Orchestral Rock Farewell
Foo Fighters Join LA Philharmonic for Gustavo Dudamel’s Emotional Hollywood Bowl Farewell
Key Points
The Hollywood Bowl collaboration featured the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) alongside the LA Philharmonic, with a full choir also on stage; the choir performed in multi‑colored robes during the concert.
The 15‑song program mixed major hits with rarities, opening on Times Like These and including notable firsts such as I Should Have Known (first since 2012), Razor (first since 2006) and Home (first since 2007), with Aurora dedicated to Taylor Hawkins.
The event was framed as a farewell celebration of Gustavo Dudamel’s 17 years with the LA Philharmonic, and it coincides with his upcoming move to lead the New York Philharmonic in the 2026–2027 season.
In addition to the Hollywood Bowl performance, Foo Fighters paused their Take Cover Tour to perform with the LA Phil; they were set to resume touring with a Sept. 4 appearance at Rock in Rio in Brazil and were also slated for a one-off opening date for AC/DC in September.
The Los Angeles‑based event also included a fundraising component, with Sunday’s program titled A Concert For Venezuela intended to benefit Dudamel’s home country as his farewell four‑night run at the Bowl concluded.
Foo Fighters delivered a landmark performance at the Hollywood Bowl on August 22, marking the band's first-ever show at the iconic venue Rolling Stone. The sold-out concert paired Dave Grohl and company with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, and a full choir in robes to celebrate conductor Gustavo Dudamel's 17-year tenure with the orchestra as he prepares to lead the New York Philharmonic starting in 2026–2027 Yahoo. The 15-song setlist blended radio hits with rare deep cuts, creating what critics called a perfect sendoff for one of LA's most important cultural figures.
A Mix of Hits and Rare Cuts From the Vault
The band opened with "Times Like These" and wove together major hits with songs fans hadn't heard live in years Rolling Stone. "I Should Have Known" appeared for the first time since 2012. "Razor" hadn't been performed since 2006, and "Home" made its first comeback since 2007 The PRP. The program showcased the band's range across nearly three decades of material.
A standout moment came when the band dedicated "Aurora" to Taylor Hawkins, the late drummer who passed away in 2022 The PRP. The orchestral arrangement gave familiar songs new depth and emotional weight, pairing rock energy with classical richness that highlighted both worlds.
Dudamel's LA Departure Marks End of an Era
Sunday's show was part of a four-night farewell celebration for Dudamel at the Bowl WDC News 6. The Venezuelan conductor transformed the LA Philharmonic into one of America's most dynamic orchestras over 17 years. His move to New York represents a significant shift in classical music leadership on the American coasts Rolling Stone.
The concert also served a charitable purpose. Sunday's program, titled "A Concert for Venezuela," raised funds for Dudamel's home country as his Bowl run concluded The PRP. The event underscored how classical music in Los Angeles has become inseparable from Dudamel's vision and leadership.
Foo Fighters Pausing Tour for a Rock-Orchestra Moment
The Hollywood Bowl performance came as Foo Fighters stepped away from their Take Cover Tour. The band had already collaborated with Dudamel at Coachella 2025 in April Chaos Zine, proving the connection between rock and orchestra ran deep. Dave Grohl and the LA Philharmonic had successfully merged their styles before, setting up this larger Hollywood Bowl venture The PRP.
After the Bowl, Foo Fighters resumed touring with a Rock in Rio appearance in Brazil on September 4 The PRP. The band also locked in a one-off opening slot for AC/DC in September, keeping their fall schedule packed with major stages and eager audiences.
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