As the sun set over Zilker Park, Austin’s iconic skyline glowed in the distance, and a sea of fans geared up for what promised to be one of the most electrifying sets of this year’s Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival. The Foo Fighters took to the stage with the kind of confidence that only a band of their pedigree can muster. Fresh off their latest album, But Here We Are, Dave Grohl and his crew returned to ACL on October 14, 2023, for a performance that fused nostalgia with new energy, seasoned with the kind of rock ‘n’ roll mischief only they could deliver.
The Foo Fighters wasted no time getting the crowd riled up, kicking off their set with the blistering “All My Life.” The familiar, fast-paced riff instantly ignited a wave of enthusiasm from the audience, setting the tone for the night. Grohl’s raspy growl was in top form as he transitioned seamlessly into “No Son of Mine,” weaving in snippets of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” It was a brilliant move — a cheeky nod to the heavy metal legends that immediately established a sense of camaraderie with the rock-hungry crowd.
The energy didn’t drop for a moment as they launched into “Learn to Fly,” with Grohl leaning into his signature grin, clearly delighted to be back in a city that has always embraced them. “Austin, it’s been too damn long!” he shouted, before introducing “Rescued,” a new track from their latest album. The song, a powerful anthem of survival and renewal, resonated with the crowd in a way that only Foo Fighters’ music can — personal, yet universal.
Grohl’s charisma was on full display as he took a moment to address the crowd between songs, reminiscing about past performances at ACL and joking about how the Texas heat seemed to “keep getting hotter every year.” His banter, always genuine, felt particularly heartfelt tonight. “You guys make us feel like we’re coming home every time,” he said, a statement met with an uproar of applause and cheers.
The setlist continued with hits like “The Pretender,” which featured a snippet of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love,” an unexpected but fitting tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen. Grohl’s ability to effortlessly blend covers and snippets into their own songs is a testament to the band’s versatility and deep knowledge of rock history. The energy stayed high with tracks like “Walk” and “Times Like These,” with the latter kicking off with a mellow intro by Grohl and keyboardist Rami Jaffee before exploding into its full-band glory.
The night’s first big surprise came during “Oye cómo va,” when legendary Santana keyboardist Gregg Rolie joined the band on stage. Grohl introduced Rolie as “the man who helped invent rock ‘n’ roll as we know it,” and together they performed a snippet of the Tito Puente classic in a Santana style. It was a delightful, unexpected interlude that highlighted the band’s willingness to mix things up and celebrate the influences that have shaped their sound.
The Foo Fighters continued to pull out all the stops, delivering a rollicking rendition of “Breakout” complete with a vocal snippet of Reel 2 Real’s “I Like to Move It Move It.” Grohl, clearly having the time of his life, played band leader with a sense of humor that had the crowd in stitches. Midway through the set, he led a guitar solo that morphed into a chaotic cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage,” using it as an opportunity to introduce each member of the band, each greeted with roaring cheers.
The chemistry between Grohl and the band was palpable. Guitarist Chris Shiflett and bassist Nate Mendel delivered tight, punchy lines throughout, while drummer Josh Freese, relatively new to the band, seemed to be having a blast, hammering out each beat with a joyful ferocity that matched Grohl’s own.
A touching moment came with “Aurora,” which Grohl dedicated to the late Taylor Hawkins, the band’s beloved drummer who passed away in 2022. It was a poignant reminder of the band’s recent loss, but Grohl handled it with grace, speaking to Hawkins’ spirit and how he believed the drummer was “rocking out with us tonight.” The crowd held their breath, captivated by the emotional rawness of the tribute.
The final stretch of the set was nothing short of explosive. Foo Fighters ripped through “Monkey Wrench” and “Everlong” with a vigor that belied their decades-long career. “Everlong,” as always, felt like a shared anthem between the band and the fans, a song that has aged like fine wine, its lyrics now even more meaningful to a generation that grew up with it.
The Foo Fighters have always had a knack for blending the familiar with the unexpected, and this performance was no exception. From the “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones to Devo’s “Whip It,” Grohl and his bandmates gave nods to the punk and new wave bands that shaped their musical upbringing.
If there was one word to describe Foo Fighters’ set at ACL 2023, it would be “unforgettable.” The band delivered a masterclass in live performance, from their impeccable musicianship to Grohl’s magnetic stage presence and undeniable love for his craft. The setlist was a balanced mix of old favorites and fresh material, with plenty of surprises that kept the crowd on their toes. Grohl’s banter, the unexpected guests, and the heartfelt tributes all added to a night that will be talked about for years to come.
Austin, with its rich musical history, has always been a second home for the Foo Fighters, and their performance at ACL 2023 only solidified that bond. For those lucky enough to be there, it wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of music, life, and the unbreakable spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. And for those who missed it, well, there’s always next year. But good luck topping this one.
