Foo Fighters, Weezer And Imagine Dragons Shine As FEQ Wraps Up In Quebec City

Forbes Business Hollywood & Entertainment Foo Fighters, Weezer And Imagine Dragons Shine As FEQ Wraps Up In Quebec City Jim Ryan Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I write about the business of music Following Jul 19, 2023, 06:30pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Foo Fighters perform on day three at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Saturday, July 8, 2023 in .

. . [+] Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “We’ve been here before.

You know that,” joked Dave Grohl on stage in Québec City as Foo Fighters headlined night three of 11 at Festival d’été de Québec. “How many saw us last time? How many saw us the time before that?” he asked playfully of the crowd, referencing Foo Fighters sets at the festival in 2015 and 2018. “I will never forget playing this festival in that storm for the rest of my life!” declared the animated singer and guitarist, recalling the 2015 performance, one canceled after just four songs due to the weather.

“That f—ing storm came in and then lightning… And I’m sitting in a metal chair!” joked Grohl, infamously performing eight years ago from atop a custom built throne following a broken leg. “But guess what? It’s a beautiful night tonight!” Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), which translates to Québec City Summer Festival, is one of Canada’s largest music fests, boasting five scenic stages set throughout picturesque downtown Québec. A fan holds up a guitar handed off by Starcrawler guitarist Henri Cash on day three at Festival .

. . [+] d’été de Québec (FEQ).

Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen With roots dating back to 1968, the Québec festival showcases a unique business model. While concert prices remain on the rise in America, FEQ keeps ticket prices remarkably low, a great opportunity for music fans looking to travel. A non profit event, the fest takes place over 11 days.

And while a variety of VIP packages are available, government grants and corporate sponsorships help rein in prices, with 11 day general admission passes available for just $140 CAD (only $106 USD). In recognition of the level of difficulty involved with preparing for nearly two straight weeks of live music, festival passes are transferable, allowing concertgoers to share with a friend in the event they’re unable to attend, a practice virtually unheard of in the U. S.

Jordan Benjamin of grandson poses backstage on day two at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Friday, . .

. [+] July 7, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “Québec has an incredible reputation for summer festivals,” said grandson singer and songwriter Jordan Benjamin backstage, following an intimate pop-up performance ahead of a main stage festival slot on day two. “I grew up trying to save up money to go to Osheaga every year and Festival d’été was always something I looked forward to playing,” said the indie rocker, who grew up in Toronto, studied in Montreal and performed for the first time at FEQ last week.

“It’s hard to really wrap your head around how big this festival is. And when I think about my time in Montreal busking with a cappella groups and DJing dive bars – 10 years later to be playing here in Québec City is really a dream come true. It’s really cool.

” While the Hydro-Québec stage can be found less than a mile from the Saint Lawrence River, sitting alongside Fontaine de Tourny, a fountain located across from the old Québec parliament building, FEQ’s main Bell stage sits within the Plains of Abraham, a striking natural amphitheatre situated within Battlefield Park, once the historical setting of key battles fought during the Seven Years’ War of the mid-1700s. Billy Talent performs on day one at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Thursday, July 6, 2023 in Québec .

. . [+] City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Under the guidance of organizer BLEUFEU , FEQ showcases a diverse lineup, with Canadian hard rock quintet Billy Talent co-headlining alongside alternative icons Weezer on the main stage as the festival got underway.

“Hello! We are from Toronto, Ontario, Canada!” exclaimed Billy Talent vocalist Benjamin Kowalewicz, setting up a raucous take on “Afraid Of Heights” following an opening set by female Montreal power rock trio Les Shirley. “It’s the 20th anniversary of our first record and 30th playing together,” he remarked later. “The fact that we get to share the stage tonight with the mighty Weezer is a dream come true!” Kicking off with “My Name is Jonas,” from their 1994 blue debut, Weezer took fans on a ride as part of their “Indie Rock Road Trip,” frontman Rivers Cuomo performing from atop a car dashboard during Pinkerton standouts “Pink Triangle” and “El Scorcho.

” Brian Bell (left) and Rivers Cuomo (right) perform on stage with Weezer on day one at Festival d’été . . .

[+] de Québec (FEQ). Thursday, July 6, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “Bonsoir!” exclaimed Cuomo early in Weezer’s set. “Welcome to our indie rock road trip – a journey through time starting in 1994 and ending up right here right now! Are you coming with us?” asked the singer of the Canadian crowd rhetorically, introducing “The Good Life.

