In a thrilling start to their U.K. tour, the Foo Fighters treated fans to the live debut of a previously unreleased and unfinished track titled “Unconditional.” The band’s 24-song setlist spanned their extensive catalog, featuring at least one song from every album except for 2014’s “Sonic Highways.” Among the standout moments was a slow rendition of “My Hero” and Dave Grohl’s solo acoustic performance of “Under You.” The concert concluded with the band attempting to play “Everlong” twice due to Grohl’s guitar malfunctioning.
While “Unconditional” is new to the public, its origins date back several years. A representative for the Foo Fighters revealed to Consequence of Sound that the song was “partially written and demo’d during home studio sessions years ago but was ultimately left unfinished.” The band rediscovered the track during rehearsals for their U.K. tour, and after just one run-through, they decided to share it with their audience live.
The live debut of “Unconditional” was a spontaneous decision, reflecting the band’s dynamic and impromptu nature. The representative stated, “The song came up in conversation during rehearsals, and all it took was one run-through. The decision was made instantly to share it with everyone in the same way – live.”
The Foo Fighters’ setlist for the June 13, 2024, concert included a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts. The show opened with “Monkey Wrench,” which featured a riff from “Johnny B Goode” and an outro cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock N Roll.” Other highlights included “Learn to Fly,” “No Son of Mine,” “Rescued,” and “The Pretender.” The band also performed “Times Like These,” “Generator,” “Stacked Actors,” and “Medicine at Midnight.”
Dave Grohl’s solo acoustic rendition of “Under You” marked the first time he performed the song in this format. The slow version of “My Hero” added a poignant touch to the evening. The setlist also featured “This Is a Call,” “The Sky Is a Neighborhood,” “Arlandria,” and “These Days.”
In a medley, the band covered “Sabotage,” “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Whip It,” “March of the Pigs,” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail.” The performance of “All My Life” was followed by the world premiere of “Unconditional.” The band dedicated “Aurora” to their late drummer Taylor Hawkins, adding an emotional layer to the concert. The main set concluded with “Best of You.”
The encore featured “The Teacher” and the twice-started “Everlong,” which faced technical difficulties due to Grohl’s guitar issues. Despite the hiccup, the band delivered a memorable performance that left fans buzzing with excitement.
The Foo Fighters’ decision to debut “Unconditional” live underscores their commitment to spontaneity and their connection with fans. The track’s history and the band’s rediscovery of it during rehearsals highlight their creative process and willingness to share unfinished work with their audience.
As the Foo Fighters continue their U.K. tour, fans can look forward to more surprises and unforgettable performances. The live debut of “Unconditional” is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to captivate audiences with both new and familiar material.
