This past week, Facebook played host to something more interesting than any app or game it currently has: a live broadcast of a Foo Fighters' concert. Though I am admittedly not the biggest Foo Fighters fan, even I had to respect the pure passion emanating from front man Dave Grohl and the rest of the band as they belted out their song, “All My Life.” Grohl’s vocal chords sounded nearly ready to burst as he screamed, “I’m done and I’m on to the next one” with a fervid style that he surely picked up from the late Curt Cobain.
The concert, filmed live at Studio 606 in Los Angeles, was streamed directly to Facebook for any members viewing pleasure. What made the concert unique, besides being seen only by Facebook users, was the interesting dynamic between the uncontrollable intensity of the band during songs and the relaxed and lighthearted tone established during the time in between songs. With no set list, the band decided what song to play next by viewing the posts put on their Facebook wall by fans. Dave made jokes and endorsed his favorite beer, and even with no fans in the studio, the band still managed to create an atmosphere of a small private concert created only for you, the viewer.
Yet as I watched Dave Grohl strum the opening chords to “Times Like These,” I wondered to myself why are the Foo Fighters providing a free concert open to anyone on Facebook? Looking at Taylor Hawkin’s wide grin as he viciously and almost religiously pounded away on his drums, one might think that maybe these guys just want to give back to all the fans that have supported them since their inception fourteen years ago. Unfortunately, the ticker at the bottom of the concert screen indicated otherwise. “PREORDER NOW Foo Fighters new Greatest Hits album!” The “free” concert was simply the newest opportunity for the Fighters to try and vacuum up the last remaining dollars of each and every kid on Facebook.
Sure, I’ll probably buy the album, but then again I’ve always been susceptible to good advertising. I suppose I can only congratulate the Foo Fighters on becoming the newest members to join the group of celebrities, politicians, and anyone attempting to market anything who realize that Facebook is no fading fad but rather the perfect medium to target and solicit teenagers and young adults. Hopefully Curt isn’t rolling in his grave right now.
