My memories of the Foo Fighters at Fenway Park
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins tragically passed away, he was 50
If the Green Monster could talk, just imagine the stories it could tell. From monumental baseball moments from decades of play, to Bruins hosting the winter classic and the amazing concerts that we’re held during the dog days of summer. The Monster could keep us captivated with a treasure trove of memories.
I’ve had numerous Fenway Park experiences over the course of my life. I’ve gotten to see David Ortiz hit the walk-off against the Angels in 2004 playoffs. I watched Josh Beckett pitch a gem against Cleveland in the 2007 ALCS, I’ve been to Patriot Day game following the Boston Marathon attacks and many more.
In addition to my experiences of watching the Sox, I’ve gotten the chance to see many concerts at Fenway.
I’ll never forget my first concert at Fenway Park back in July of 2015. If you have ever been to Fenway for a concert, it’s not the greatest venue. There is just something about seeing the iconic Green Monster in the background while your favorite band shreds.
I went with a few buddies to see the Foo Fighters, we sat in to the left of the Monster. The reason I bring up the Foo Fighters is because on Saturday night, drummer Taylor Hawkins tragically passed away.
Hawkins death was tough to process, it’s never easy to try and understand death. We look at celebrities and athletes as super human and larger than life. When they tragically pass, it sometimes rocks us to our core.
With his tragic death, I wanted to share my memory of seeing the Foo Fighters for first time in Boston.
The sun was beating down and I remember drinking nips of Jägermeister I snuck in the pockets of my cargo shorts.
This was the summer that lead singer Dave Grohl fell off the stage and broke his leg in Europe. The dude absolutely rocked on stage, broken leg and all. That night the show featured different twists and turns, even Grohl’s orthopedic surgeon got on stage and crushed a cover of Seven Nation Army.
My favorite part of the show was the beginning when they played “Everlong.” There’s something about that song that I absolutely love.
It was an amazing night… well up until my buddy threw up in an Uber. We had just gotten an Uber after waiting what seemed like hours outside a Star Market following the show. I remember the moment like yesterday, the driver was playing Frank Sinatra inside his Subaru when all of a sudden he loses it out the window and all down backseat door.
After a few choice words with the Uber, he dropped us off in front of the wrong hotel, we cleaned up the mess and paid him $50 and walked back. Despite all of that, it’s a memory we still talk about to this day.
Since that show, I’ve seen the Foo Fighters one other time at Fenway. Both times amazing, both times rocked out and I can’t wait to do it again.
My heart is broken for the band, I can’t imagine what they’re going through mourning the loss of Hawkins. If I can offer a bit of advice, if there is a band you even marginally like to absolutely love and they play locally, go. You never know when you may never see them again, if ever.
I’ve now seen the Foo Fighters twice at Fenway. Both times amazing and filled with memories. I will leave you with “Everlong” from a YouTube video when they played there in 2018. That was the night I stepped onto the grass in right field. If you have never stepped onto the field at Fenway Park it’ll give you goosebumps.
Listening to this song, I can’t help but focus on Hawkins play the drums and how immensely talented he was.
Rest In Peace, Taylor Hawkins, thank you for the memories. Gone but never forgotten.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox and Major League Baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Follow our newest Twitter handle, @SoxDingrs for Red Sox and Major League Baseball home runs. Check out our @SoxSpects for coverage and content on Red Sox and MLB prospects.
Join our Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox Substack to receive notification of new articles.