Imagine the electric thrill of witnessing a rock legend resurrect a forgotten gem from their discography after more than two decades—that's precisely the magic Foo Fighters unleashed when they performed the album version of ‘Breakout’ live for the first time since 2002. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just any song; it's a nostalgic blast from their third studio album, ‘There Is Nothing Left To Lose,’ where it sits as the second track and served as the fourth single, capturing that raw energy that defined their early 2000s sound for so many fans.
It happened during their electrifying concert on October 10 at the Glion Arena in Kobe, Japan, where frontman Dave Grohl took the stage with a mischievous grin and declared, 'Let’s do something we haven’t done in a long, long time.' What followed was pure surprise: the opening bars of ‘Breakout’ erupted, sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and memories. For beginners diving into Foo Fighters lore, think of ‘Breakout’ as a high-octane anthem about breaking free from constraints, complete with infectious guitars and Grohl's signature howl—it's like the band's way of saying, 'Shake off the chains and rock out,' much like how they inspire fans to embrace their own rebellions.
But here's where it gets controversial: in a band that's seen its share of lineup shakes, this revival feels like a nod to stability amid chaos. Foo Fighters are currently tearing through a series of shows across Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Mexico, stretching into November, reminding us why they're perennial favorites for globetrotting rock enthusiasts. If you're curious about the full setlist from that Kobe night, here it is, showcasing the band's knack for blending hits with deep cuts:
- ‘Enough Space’
- ‘All My Life’
- ‘Rope’
- ‘The Pretender’
- ‘Times Like These’
- ‘La Dee Da’
- ‘These Days’
- ‘Walk’
- ‘My Hero’
- ‘Learn to Fly’
- ‘This Is a Call’
- ‘No Son of Mine’
- ‘The Sky Is a Neighborhood’
- ‘Shame Shame’
- ‘Big Me’
- ‘Monkey Wrench’
- ‘Aurora’
- ‘Breakout’ (album version)
- ‘Best of You’
- ‘Exhausted’
- ‘Everlong’
Speaking of deep dives, just a few days earlier on October 3, the band dropped a fresh live album titled ‘Are Playing Where??? Vol. I,’ available exclusively on Bandcamp. This six-track gem captures their intimate club gigs, which marked their first live performances in over a year, held in spots like San Luis Obispo, Santa Ana, Washington D.C., and New Haven. For newcomers, these aren't your typical arena spectacles; they're raw, up-close sessions in front of small crowds—think of it as peeking behind the curtain at a band's most authentic jams. As described in the press release, it delivers 'absolutely ripping live tracks recorded in front of dozens, possibly hundreds of lucky fans at the band’s recent surprise club gigs.'
The tracklist dives back to their roots with ‘Alone + Easy Target,’ ‘Exhausted,’ ‘Wattershed,’ and ‘Weenie Beenie’ from their self-titled 1995 debut album, plus a live take on the bonus track ‘Winnebago’ from that era. It also includes a rendition of ‘White Limo’ from their 2011 album ‘Wasting Light’—a song that, for example, highlights Grohl's production prowess alongside Butch Vig, blending grunge vibes with a modern edge. Fans can stream it for free on Bandcamp or snag a digital copy on a 'pay what you want' basis, with all proceeds benefiting local charities in the cities where the shows happened. In their own words: 'Hope you check out more music while you are here. Long live rock!!!'
And this is the part most people miss: tying back to their band dynamics, Foo Fighters' 11th and latest album, ‘But Here We Are,’ hit shelves in 2023. It was their first new music following the heartbreaking loss of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins the year before—a tragedy that rocked the rock world, much like how losing a key player in a sports team can shift the entire game. They brought in Josh Freese as a touring drummer to keep the shows going, but earlier this year, he announced he was out after the band chose a new direction for that role. Enter Ilan Rubin, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, stepping in as the replacement—essentially swapping one powerhouse drummer for another. Some fans might argue this constant shuffling hints at underlying instability, while others see it as evolution in a genre known for reinvention. Is changing drummers every few years a sign of brilliance or turmoil? What do you think—does it add excitement or dilute the band's chemistry?
To celebrate their 30th anniversary over the summer, the Foos released a fresh track called ‘Today’s Song,’ with Dave Grohl expressing gratitude to past members for the wild ride. And following his initial gigs with the band, Rubin shared his excitement: 'After keeping my head down for a couple wild months and throwing myself into the material, that first show was such an incredible release of energy.' It's moments like these that remind us why Foo Fighters endure, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.
Do you agree that bringing back ‘Breakout’ after 20 years is a stroke of genius, or do you side with the critics who say the band should focus on new hits? How do you feel about the drummer changes—creative refresh or unnecessary drama? Drop your thoughts in the comments; let's spark a conversation!
