The sounds of rock ‘n roll heaven and the chords of great bands of the past alighted on Hollywood Boulevard as Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters closed down the street for an epic 90 minute jam outside the studios of Jimmy Kimmel Live, portions of which were aired on the late-night show.
It was a happening complete with the Goodyear blimp flying overhead as Grohl, one of the hardest working men in music, took to the stage with some pals he calls the Sound City Players in support of his new documentary about the legendary Van Nuys studio where he recorded with Nirvana.
Sound City, which is now defunct, also holds the memories of artists including Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Fear, Johnny Cash, Rick Springfield, Rage Against The Machine, Queens of the Stone Age, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer and countless others that created classics there over a period of 40 years.
The film showcases the fight to preserve the human element of music in an increasingly digital world. With its custom Neve console and amazing acoustics, Sound City was a musical mecca. The documentary features interviews with legendary musicians and producers, and uncovers the magic within the studio’s walls– culminating with many of those legends creating a new album on that same console.
First up on stage, John Fogerty, who performed Creedence Clearwater revival classics, including “Travelin‘ Band, “Centerfield, “Chooglin,” “Proud Mary”and “Fortunate Son” in a riveting set.
Then, it was time for Rick Springfield, whose performance included “The Man That Never Was,” “I’ve Done Everything,” “Love Is Alright,” “Love Somebody” and the song that Grohl called a “panty-fest” for Springfield, “Jessie’s Girl.”
The audience went wild and then took a trip back in time to the early 80s punk rock era with Fear’s Lee Ving, whose set included “Your Wife,” “Livin In The City,” “Beef Bologna,” “New York Is Alright” and “I Don’t Care About You.”
Cheap Trick fans were in for a treat when Rick Nielsen showed up, along with Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic. The ghost of Kurt Cobain hung over the slamming set as blistering renditions of “Hello There,” “Stiff Competition,” “I Want You To Want Me” and “Surrender” filled the air.
It’s hard to believe that next year it will be 20 years that Kurt has been gone, but after the show with his bandmates like this, it’s reassuring to know his spirit lives on. Rock on.
