Foo Fighters, The Pretenders & Mammoth WVH at Empower Field Mile High Denver

The Foo Fighters have been a staple in the rock world since their formation in 1994. Founded by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the band began as a one-man project. Grohl recorded the debut album entirely by himself, playing every instrument — a true testament to his musical genius. But what started as a personal project nearly 30 years ago quickly grew into something much, much bigger when Grohl brought in some talented musicians to complete the lineup, and the Foo Fighters were officially born.

As we all know, the world lost famed Foo drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, but the rest of the original band joined Dave on their ginormous show in Denver – apparently their largest to date in the United States. Nate Mendel (bass), Pat Smear (guitar), and Chris Shiflett (guitar) were there as well as Rami Jaffee on keyboards and the legendary Josh Freese filling in on drums.

Such a big show needed huge openers, with Mammoth WVH and The Pretenders as the perfect fit for that. Chrissie Hynde still has incredible pipes and… wow! Seeing Wolfie Van Halen (yes, Eddie’s son) coming into his own as a bona fide rock star was incredible to see.

Dave Grohl was in fine form with his famous sense of humor, joking about how he was “concerned about the structural integrity of this building” and clearly enjoying the raucous mood on a very warm Denver summer night. The set list (below) was a terrific mix of classics and new favorites – the band is supporting their latest album, 2023’s But Here We Are.

Just as Dave needed the guys back then to complete the Foo Fighters, it’s the whole band effort that really makes their concerts special. Everyone contributes musically and emotionally. Taylor’s absence was felt but it was more like a celebration of what the Foos were… as well as what they continue to be: One of the very best rock bands ever.

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Mammoth WVH – Denver Concert Photos

The Pretenders – Denver Concert Photos

Foo Fighters – Denver Concert Photos

Foo Fighters Set List
Denver, CO – August 3, 2024

All My Life
No Son of Mine (with snippets of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”)
Rescued
The Pretender
Walk
Times Like These
Generator
La Dee Da
Breakout
Crazy Train / Eruption / Thunderstruck / Sabotage / Keyboard Solo / Blitzkrieg Bop / Whip It / March of the Pigs
(Band intros; covers: Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, AC/DC, Beastie Boys, Ramones, Devo, Nine Inch Nails)
My Hero (Dave solo into full band)
The Sky Is a Neighborhood
Learn to Fly
Arlandria
These Days
Tribute (Tenacious D cover)
Skin and Bones (acoustic, Dave on guitar; Rami on accordion)
Under You (Dave solo acoustic)
Nothing at All (with a snippet of The Beatles’ “Blackbird”)
This Is a Call
Monkey Wrench (with Wolfgang Van Halen) (playing a snippet of Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher”)
Aurora
Best of You

Encore:
The Teacher
Everlong

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