The Foo Fighters are set to embark on a major tour this year, which has sparked excitement among rock fans eager to see the legendary band perform live. A key detail that makes any concert experience even more anticipated is finding out who the opening acts will be. The opener has the important role of warming up the crowd and setting the tone for the headliner. For big bands like the Foo Fighters, their openers are often up-and-coming groups gaining exposure, or respected artists with their own fanbases. So who will have the honor of opening for the Foo Fighters on their upcoming tour? Let’s take a look at the likely options.
What to Expect from a Foo Fighters Opener
The Foo Fighters tend to choose opening acts that complement their high energy, no frills rock sound. While the band has experimented across punk, metal, and alternative genres over their decades-long career, their live shows are best described as an all-out rock assault meant to blow audiences away. Therefore, Foo Fighters openers can usually be expected to match that intensity and get crowds pumped up during their sets. Upbeat, guitar-driven rock or punk bands are prime candidates. The opener’s own musical style and genre is less important than their ability to match the Foo Fighters’ dynamic performance style and win over the crowd. The band also tends to give opportunities to rising groups who will greatly benefit from exposure to the Foo Fighters’ huge fanbase in large venues. Let’s examine some possibilities.
Possibility #1: Greta Van Fleet
One name on many fans’ minds is Greta Van Fleet. This young rock band broke out in 2017 with their classic rock sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and other 70s bands. With their soaring vocals and guitar solos, critics have described Greta Van Fleet as capturing the essence of vintage hard rock in a modern way. They’ve quickly built a fanbase and gained praise from icons like Elton John. Despite some backlash claiming they copy rather than pay homage to classics, Greta Van Fleet has proven they have talent that could earn them a career as the next great rock band. What better way to win over critics than opening for the Foo Fighters on a huge tour? Their retro sound may divide some but could be the perfect hype up for Dave Grohl and company. Greta Van Fleet opening makes sense from the Foo Fighter’s perspective too. The massive exposure could cement Greta Van Fleet’s rise and associating with them now could benefit the Foos if they prove to be rock’s next sensation.
The Case for Greta Van Fleet
- Sound and style complements the Foo Fighters
- Energetic stage presence to pump up crowds
- Already have some brand recognition among rock fans
- Opening for the Foos gives them exposure to huge audiences
- Foo Fighters could gain from associating with them early if they rise to stardom
The Case Against
- Their style is throwback rather than contemporary
- Criticisms of derivative sound could turn off some fans
- Lack experience on big tours to date
Possibility #2: Turnstile
For a more contemporary and gritty sound, Turnstile could make sense supporting the Foo Fighters. This Baltimore hardcore punk band has made waves in recent years, blending old school hardcore with melodic vocals and rhythms. Their high energy shows have earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in punk. Turnstile just released their major label debut Glow On in 2021 to critical praise, making them primed for larger exposure. The band has previously opened for big name alternative acts like Blink-182 and Limp Bizkit. Their heavier and aggressive style would offer a different sound compared to the Foos while still getting crowds amped up. Turnstile could gain big time if they can win over Foo Fighters fans. For the Foos, Turnstile represents a cutting-edge punk band that could allow the Foos to showcase their roots while associating with a rising group.
The Case for Turnstile
- Intense, high energy live performances
- Buzzing in the punk scene but deserve more mainstream recognition
- Would bring a heavier, raw sound compared to the Foos
- Opening could grow their fanbase
The Case Against
- Music may be too aggressive for some Foo Fighters fans
- Does not have the same level of notoriety as other options
- Punk sound differs from the Foo’s hard rock style
Possibility #3: Run the Jewels
For a wild card choice that combines rock attitude with a hip hop edge, Run the Jewels could make an intriguing opener. The duo of Killer Mike and El-P have made waves over the last decade with their politically charged, visceral rap-rock fusion. Known for high energy sets with El-P’s snarling beats and Killer Mike’s fierce flow, Run the Jewels have earned opening slots for diverse rock acts like Jack White. Their sound is decidedly different from the Foo Fighters but could win crowds over with the right live performance. While it may seem an unlikely pairing, Run the Jewels could benefit enormously from the chance to play for the Foos’ stadium crowds. For the band, Run the Jewels brings a modern, relevant sound outside their normal wheelhouse. Given Dave Grohl’s eclectic tastes and support for artists speaking their minds, he may welcome the chance to share the stage with Killer Mike and El-P.
The Case for Run the Jewels
- High intensity shows that get crowds amped up
- Buzzing hip hop act acclaimed for their unique style
- Collab experience with rock artists like Jack White
- Would diversify the Foos’ lineup
- Massive exposure for Run the Jewels before big crowds
The Case Against
- Hard rap-rock differs greatly from the Foos’ sound
- Have not opened an arena tour to date
- Younger crowds may not know their material
Possibility #4: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
As a Foo Fighters tour veteran and iconic rocker in her own right, Joan Jett would make total sense opening shows with her band the Blackhearts. Jett’s reputation as the queen of rock’n’roll with hits like “I Love Rock N Roll” makes her a living legend. She has opened for the Foos before to great success, priming fans with her instantly recognizable tunes. Her shows with the Blackhearts still pack as much of a punch as ever. Jett would lend cred and give crowds classic sing-alongs right from the jump. Younger fans get an education on rock history while older fans are delighted. Meanwhile, Jett expands her fanbase by playing for younger Foos followers who may just be discovering her music. It’s a win-win pairing that would surely get every Foos show off to a rocking start.
The Case for Joan Jett
- Legendary figure who adds credibility
- Brings nostalgia and familiarity through her many hits
- High energy sets that crowds love
- Has successfully opened for the Foos before
- crossover appeal between fanbases
The Case Against
- Lacks novelty as she has toured with the band already
- Younger fans may be less engaged by the old school sound
Conclusion
Determining the perfect opener for a Foo Fighters tour is no easy task. While any of these options could realistically end up supporting the Foos, Joan Jett may be the conventional choice given her proven chemistry with the band. However, Dave Grohl and company have been known to surprise fans and take risks. They could opt to give Greta Van Fleet, Turnstile or Run the Jewels the career-boosting opening slot instead. Great opening acts share the ability to energize crowds and complement the headliner’s vibe. For now, we’ll have to wait eagerly for an announcement to see who will have the honor of kicking things off each night on the Foo Fighters’ stage. One thing is certain – whoever joins them is bound to be in for the rock show of a lifetime.