I’ve become a bit leery of concerts at the big local arena. I’ve missed some great shows that have come through town because I didn’t want to be disappointed with nosebleed seats, bad sound, and really expensive merchandise. Over the years, I’ve just grown accustomed to the smaller, intimate venues for a more personal show.  

Would one of the biggest rock bands in the land make me change my mind?  On this night, the answer would be yes.  

Before an eclectic crowd — from the pretentious drunk jocks to the soccer moms who dragged their husbands to the show — the Foo Fighters would bring their arsenal of radio rock gems and made sure you got your money’s worth. It was evident that Grohl and Co. would not hold anything back, going into the first single “The Pretender” off from their latest record, Echoes, Grace, Patience, Silence (Capitol) early on in the set.

Grohl made use of the large stage, running like a madman all over and making the large crowd feel right at home.  He played with such youth-like vigor, you’d think you were watching a 15 year-old kid in his first punk band sans all the wrong notes. Going into radio staples like “Times Like These,” “Breakout,” and “Learn to Fly,” each song sounded fresh and energetic.

While Grohl himself brings plenty to the table, you can’t forget the rest of the band. Drummer Taylor Hawkins sounded crisp behind the skins, beating away without seeming flashy. They even brought along an old friend in former Foo Pat Smear. While I never got to see The Germs or Nirvana back in their heyday, it’s great to see Pat Smear on a stage.  

With a catwalk in place that took up about three quarters of the arena floor, I was anxious to know would come next. With a stage descending down, the band took their spots for the acoustic portion of the show. Hearing a stripped down, yet powerful version of “My Hero” was great in itself. But listening to the thousands in attendance sing along so loudly was even better. It was also a great way to showcase the rest of their touring band, (percussionist Drew Hester, Jessy Greene on violins, and Rami Jaffee on piano).

Finishing the already stellar set were two of the best songs off The Colour and The Shape, “Everlong” and “Monkeywrench.” The songs themselves were already good but seeing and hearing them performed with such passion was an appropriate close to a great show. Having to leave early, I knew I would miss the encore but with a show that was well over 2 hours long, I got my Foo Fighters fix well within the first hour and a half. 

Emo-pop rockers Jimmy Eat World served as main support for the tour. They stuck to only nine songs in their 30-minute set, delivering their hits such as “The Middle,” “A Praise Chorus,” and “Sweetness” with precision. The only problem was that the faithful JEW fans were scattered all over the large arena, and the rest of the crowd just sat in their seats. It was a bit unfair because this is a great live band that is much better suited for smaller venues than large arenas.

In the end, the Foo Fighters know the right formula in delivering a remarkable concert and if they happen to come back to town, rest assured I will be attendance. Even though its early in the year, I know this will be one of my top shows of 2008.