…baptise me in acid rain” paints a picture of this band’s unique twist.
Something very Veruca Salt about Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers was musically engaging, they did not quite hit the energy level of Hot Milk, remaining relatively stationary, as was the crowd engagement, not quite meeting the threshold until later in the set, which is forgivable considering the massiveness of the crowd. When I think they are lyrically uncomplicated, they play “Your House, My House” and “Salt” simply, but there’s a depth to the lyrics; I reckon there is something special about this band, something empowering and worth the time.
Dave Grohl walks on casually as if he’s just one of the 30,000 fans who came to see the show. But when he starts playing, he shows his true talent and charisma, making everyone feel like they have a personal connection with him. It’s a fantastic feeling, almost like a religious experience. Visually stimulating, the stage was backlighted with screens flashing monochrome, with a display that evolved with the performance, resulting in a colourful display on an extraordinary scale and moving from monochrome to sepia, to colour, to the original red tour van, flying saucer, marble in the sand, to a garden of Eden.
BUT HERE WE ARE ALBUM REVIEW
“All My Life” was the perfect opener for this fantastic show. The band kept the energy high with smooth transitions between songs, sometimes using guitar solos or anecdotes to connect with the audience. Grohl was incredibly attentive to the front-row fans, making eye contact and commenting on what he saw. The lights changed from black and white to warm and vibrant colours as they played “Pretender” with passion. Grohl also talked about how he felt a bond with the crowd, seeing himself and the younger generations in their faces. He was right; the Foo Fighters have a timeless appeal that can touch anyone with their honest and catchy songs.
Grohl pauses to introduce each band member but does not just mention an opportunity for each member to share something unique: Sabotage, Keyboard Solo, Blitzkrieg Bop, Whip It, March of the Pigs. What was super cool was the introduction of Josh Freese, who enabled Foo Fighters to perform tonight. He is known for his work in bands like Devo and Nine Inch Nails.
I was moved to tears by the sincerity of “My Hero”, and I could feel the same emotion from the crowd. The lyrics resonated with everyone in a powerful way I had never witnessed before. The transition from “These Days” to the acoustic version of “Statues” was flawless and beautiful. Then, the “Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners”, a tribute to the tragic mine collapse in Tasmania in 2006, left me speechless as it was so culturally appropriate. It was a brilliant and heartbreaking performance.
The crowd was in awe as they played their 20th song of the night, surpassing the 90-mins mark. They dedicated the next to their late drummer, Taylor Hawkins, and performed “Aurora”. Grohl confessed that he always thought of Hawkins when he saw birds in the sky. As if on cue, a group of seagulls soared above them; Grohl was stunned; did we witness a miracle?
Requesting the support of Fiona, the drum technician, she covered the AC/DC track “Big Balls”. Can I say that this was phenomenal? She was outstanding and made an excellent contribution to the show. Who is this lady, and where can I catch her next show? What a boss!
The night’s final song was “Everlong”, which left the crowd in awe. I have never seen such a powerful performance, full of emotion and energy. The band had a way of connecting with every single fan, making us feel special and appreciated. This was one of the best concerts I have ever attended, if not the best.
I am an avid connoisseur of music experiences but never had the courage to share them until now. My inspiration comes from the '90s alternative and punk rock music I grew up listening to. Bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Silverchair, Eve 6 and Everclear shaped my worldview and taste in music. I want to capture some of their energy and spirit in my stories. Thanks for checking out my bio and my work!
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