(Some content courtesy: Des Moines Register)
Hello, Foo Fighters. Iowa’s waited here for you.
Set to perform the band’s first- ever Des Moines show, acclaimed
American rock group Foo Fighters plans to bring its fall tour to Iowa’s
largest indoor venue, Wells Fargo Arena, this Friday. Dig into the
month’s biggest concert with all the need-to-know show, parking,
security and pre-show information ahead of the Foo Fighters’ Des Moines
takeover.
A dose of ‘Concrete and Gold’
Dave Grohl and company make the Des Moines debut on the heels of
releasing “Concrete and Gold,” the band’s ninth full-length album. The
record features guest appearances from the likes of Paul McCartney,
Justin Timberlake and Shawn Stockman. Produced by Adele and Niall Horan collaborator Greg Kurstin, the album
boasts singles “Run” and “ The Sky Is a Neighborhood.” Released in
September, “Concrete and Gold” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album sales chart. “Concrete and Gold" is reliable, relatable, and powerful with just
barely enough new ideas to keep things interesting,” music tastemaking
website Pitchfork wrote in review of the new album.
Inside the show
Performing for nearly three hours on the band’s run of fall shows, Foo
Fighters typically bring an onslaught of Foo hits from the 1990s and
today, along with a barrage of rock ‘n’ roll tributes from classic
favorites.
Tracks such
as “Monkey Wrench,” “Everlong,” “Rope,” “Walk” and “ The Pretender” all
make it into a typical setlist. Covers from rock’s biggest — such as
the Beatles, Queen and AC/DC — have also been known to make an
appearance at any given Foo show.
“If Grohl actually played all night every time he said he would, it
would trigger a global crisis in babysitting debt, but he has a good
go,” The Guardian said in a September review. “Over almost three hours,
Foo Fighters tear through reams of pop-metal hits as savage as they are
accessible, all capturing a melodic grunge euphoria – a little like
Nirvana ski jumping.”
Foo-approved opener
English rock ‘n’ roll outfit The Struts open the gig, performing at
Wells Fargo Arena in support of its latest single, “Only One Night.”
Previously performing at Wooly’s in Des Moines’ East Village, the
outfit released its debut full-length. “Everybody Wants,” in 2014. The
band is known for cuts off “Everybody Wants,” including “Could Have Been
Me, “Kiss This” and “Put Your Money on Me.”
The group is slated to release a new album in 2018, Billboard reports.
Before the music
Self- described as the “officially unofficial” pre-show party for the
Foo Fighters, Buzzard Billy’s (located one block south of the arena,
615 3rd St.) plans to offer quick service
food stations and $4 tallboy beers for those who make it downtown ahead
of the schedule 7:30 p.m. show start time.
The Fort, a newly opened whiskey bar and restaurant inside Wells Fargo Arena, typically begins serving patrons 90 minutes ahead of showtime on a first- come, first-served basis. The Fort serves seasonal entrees and appetizers
as well as locally-brewed beer from Confluence Brewing.
Security
All who plan to attend the show will
pass through a full-body metal detector prior to entering the arena.
Arena officials suggest show-goers plan for additional time to enter
the building. Doors are scheduled to open at 6 p.m.
Iowa Events Center security protocol prohibits items such as drugs and
illegal substances, weapons of any type, and outside food or drink to
enter the arena for shows. A full breakdown of what can and can’t be
brought in is listed at iowaeventscenter.com.
Parking and tickets
Tickets cost $51, $81 or $101 before fees and are still available at the time of publication. Tickets can be purchased via Hy-VeeTix.com, at the Wells Fargo Arena box office or at participating Des Moines and Ames Hy-Vee locations.
The Iowa Events Center offers event parking lots north of Wells Fargo
Arena for $8 per vehicle on a first- come, firstserved basis. Metered
street parking, free after 6 p.m., and ramps, varying in cost, can be
found throughout downtown. A full list of parking options can be found
at downtowndesmoines.com.
Foo Fighters in Des Moines
What: Foo Fighters with guest the Struts
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St.
When: Nov. 10. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $51-$101 before ticketing fees. More info: iowaeventscenter.com
