Foo Fighters Play Rarities with Gustavo Dudamel and LA Philharmonic at One-Off Hollywood Bowl Show

The Foo Fighters paused their ongoing "Take Cover Tour" to participate in a unique concert event at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, joining forces with the LA Philharmonic and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. This performance marked a celebratory send-off for Dudamel, who is concluding his 17-year tenure as the music director of the LA Philharmonic before taking on the same role with the New York Philharmonic starting in the 2026–2027 season.

Over the course of a 15-song set, the Foo Fighters were accompanied by both a full orchestra and choir under Dudamel’s leadership. The collaboration produced a blend of the band's energetic rock sound and sweeping orchestral arrangements, demonstrating a fusion of genres rarely experienced in live rock performances. The setlist spanned the band’s career, featuring well-known hits alongside seldom-performed songs.

Highlighting the show were tracks like "All My Life," "Learn to Fly," and "Best of You," staples in the Foo Fighters’ repertoire. However, the event also included several live rarities that had not been played on stage for many years. Notably, "I Should Have Known" from the 2011 album "Wasting Light" was performed live for the first time since 2012. Additionally, "Razor" from the 2005 double album "In Your Honor" appeared on stage for the first time since 2006, and "Home" from 2007’s "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace" made only its ninth live appearance ever.

This collaboration was not the first time frontman Dave Grohl worked with Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic. Earlier in 2025, Grohl appeared alongside the orchestra at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where orchestral versions of "The Sky Is a Neighborhood" and the band’s classic "Everlong" were performed. That event foreshadowed the larger-scale Hollywood Bowl concert that would further integrate the Foo Fighters' sound with orchestral elements.

The Hollywood Bowl show was a one-time event honoring Dudamel’s influential role in the LA Philharmonic before his transition to New York. His leadership over nearly two decades elevated the orchestra’s profile and expanded its artistic reach, making this concert a significant cultural moment that brought together rock and classical music communities.

Following this special engagement, the Foo Fighters resumed their "Take Cover Tour," which includes a diverse lineup of shows such as a recent festival appearance at Rock in Rio in Brazil and a one-off opening slot for AC/DC. Their tour is scheduled to continue into mid-September, maintaining momentum as the band balances large-scale performances with festival dates.

The setlist at the Hollywood Bowl showcased the band’s adaptability and willingness to revisit deep cuts from their catalog, offering fans an experience that diverged from typical concert fare. Songs like "Times Like These" opened the performance with an intimate feel before expanding into full-band and orchestral arrangements, setting a dynamic tone for the evening.

This event underscored the potential for rock bands to collaborate meaningfully with classical ensembles, creating hybrid performances that celebrate the versatility of music across genres. It also serves as a fitting tribute to Gustavo Dudamel’s tenure in Los Angeles, bridging musical worlds and highlighting the shared passion for innovation and artistry.

While details about future collaborations remain limited, the success of this concert may inspire further partnerships between contemporary rock acts and symphonic orchestras, enriching live music experiences beyond conventional boundaries.