Review: Foo Fighters give an electrifying performance at the Academy in Dublin

Halfway through the performance by the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl poses a question to the audience, asking, “What the heck are we doing here?” The 850 spectators in attendance might have shared in his curiosity. It’s remarkable that one of the hottest rock bands in the world, known to sell out stadiums across Ireland, would choose to play a relatively intimate ‘club’ show in Dublin on a rather ordinary Monday evening in February.

This wasn’t a dream. Just days earlier, Foo Fighters followed R.E.M.’s lead by inviting fans to join them in a live rehearsal, first in Dingle and later in Manchester and London, with Dublin in between. Fans queued up in the traditional manner to purchase tickets, leading to a scene of eager concert-goers outside the Academy holding signs that underscored the exclusivity and demand for this highly-anticipated event.

During the performance, Grohl hints at the band treating this as a rehearsal, acknowledging that they are breaking in a new drummer, Ilan Rubin, and guitarist, Jason Falkner, who stepped in for Pat Smear, reportedly injured while gardening (an incident Grohl vouched was authentic.) The show kicks off energetically with hits like All My Life, Times Like These, The Pretender, and Stacked Actors, serving as a reminder to fans of why they adore the Foo Fighters.

While they sample a few new tracks from their upcoming 12th album My Favorite Toy, the band focuses on delivering a setlist that caters to long-time fans, sprinkling in ‘deep cuts’ from their extensive repertoire. Grohl’s charisma shines through as he engages the audience effortlessly, drawing them into the performance and promising a night to remember, encouraging those experiencing their first Foo Fighters show to savor every moment.

Despite being icons in the stadium rock scene, the Foo Fighters shine in the intimate setting of The Academy, where every song resonates deeply with the crowd. Grohl’s enthusiasm and talent as a frontman are evident throughout the show, from powerhouse performances of Learn to Fly and My Hero to poignant renditions of Big Me and Everlong. The band’s larger-than-life sound occasionally dominates the compact venue, but it’s a small price to pay for the electrifying experience of hearing classics like Monkey Wrench and Everlong up close and personal.

While Foo Fighters might be most at home in cavernous stadiums, Grohl expresses a desire to replicate the energy and intimacy of smaller shows during their larger performances. This sentiment captures the essence of their Dublin gig, leaving a lasting impression on both the band and their devoted fans. With the release of their album Your Favorite Toy looming, Foo Fighters continue to captivate audiences with their unwavering passion and infectious energy, ensuring that each show is a celebration of their enduring musical legacy.