Foo Fighters, Raconteurs Rock Austin City Limits

[Refugee 7]

Rock'n'roll was the order of the day for the close of Austin City Limits on Sunday (Sept. 28), as Foo Fighters, the Raconteurs, Against Me! and Band Of Horses delivered powerful sets. Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl marveled in the band's first appearance at the event, telling the audience, "You've got something really cool here."

Grohl and company's set spanned its 13-year career, from the early favorite "Monkey Wrench" to the new single "Long Road To Ruin." The group also covered the Mose Allison-penned/the Who-popularized "Young Man Blues" and turned the stage over to drummer Taylor Hawkins for a five-minute solo.

A potential disaster was averted midway through the set while Grohl was introducing his bandmates. A young man darted across the stage, but was abruptly tackled before he could do anything. "He's just a drunken college dork," Grohl quipped. "I've been there."

Earlier in the evening, the Raconteurs were in fine spirits despite Jack White complaining about a back problem. "Steady As She Goes," "Level" and "Hold Up" heated things up quickly, with White and Brendan Benson trading off vocal duties throughout.

Pop-punkers Against Me! drew one the largest afternoon crowds and tore through a blistering 16-song set, raging through quick but powerful versions of "Don't Lose Touch," "Sink, Florida, Sink" and "Thrash Unreal." Meanwhile, Band Of Horses turned what on record sound like serious songs ("The Funeral," "Is There a Ghost") into uplifting guitar anthems, and also excelled on "The Great Salt Lake" and "Ode to LRC."

Fans who weren't in the mood for loud guitars got a dose of more laidback folk with Gillian Welch's set. Alison Krauss joined Welch and guitarist David Rawlings for an a cappella version of "Didn't Leave Nobody But the Baby," which they performed on the "O Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack. Welch also shined on "Revelator" and "Look At Miss Ohio," while new tunes "Knuckleball Catcher" (inspired by Welch's time living in Boston) and "Sweet Tooth" hinted at her next album.

Meanwhile, the television series that serves as the inspiration for Austin City Limits begins its 34th season next month, and over the weekend, episodes were taped with Gnarls Barkley, Drive-By Truckers, the Swell Season, Erykah Badu and Foo Fighters. R.E.M. gets things rolling on Oct. 4 with an episode taped during South by Southwest.

[Athena 7]

The Raconteurs rocked!!!!!! I was the old lady dancing my ass off surrounded by a bunch of yungin's who seemed mildy interested. What fun!

I didn't even recognize David Rawlings who we have seen perform with Benmont and the Watkins at Largo. His hair was longer and had a full beard going. He and Gillian Welch were fantastic.

21 bands in 3 days. I'm exhausted, but ready to go back for our 4th year next year.

[normandi 21]

I am soooooooo jealous!!! man... Foo's and the Raconteurs??!!!! :026:

[Magnolia 171]

^ WOW, Athena! Please post some photos when you can. Our boy Jack &

friends sure know how to put on a show. So glad you went so I could live

vicariously!

[WildflowerNJ 136]

Sounds great!!! Athena, yes, would love to see some pictures....love to hear about the dancing, those youngens have to learn how to enjoy the music, haha...

[Athena 7]

I will try to get some photos up this weekend. It's been really hard to get back to work and function this week. I need an entire days sleep to catch up. I don't have a lot and many didn't work out because I am still trying to figure out how to work my new camera.

And Normandi, I don't want to disappoint, but we didn't stay to see the Foo Fighters. There was another band that I have missed twice already that were playing at a club that night and I just HAD to go see them.

[Magnolia 171]

I will try to get some photos up this weekend. It's been really hard to get back to work and function this week.

Okay, I'll try to be patient! *drumming fingers on desk*

[Refugee 7]

No Foo??? :108:

[angelic_22 0]

For what it is worth, I tormented Athena all day ....

I'd sneak up to her and say 'Foo!'

I really do want to see them sometime but with the crowds, the heat, and other conflicting performances, I elected to miss their performance in hopes that I can catch them in a smaller place in a situation that is less of a survival exercise!

Foo!

[Athena 7]

No Foo! The Black Keys were awesome!!

I need to thank Relic for putting up with seeing a band he's not that into. What a sweetie.

There are just so many good bands to see. While flying home I was looking over the little program book they give out and it reminded me of all the good music I missed because I can only be in one place at a time.