Watch Foo Fighters Perform 1st Public Concert Since Taylor Hawkins’ Death

Last night was an emotional one for Foo Fighters who returned to the stage for their first full headlining concert since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins last year. New touring drummer Josh Freese was behind the kit as the band delivered a 21-song performance at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook in Gilford, New Hampshire.

Foo Fighters kicked off the night and their 2023 Tour with the live debut of “Rescue,” one of four songs from the band’s forthcoming album But Here We Are to make the setlist in Gilford. Dave Grohl and his bandmates also premiered “Under You,” the title track and “Nothing At All” off their 11th album, which arrives on June 2, during last night’s concert.

Grohl addressed the crowd before performing “But Here We Are,” stating:

“The last year we stuck together as a band. And there was never too long a period of time where we didn’t spend with each other because we knew that we had to get through this whole thing together,And in doing that we wrote a bunch of new songs. That’s what helped us deal with everything that we had to go through. So tonight we’re going to play some of those new songs for you for the first time.”

Freese, wearing an “Employee Of The Month” t-shirt, was a steady presence on drums. Grohl took an opportunity to introduce the drummer to the audience. “Josh Freese has helped save the day,” the frontman noted. “We would not be here tonight if it wasn’t for Josh.” Huge cheers came in response.

A tribute to Taylor Hawkins came towards the end of the night when Grohl went solo acoustic for the first “Cold Day In The Sun” since 2018. “This is something I never thought I’d have to do,” a clearly emotional Grohl said ahead of performing the song penned by Hawkins. “Taylor wrote this song. We used to sing it together. So I’m going to do it for him tonight.”

Foo Fighters also played plenty of classics in New Hampshire on Wednesday including “Learn To Fly,” “Times Like These,” “My Hero,” “Monkey Wrench” and “Best Of You.” Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet Grohl, sang “Shame Shame” with her dad and of course the evening ended with “Everlong.” Next up for the band is an appearance at Boston Calling on Friday.

Watch fan-shot video from last night’s show below after a clip showing the band taking the stage:

Setlist