Fighting Fit

If ever a band could be said to have done it the hard way, it’s the Foo Fighters. There has been no meteoric rise to prominence for Dave Grohl and his oft undervalued troupe, and it is perhaps this slow burn development which has made them the phenomenon they are today. Few rock acts deal with the plaudits and limelight with such grace, treating press and fans alike with an overwhelming degree of humility. This two night stand at London’s newest (and most stylish) enormodome is the culmination of the Foos' biggest UK tour to date, and they hit our capital amid something of a stir – tickets are changing hands for up to five times face value, and the buzz in the air suggests something special is forecast.

First up, a nod must be given to this exceptional venue. Let’s face it, no one likes arenas – poor acoustics, shabby surroundings and total lack of intimacy all add up to create a generally pathetic atmosphere. But the O2 Arena is a wonderful feat of engineering. In spite of holding a whopping 20,000 punters, its rounded sides and high ceiling create a very decent sound, and a rare closeness which the likes of Earl’s Court and Wembley Arena so badly lack.

Serj Tankian opens proceedings with a 40 minute set lifted solely from his recent solo effort Elect The Dead. This is a support act of genuine pedigree – his day job as frontman in System of a Down has yielded much success, and tonight is no let down, as he tears through his own material with typical vigour. The tunes are not quite as punchy or gritty as System’s work, but then not much is.

As the arena fills to its capacity, the Foo Fighters emerge to the strains of Let it Die, a stand out track from latest album Echoes Silence Patience and Grace. It is clear within minutes that 20,000 people are eating from Mr Grohl’s sweaty palm. The Pretender follows, with Times Like These and Long Road To Ruin not far behind. An opening salvo to rival any other.

Mid show the band relocate to a small stage in the centre of the arena, and perform an inspired 40 minute acoustic set, comprising classics such as My Hero, newer numbers like Skin and Bones, and the now almost customary appearance of Brian May and Roger Taylor for a rendition of Queen’s ’39.