Hey there, people...
Long time, no see! It's has been way to long since I've done a review here on AICN. For those who don't remember me, I'm The Enemy, AKA Merrick Jr., or Merrick's (insert age here) Year Old Son. Today I'm here to tell you about the Foo Fighters' new documentary BACK AND FORTH - which'll screen Tuesday April 5th in conjunction with a "Live 3D performance" from the band (details HERE), followed by an April 8 broadcast on VH1, VH1 Classic, and Palladia.
Foo Fighters on stage at the Paramount Theater in Austin for a brief introduction.
BACK AND FORTH starts out centering on Nirvana in the late 80's and early '90's (when Foo frontman Dave Grohl was a drummer for that band) and carries through to the Foo Fighters' secret show at The Roxy Theater this past February - all in all covering 16 years. Though formatted like a classic rockumentary (including drug and alcohol abuse, line-up changes, and general band drama), diehard fans and the unindoctrinated alike will learn a lot from watching this film.
Although we pick up on a humorous vibe early in the documentary (OK, so I'm immature and found the frequent use of the word 'fuck' funny), BACK AND FORTH also has a heavy and serious side - discussions of Kurt Cobain's death, and current FF drummer Taylor Hawkins' (non-fatal) OD, left the audience at my screening floored - the only noise to be heard came from the cold-ass AC system of the Paramount Theater here in Austin. That, to me, was a damn impressive accomplishment.
The film's silencing of such a large audience is owed to movie's simple but effective presentation. Interviewing only FF's current five-piece line-up, as well as two former members, producers Butch Vig (alongside past album producers) and Krist Novoselic (former bassist and co-founder of Nirvana) amplifies our personal connection to the documentary. There's not a large cast of characters (so to speak) here - this is quite personal in tone and nature. It would've been something to get Courtney Love in there... maybe in an extended director's cut?
BACK AND FORTH focusing on the small handful of people that it does allows one to quickly become attached to, and fascinated by, what they're talking about - whether the subject is happy or sad, triumphant or tragic. With the abrupt ending of Nirvana, we follow a lost and depressed Dave Grohl as he tries to pick up the pieces and move on. From here, what started as Grohl recording alone morphs into Foo Fighters first (self-titled) CD. We also witness the subsequent milestones, struggles, pains and sacrifice from album to album. Tracking seven members of band is never overwhelming, is shown in simple yet intriguing ways, and keeps the flow of information easy and rhythmic throughout. Interesting background points for band members includes: Taylor Hawkins leaving Alanis Morissette (singer of songs like "Head Over Feet" and "You Oughta Know") when his brother told him that Foo Fighters didn't have a drummer - suggesting he should tryout. Hawkins replies, "Yeah I should've tried out for Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Jane's Addiction also." Guitarist Pat Smear of The Germs walked into the recording studio one day, to find Dave Grohl thinking, "Pat Smear is still alive?" These quotes are quite close, but probably not verbatim, by the way.
Foo Fighters is now at six albums, with a seventh arriving on April 12 - and there are slight differences in the way each album is handled within the film. Although many of the same questions are asked, each part/album has its own tone. Varying opinions and approaches of band members, and their overall honesty, keeps things interesting when you have five or six different perspectives on each album, and even about specific songs.
So for those who missed out at SXSW, or for anyone who has the slightest interest in this band, or for people just needing a good movie - check this one out. It's simple, fascinating, entertaining and there's a message in all of it (perseverance). Watching everything the Foo Fighters have gone through to make their music over the years, I felt inspired to work that much harder with my own band, my guitar and bass playing, and hold strong to my commitment to make awesome, loud kick-ass music.
Now time to talk about the Foo Fighter's new album, WASTING LIGHT.
Those lucky enough to attend Austin's SXSW screening of BACK AND FORTH on March 15 were also treated to an unannounced, secret show at Austin's Stubb's venue.
As soon as BACK AND FORTH's end credits appeared, I left my seat to haul-ass to the secret concert - which was five blocks from the Paramount. After an hour of pandemonium and walls of enthusiastic fans jockeying for a good spot at the venue, the Foo Fighters took the stage at 9:15pm.
With only a very brief introduction ("We're fucking movie stars now!"), they launched into playing their new album in it's entirety.
This record is something - and it's a fantastic follow-up 2007's ECHOES, SILENCE, PATIENCE & GRACE.
This newest work is, essentially, a live performance. They recorded Wasting Light on tape, in Dave Grohl's garage, with no music editing software whatsoever. It's raw and exposed - a far cry from from the every day auto-tune and processed music we often hear.
Foo bassist Nate Mendel during the secret concert at Stubb's
As a result, hearing the album - and the group live - are nearly identical in terms of overall musical quality. An interesting, admirable, and bold move all things considered.
Dave Grohl on stage at Stubb's during the later half of a 100 minute set.
By two songs into the set, it became quite evident Foo Fighters handled this record quite seriously despite its relative simplicity, and still managed to have fun with it. Instrumentally they had to up their musicianship for this (which they noticeably did). Each song is perfect Foos - paradoxically at the top of their game, while also keeping it simple and untainted by today's high technology. Wasting Light sounds new yet familiar, and is strong. Very strong. I'd be shocked if they don't receive a Grammy nomination for this (they've already landed six Grammys) - my personal favorites being "Bridge Burning", "Arlandria", and "I Should Have Known" (featuring Krist Novoselic on bass).
Foo Fighters on stage at Stubb's in Austin - March 15, 2011
There you have it! A rockumentary and preview of the material you'll find on their new CD.
Some could argue that, because I was barely three weeks old when Cobain died, I don't fully understand his impact on people and music. But I do. Sure I wasn't even conceived when NEVERMIND came out, but I have my own special bands - groups which help me cope with difficult days, and certain rockers whom I idolize as walking gods, People who affect the kind of life I want to live, and the way I live it, even if that does make me a non-conformist, 'anti-social weirdo' at school.
So, even if I wasn't around, I get it. I understand what it might feel like to lose a man who had no particular interest in heading a rock movement - but whose mark is still evident almost 17 years later. I can guess what it must feel like to have such an adored icon leave as quickly as he came. But I also understand Cobain's loss in a different, and ironic,manner: his tragedy directly contributed to the subsequent rise of the Foo Fighters, impacting a future generation in ways he could not have foreseen. I'm not happy that he's gone, but it's hard not to wonder how things might've turned out if he'd stayed.
A security guard gave me Dave Grohl's guitar pick. Now I just need to get it signed...
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