Foo Fighters "Secret" Show at Paladinos - 12/21/10

Foo Fighters - Secret Show
When: Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Venue: Paladinos in Tarzana, CA
Accompanied by: Cosmo & Tiffany
Genre: Rock n Roll


There had been speculation among Foo fans that the members of the Foo Fighters might announce a secret show before the end of the year somewhere in LA. So when I saw an announcement on Facebook from the Foo Fighters indicating that exciting news would be revealed on Monday, 12/20 and to "stay tuned", I was glued to my computer all day long!  It was a matter of chance. Send an email and wait. Those chosen would be notified on Tuesday before 2pm with then make their way to the "secret" location....More waiting.  Lots of wondering how many will be chosen. Will it be me. Oh, please, let it be me!


Phone rang at 12:40pm. I nearly lost my mind and tried to play it cool. I'm sure, Kristen from the Foo camp knew otherwise. We chatted a bit, she gave me all the details and assured me that an email would also be sent with everything we discussed.  Sure enough, this is the only "proof" that I  have (well before the show, anyways....)

We made out way out to the venue a little after 5pm. Weather reports had us destined for heavy rain, so we weren't quite sure how bad traffic would be. Surprisingly, we made it there before 7pm. Thought for sure there'd be a hefty line, but again, surprisingly light. Shifty was hanging by the side door chatting w/ Cosmo. I walked over not expecting him to recognize me, but received a happy hello and an obligatory pat on the back. I'm not saying he knows who I am, but it was a nice feeling all the same.


We walked inside and the front of the stage was relatively wide open. And hell, momma didn't raise no fool, so we planted roots center stage and held tight. Two hours until show time. More waiting, but at least this time there was plenty to look at and observe. There was a buzz through the crowd that Ryan Phillippe was in the house, but all I managed to catch glimpse of was Ralph Garman from KROQ.  Didn't matter, because who I wanted to see was going to be directly in front of us.  There was a set list within view as we stood waiting. I automatically started to count the number of songs we were in store for.... TWENTY ONE on the list!! TWENTY ONE!! I kicked myself for not bringing a pen (later really kicking myself for not having a damn sharpie) because I knew there was no way I'd be able to remember what songs were played.


By 9pm, we were ready. By 9:15, we were still ready. They didn't make us wait too much longer, but long enough. Bring on the rock!! And so they did! Old stuff, older stuff, new stuff, stuff not on the list, and didn't play 2 of the songs that were on the list...

1. Times Like These (One by One, 2002)
2. Generator (TINLTL, 1999)
3. My Hero (TCATS, 1997)
4. Pretender (ESP&G, 2007)
5. Back and Forth (new)
6. Learn to Fly (TINLTL, 1999)
7. White Limo (new)
8. For All the Cows (Foo Fighters, 1995)
9. Enough Space (TCATS, 1997)
10. Rosemary (new)
11. Skin and Bones (Skin and Bones, 2006)
12. Cold Day (In Your Honor, 2005)
13. Long Road to Ruin (ESP&G, 2007; not on list but performed)
14. These Days (new)
15. Best of You (In Your Honor, 2005)
16. Everlong (TCATS, 1997)
17. Monkeywrench (TCATS, 1997)
18. All My Life (One by One, 2002)
19. Marigold (Pocketwatch, 1992)
20. This is a Call (Foo Fighters, 1995)

Keep in mind, center stage here! Just a few feet away from Chris Shiflett, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Taylor Hawkins, Rami Jaffee, Jessy Greene, and Drew Hester. But what was truly mesmerizing was being less than 3 or 4 feet away from Dave Grohl as he tossed his glorious mane around while rocking out.  For nearly 2 or so hours! There was minimal story telling or banter between songs, which kept a consistent flow throughout the night. There were crews of cameramen on every side and two or three photographers snapping away.


There were times I couldn't help but close my eyes. I could feel the music bouncing off my skin. I was immersed in loudness and it was delicious. It reminded me of back in high school, sitting in my then boyfriend's garage watching his band practice.  The louder, the better! Didn't want the night to end but couldn't wait to hear the next song. A definite catch-22.  


One of the final songs at the end of the night allowed an experience that I'm sure was emotional for many. I won't deny, I was not a big Nirvana fan. When they were in heavy rotation, I was in college and in to hip hop. But watching Krist Noveselic take the stage with Pat Smear and Dave Grohl as they performed the song, Marigold was hypnotic.


Since we weren't allowed to have cell phones, I have absolutely no idea what time the show ended. But it didn't matter. Even after the show was over, the night had just begun!  I can't describe it all, so I'm just going to snippet the highlights of what's in my memory:

• Having the opportunity to talk to Juliette Lewis and tell her how much she rocked at Camp Freddy the past 2 Fridays.
• Seeing Scott Shiflett's purple mohawk live and in person, knowing that it was inspired by my friend, Lara.
• In the middle of a monster coughing fit, being asked if I was okay only to turn around and slowly realize that it was Josh Homme doing the asking. Looking like a deer in headlights, and everything going in slow motion, I managed to get out a single "oh" as I reached my arms out in need of a hug. He sweetly obliged and I immediately felt like an idiot. But I wasn't coughing anymore, so his hugs must be magic.
• Walking up to Cosmo, Lisa and Tiffany as they were chatting up Dave, with cameras all around, and Tiffany hands me the set list signed by Dave. *me: smiles bigger than the cheshire cat* 
• Borrowing a sharpie, took the set list and obtained Chris, Taylor, and Nate and Jessy's signatures as well. Sadly, didn't see Pat around much after the show.
• Asking Tiffany to see if Krist Noveselic to sign the set list, in which he penned right next to Marigold!
• Being able to talk w/ Krist for a hot second and tell him how much I liked his crush red velvet shirt as I reached out to "pet' it. He told me his wife made it for him. Damn that man is tall. And don't let me get started on the size of his feet. Crazy big!

By this point, we are finally being told that it's time for us to leave. For the most part, all that is left is the band and their family and friends. Along with crew and club staff. So, we made our way out the door and to the car.  Of course, reliving the entire night as we made the long trip home.  

What a night, what a night, what a night. And yes, I do realize how lucky I am to have been there. I completely understand that it was by grace and chance that I was chosen. I don't know how or why. I am no more deserving than any other fan. Luck? Karma? Kismet? Mine is not to question. Mine is to go and enjoy. And I did! 

Big thanks to Cosmo and Tiffany for making the night extra special! And thrilled that I was able to share the evening with Sarah, Michael, and Nicole. 


2007 Paladinos "secret" Foo gig...