Jena ArdellTwo hundred fans who pre-ordered the Foo Fighters' new album, then raced to Fingerprints record store in Long Beach on April 4th, were given wristbands to attend an intimate show inside the store last Saturday, where the Foos played their new album “Wasting Light” in its entirety.
Rocking out with the Foo Fighters.; Credit: Jena Ardell
The crowd inside Fingerprints.; Credit: Jena Ardell
We got a laugh out of this disclaimer Fingerprints posted on their website: “If someone offers to sell you tickets or wristbands, it's a scam, save your money – all the folks who were going to get lucky on this one already did. By request of the city, we will be papering over our windows, so no-go on the looky-loo action either.”
“What better way to celebrate Record Store Day than playing a record. This is our new record–it sounds like this…” Dave Grohl said before plunging into “Bridge Burning”.
Want to know how to get to Fingerprints? Just read Grohl's arm…; Credit: Jena Ardell
Keep reading for more exclusive pics and to find out where you can get your hands on the 'World Exclusive' CD edition of Foo Fighters' Medium Rare:
Pat Smear of the Foo Fighters.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Fingerprints store owner, Rand Foster, thanks fans and the Foo Fighters for supporting 'Record Store Day'.; Credit: Jena Ardell
We're been seeing Dave Grohl EVERYWHERE lately, but we're not complaining…; Credit: Jena Ardell
In conjunction with Record Store Day (celebrated on the third Saturday of April), the Foo Fighters released 'Medium Rare', a vinyl featuring cover versions of songs by Cream, Joe Walsh, Prince, Ramones, Paul McCartney & Wings, Pink Floyd and more.
Grohl explained why the Foo Fighters decided to release “Medium Rare” on vinyl: “I think that there's a lot of craft that goes into making records. So that tangible aspect of rock n' roll–you hold it in your hands, y'know. You have the front and the back cover and the music and that's all you have, that plus your imagination, can be really inspiring. That's all bullshit–we're doing it because we're fucking old, basically.”
Band's eye view.; Credit: Jena Ardell
We wish our hair was this silky!; Credit: Jena Ardell
Foo Fighters' “Arlandria” is quickly becoming our favorite new Foo song from the new album!; Credit: Jena Ardell
Only new subscribers of Q Magazine will receive a free CD edition of the album. (You might want to consult Google's currency converter before whipping out your credit card since the site and magazine is based in the UK).
During the 12-song set , the temperature inside Fingerprints felt like it exceeded the 87 degree heat wave occuring outside the store.
Chris Shiflett of the Foo Fighters.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Dave Grohl makes it better.; Credit: Jena Ardell
After the show, Pat Smear told us the Foo Fighters will continue to play small venues on their 2011 tour, which includes a massive stint in the UK.
Chris Shiflett and Nate Mendel were eager to tend to their children while Taylor Hawkins eyed a Neil Young Archives Vol. I box set and Pat Smear left with an armful of merchandise. Grohl didn't stick around this time, but managed to sign a few autographs before heading home.
The post-concert afterglow was satisfying, but leaving a Foo concert before nightfall kept us wanting more. We were greedily hoping to hear some older songs or a few tracks off 'Medium Rare', but “All my Life”, which the Foos saved for their encore, was all we got.
Regardless, fans were thrilled and the majority of them purchased the “Medium Rare”, which only was available at Record Store Day participating stores.
From behind the stage…; Credit: Jena Ardell
Getting up close and personal with Pat Smear.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Rockin' out with Pat Smear.; Credit: Jena Ardell
This is the most ambitious year for the Foo Fighters, who kicked off 2011 with a handful of secret shows in small clubs around L.A.; headlined NME Awards Big Gig at Wembley Arena; debuted their documentary 'Back and Forth' at SXSW; and invaded fans' garages.
Their new single “Rope” is gaining a lot of airplay; their documentary 'Back and Forth' was just in theatres (and aired on VH1); they recently performed on The Daily Show, Letterman and Saturday Night Live; and traces of Foo can be found in almost every magazine you pick up while waiting in line at the grocery store.
(FYI: There is a particularly endearing '25 things you didn't know about Dave Grohl' segment in US Magazine).
Foo Fighters' Nate Mendel.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Hope you like yours 'Medium Rare'.; Credit: Jena Ardell
Track listings from 'Medium Rare': 1. “Band on the Run” (Wings cover)
2. “I Feel Free” (Cream cover)
3. “Life of Illusion” (Joe Walsh cover)
4. “Young Man Blues” (Mose Allison cover) (Live at Austin City Limits)
5. “Bad Reputation” (Thin Lizzy cover)
6. “Darling Nikki” (Prince and The Revolution cover)
7. “Down in the Park” (Gary Numan and Tubeway Army cover)
8. “Baker Street” (Gerry Rafferty cover Live @ BBC Radio 1 Evening Session, April 30, 1997)
9. “Danny Says” (Ramones cover Featuring Greg Bissonette on Drums)
10. “Have a Cigar” (Pink Floyd cover With Brian May)
11. “Never Talking to You Again” (Hüsker Dü cover) (Live, Hamburg, Germany, December 1, 2002)
12. “Gas Chamber” (Angry Samoans cover Live @ BBC Radio 1 Evening Session, April 30, 1997)
13. “This Will Be Our Year” (The Zombies cover)
Dave Grohl loves you…; Credit: Jena Ardell
And you… and you…; Credit: Jena Ardell
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