” Drummer Patrick Wilson sported a t-shirt bearing the logo of defunct National Hockey League team the Québec Nordiques and Cuomo worked in a lyrical reference to Canadian rock legends Rush (“Limelight”). The set also contained a late rare acoustic performance of soundtrack deep cut “Suzanne” ( Mallrats ). Evening gave way to the wee hours as Marycee worked in elements of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” alongside the hook from Marky Mark’s “Good Vibrations,” manipulating sound in real time in front of 900 during an Armoury after party.

Marcyee performs during an FEQ after party on day one at Festival d’été de Québec. Thursday, July 6, . .

. [+] 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “Festival d’été!” exclaimed Benjamin in his guise as grandson , an early festival highlight on day two. “Hands up! I wanna feel it, alright? You ready?” he asked, amping up the crowd, an incisive guitar riff cutting in as Benjamin jumped in place on stage, the general admission crowd in front following suit.

“Are you ready for Imagine Dragons? What about TALK? The sun is up, let’s do this!” he continued, sitting down on stage clearly moved by the audience reception. Showcasing his latest album I Love You, I’m Trying , Benjamin put forth one of the weekend’s more energetic affairs, heading to the stage’s farthest right reach, channeling vintage Eddie Vedder as he climbed a third of the way up the stage rigging to deliver “Despicable,” taking a lap through the crowd before crowd surfing back as he wrapped up his set with “Blood // Water. ” grandson performs on day two at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ).

Friday, July 7, 2023 in Québec City, . . .

[+] Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen If grandson’s set qualifies as most energetic, Imagine Dragons may top the list as most entertaining, singer Dan Reynolds a captivating presence as he danced across a runway out into the crowd despite a recent injury. “We’ve wanted to make this up to you for so many years!” said Reynolds on stage in Québec, recalling a 2019 performance that, like the Foos before them, ended abruptly amidst storms. “Last week I twisted my ankle.

And I thought I was going to have to cancel this show,” said the singer, riling up the crowd. “But check this out: it still works!” he said, dancing in place. “I can hop on one foot instead of two.

So let go of all of the things that worry you – school, politics, leave it all at the door,” said Reynolds. “Tonight we are one. ” Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons performs on day two at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ).

Friday, July . . .

[+] 7, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Reynolds singled out a child in front attending his first Imagine Dragons concert, dedicating “Thunder” to the young fan. The group wasted no time getting to the hits, one of the weekend’s largest crowds filling the Plains to capacity. With Reynolds and company launching straight into “Believer,” steam streams soared while confetti fell, Imagine Dragons opting to open with the visuals most acts save for the end, offering up “It’s Time” as the hit parade rolled along.

Day three at FEQ featured two of rock’s more interesting young acts ahead of alt elder statesman Foo Fighters, creating a mutual admiration society. Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons performs on day two at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Friday, July .

. . [+] 7, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “I think we’re going to see Starcrawler.

We haven’t seen anything else yet,” said White Reaper guitarist Henry Thompson upon arrival at Battlefield Park. “We’ve played at a few different festivals with Foo Fighters before. And we’ve gotten lucky enough to see all the hits live.

So we’re excited to do it all again tonight!” added bassist Sam Wilkerson. “We’re homies with White Reaper and they’re really good,” added Starcrawler singer Arrow de Wilde backstage. “I’m also super excited to see the Foo Fighters.

I’m really excited to see both of them. ” (Left to right) Henri Cash, Arrow de Wilde, Bill Cash, Tim Franco and Seth Carolina of Starcrawler . .

. [+] pose backstage on day three at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Starcrawler , clad in pink while on tour in support of their latest studio effort She Said , hit first, conjuring up images of The Replacements’ “Left of the Dial” during their own “I Love L.

A. ” before putting their spin upon The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary. ” Guitarist Bill Cash adorned “No More Pennies” with gorgeous lilting pedal steel, the group showing their increasing range during “You Dig Yours,” whipping up a bluesy stomp during one of their most danceable tracks.

Arrow de Wilde crowd surfs back to the stage at the conclusion of Starcrawler’s set on day three at . . .

[+] Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Guitarist Henri Cash handed off his ax to a ready fan, one who seemed to play along just fine as de Wilde crowd surfed back to the stage to cap an enthralling set. Shortly thereafter, White Reaper made the case for their new album Asking for a Ride , one of the year’s best rock records.

