Foo Fighters Lit Up Petco Park and Electrified the Crowd with The Hives and Alex G
On a warm summer evening, the Foo Fighters electrified Petco Park, transforming the ballpark into a roaring arena of rock ‘n’ roll. This night was particularly significant as it marked the Foo Fighters’ first performance in San Diego since the tragic passing of their beloved drummer, Taylor Hawkins.
Kicking off the night was Alex G, who delivered a set that captivated the early crowd with his indie rock tunes. Following him, The Hives stormed the stage with their explosive garage rock. The band, known for their stage presence, wore matching suits with lightning bolts, adding a theatrical flair to their high-energy performance.
When the Foo Fighters took the stage, the ballpark reached a fever pitch. The stage was simple but effective, featuring blinding spotlights, and a backdrop of dynamic LED screens flashing images that complemented each song. Dave Grohl, the ever-charismatic frontman, charged onto the stage with his trademark scream, launching the band into the opener “All My Life” with the declaration, “Welcome to the Foo Fighters rock and roll show!” He followed up by reminding the crowd, “We’ve been a band almost 30 years, so we have a lot of songs,” adding with a grin, “Going to try to squeeze it all in before the cops kick us out.”
As the night progressed, Grohl took a moment to reflect on the band’s early days in San Diego, saying, “This is for you old ass Casbah motherfuckers,” before launching into one of their older tracks, a nod to their early performances at the legendary venue.
Throughout the night, the Foo Fighters delivered a relentless setlist that spanned their decades-long career, from the anthemic “Times Like These” to the ferocious “Monkey Wrench.” Grohl, with his infectious enthusiasm, worked the crowd like a seasoned pro, leading sing-alongs and sharing stories between songs, making the venue feel surprisingly intimate.
The band’s musicianship was on full display, with Hawkins’ absence felt deeply but filled with love and respect by his bandmates. A particularly touching moment occurred during their rendition of ‘Under You,’ performed solely by Grohl on acoustic guitar. It was clear he was getting emotional as he sang the song.
As the night drew to a close, the Foo Fighters capped off their set with a raucous rendition of “Everlong.” As the final chords rang out, fireworks burst over the stadium, lighting up downtown San Diego. The perfect ending to an unforgettable night.
The Foo Fighters’ performance at Petco Park was nothing short of a masterclass in live rock ‘n’ roll, leaving no doubt that, even after all these years and the loss of a key member, they are still one of the best in the business.
