All Hail the Foo Fighters: Part Two

On April 25th, 2006, a mine collapsed in Beaconsfield, Tasmania, Australia. There were 17 people in the mine at the time; 14 escaped, one was killed, and two were lost in the mine and only discovered five days later by a remote controlled device, almost on accident, as they were blasting through the mine. When contact was finally established with the two trapped miners, requests were asked of the individuals. They requested magazines, blankets, food, and one miner asked for an iPod with the Foo Fighters on it.

Dave Grohl, lead singer of Foo Fighters, heard of the request and sent a personal message to the miners: "Though I'm halfway around the world right now, my heart is with you both, and I want you to know that when you come home, there's two tickets to any Foos show, anywhere, and two cold beers waiting for yous. Deal?" One of the miners took up this request and flew to a concert and shared a beer with Grohl, after surviving two full weeks in the mine.

On the latest, GRAMMY WINNING, album from the Foo Fighters, Echoes, Patience, Silence, and Grace, there is an instrumental track on the album entitled, "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners." Upon listening to it, I felt like it was taking me through a scene of struggle but then it ends with the most peaceful note ever. If there was ever the most appropriate way to commemorate the tale of the miners' struggle and perseverance, the "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners" is definitely it.

If the story of survival is not compelling enough, Dave Grohl's deed certainly is. He may be my definition of a rock star, but not just because of the face melting and gum chewing; he has a good heart. Dave Grohl, I honor you once again. There are so many lead singers, drummers, and even merch guys in this day in age that carry such an ego in the music industry. Even though they are making their money from the fans, few bands or artists truly take the time to give back to their fans. This isn't an example of a mere hello, this is going so far above and beyond that it amazes me that the event did not get more media attention. This stands for me as the perfect example of why I choose to believe in the power of music and why I will support Foo Fighters until their dying day.

Stay tuned for the next post, because I am going to see the Foo Fighters a week from Monday. More Foo hailing to come!

mp3: Ballad of The Beaconsfield Miners