Riding the success of their 10th studio album, Foo Fighters were forced to delay their late 2022 tour to Australia and New Zealand when drummer Taylor Hawkins suddenly passed earlier in the year. There was some speculation that the band might retire after 25 years, but after a year of grieving (particularly for frontman Dave Grohl, whose mother also died in 2022) Foo Fighters announced that step-in drummer Josh Freese (The Vandals, Devo) would permanently be joining the band.

In what was their first show of 2024, Foo Fighters return exclusively to New Zealand and delight fans with one of their most dynamic performances to date. Although the set was evenly paced, sprinkled with new songs from last year’s studio album Here We Are (2023) and old classics to get everyone out of their seats, an almost 3 hour set was bound to have more than just a couple of highlights.

“Who came out and saw us when we played at that old speedway? That show was so loud it caused a seismic event,” said Grohl, referring to the volcanic-like tremor caused by the stamping feet of thousands of fans at Western Springs in 2011. “When I think about New Zealand, I think about an audience that can trigger an earthquake.”

It wasn’t the only time Grohl expressed his fondness for New Zealand, noting that he always has a great time whenever the band tours. Whilst Grohl shared stories with the crowd, the band teased snippets of songs from multiple artists (Metallica, The Ramones, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails) throughout the set, and even surprised everyone with a special appearance from actor and singer Jack Black for a cover of AC/DC’s Big Balls.

But in amongst the party, there were sombre moments too, like an acoustic stripped back version of My Hero and a tribute for Hawkins that the band perform every night. “This was the first song we wrote together and his favourite,” Grohl told the crowd before performing Aurora. A few times the lights were dimmed and the stadium lit up like stars as the audience held their torches to the sky, providing the perfect atmosphere for the warm summer’s evening soundtrack.

When the crowd weren't swinging their arms in unison over their heads, they were screaming and thrashing their heads at the peak of all the fan favourites, from The Pretender, to Monkey Wrench, to Best of You and their faithful encore Everlong. It's hard not to admire such a resilient act as this band who can seemingly overcome any obstacle thrown their way. Welcome back, legends.

City Beach Oval was positively picturesque for the return of live music festivals. It’s been touch-and-go in Western Australia since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many rescheduled concerts unable to go ahead. By The C was lucky enough to be given the green light and they certainly delivered with the original line up that was promised. Around 8,000 people gathered for an afternoon of Australian rock and acoustic music with many eager fans setting up camp as soon as the gates opened. With sunny skies and a cool ocean breeze, conditions couldn’t have been better for this highly anticipated event.

Killing Heidi perform at By The C festival in Melbourne, 14/03/21. Photo by Darren Chan.

Perth locals Coterie opened the day and earned themselves some new fans as they warmed the crowd with their easy listening, indie beach vibes. When Killing Heidi took the stage many found themselves jamming in their seats to early 2000’s hits “I Am”, “Mascara” and “Weir”. Tex Perkins–who ages like fine wine–charmed everyone with a mixed set of songs made famous with Tex, Don and Charlie, Beasts of Bourbon and The Cruel Sea including “This Is Not The Way Home” and “The Honeymoon is Over”. Then it was You Am I’s turn and they made the biggest impact on the daytime crowd yet. From the melancholic sing-along during “Heavy Heart” to the indie anthem “Berlin Chair”, Tim Rogers had fans begging for an impossible encore.

You Am I at The Gov, October 2019. Photo by Kerrie Geier.

As the sun began to set and the crowd started to  cool off after You Am I’s explosive set, Pete Murray strolled on stage and offered a relaxing, hip swaying set with his warm familiar vocals and acoustic melodies. In between songs like “So Beautiful” and “Better Days”, Murray chatted with the crowd, taking the time to thank the promoter John Zaccaria and Zaccaria Touring for all their hard work for getting them across the country in these difficult times. At this point, a small group of dancers had congregated around the outskirts of the stage, abandoning their chairs for the night in the lead up to the headlining act: Icehouse.

Pete Murray sings acoustic songs at By The C in Melbourne, 14/03/21. Photo by Darren Chan.

With 40 years of touring under their belts, Icehouse are an iconic Aussie act. The stage was doused in a dark blue light as the band opened with the song from which they took their name. Following was “Electric Blue” which coaxed more people up on their feet than ever before. Their set was a showcase from their glittering back catalog which could have gone on all night. Davies then handed the microphone over to specialist vocalist Michael Paynter, who gave two emotional acoustic performances of “Street Cafe” and “Man of Colours” with guitarist Paul Gildea (Davies bringing out the oboe for the latter).

Icehouse at By The C in Melbourne, 14/03/21. Photo by Darren Chan.

There was plenty of banter between the band members and the audience. Davies affectionately chastised the crowd for staying in their seats, noting that “we have only travelled 2,500kms to be here tonight, but if you want to stay seated, that’s fine.” One of the stand out moments of the night then came with the sax solo in “I Don’t Believe Anymore”. It wasn’t until they started playing their instantly recognisable anthem “Great Southern Land” that the majority of the crowd finally stood up. Two awesome covers of David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” and The Sex Pistols “Pretty Vacant” were a nod to their pub band cover version days. Finally, “I Can’t Help Myself” and “We Can Get Together” had the appreciative crowd making the most noise of the evening. For encore, rocky numbers “Fatman” and “Nothing Too Serious” were a great way to cap off an excellent day of quality home grown talent.

Icehouse in front of the crowd By The C in Melbourne, 14/03/21. Photo by Darren Chan.