“Bonjour! We are White Reaper! And this is our first time in this beautiful city!” said singer and guitarist Tony Esposito, clad in a Judas Priest t-shirt as the group tore into “Bozo” to open the set, soon doubling up guitar parts Priest-style on “Real Long Time. ” Ryan Hater (back, left), Sam Wilkerson (back, right), Nick Wilkerson (middle, left), Tony Esposito . .

. [+] (middle, right) and Hunter Thompson of White Reaper pose backstage on day three at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “We’re not done yet!” declared spirited keyboardist Ryan Hater, doing jumping jacks as he engaged the crowd, dancing across the stage and back to the keys in time for his part on “Pink Slip,” a highlight on the new album, White Reaper setting the table for the Foos return.

“Alright! We’re gonna sing all night, right?!” screamed Grohl, clad in a Breeders t-shirt. “Let’s sing this one together,” he said, following “All My Life” to open the set. Togetherness is a theme that manifested itself throughout the Foos set, the group seemingly invigorated throughout by the impassioned crowd response.

“We’re gonna sing that together,” said Grohl moments later, hands on his hips, surveying the crowd, before exploding back into “The Pretender. ” Dave Grohl (left) and Josh Freese (right) perform on stage with Foo Fighters on day three at . .

. [+] Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Foo Fighters are on tour for the first time since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins delivering the emotional new songs that make up the terrific new album But Here We Are , “Rescued” coming first from it on stage in Québec.

Grohl turned to his left, playfully doing battle with guitarist Chris Shiflett during “No Son of Mine,” working in snippets of Metallica and Black Sabbath along the way. Later, Grohl turned to face off against guitarist Pat Smear during “Under You,” new drummer Josh Freese destroying a solo soon after during “Breakout. ” The colors on screen changed from black and white to color during “Learn to Fly,” with Grohl and keyboard player Rami Jaffee delivering a jarringly delicate opening to “Times Like These” moments later.

“We’ll sing this one together,” said Grohl quietly. Dave Grohl performs on stage with Foo Fighters on day three at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). .

. . [+] Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Grohl’s daughter Violet added vocals during “Shame Shame” and “Show Me How,” with the singer and guitarist sending out a deep cut from 1999’s There is Nothing Left to Lose to Hawkins.

“Scream it loud for Taylor!” Grohl demanded, Foo Fighters heading for the finish with “Aurora” late in the set in Québec City. Led by Canadian guitarist Jacob Deraps, young rockers Deraps channeled Van Halen in the rain last week on day five in Québec, setting the stage for longtime Ontario progressive hard rockers Saga. Jacob Deraps of Deraps performs on stage on day five at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ).

Monday, July . . .

[+] 10, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “Man, incredible energy here in Québec City. Always is…” mused Manitoba-born singer songwriter Tom Cochrane on the SiriusXM stage. “Québec City, the most beautiful city in North America in a lot of ways,” he continued, noting his return to FEQ for the first time in 25 years out of opening number “Boy Inside the Man.

” Cochrane rose to fame in the 80s as a member of Canadian rockers Red Rider and was backed by Red Rider bassist Jeff Jones on stage in Québec, closing his set with an epic, slide-guitar fueled take on “Lunatic Fringe,” following the 1991 Canadian #1 “Life is a Highway” earlier in the set. Tom Cochrane (left) and Jeff Jones (right) of Red Rider perform on day five at Festival d’été de . .

. [+] Québec (FEQ). Monday, July 10, 2023 in Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen “It always amazes me the difference between the States and Canada – well, Canada and the rest of the world,” said Heart singer Ann Wilson, who recorded the group’s 1975 debut album Dreamboat Annie in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“We’ve been back many times since. It’s great,” she said backstage prior to a headlining performance on the Loto-Québec stage. “I can’t really understand how 50 years would feel.

Because it’s all been so forward moving and chronological – and one thing makes the next thing happen,” Wilson said, pondering the idea of Heart at 50. “I’m just really not a person who is going to want to retire. I hear a lot of my colleagues in other bands go, ‘Oh yeah, gonna retire, play golf.

’ I just can’t imagine what that would be like. ” Tenille Townes performs on day four at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Sunday, July 9, 2023 in .

. . [+] Québec City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Wilson, 73, was in fine voice on stage at FEQ, mixing in Heart classics (“Magic Man,” “Crazy On You,” “Straight On,” “Barracuda”) alongside well-chosen covers (John Lennon’s “Isolation,” Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”) and tracks from her most recent studio effort, 2022’s Fierce Bliss .

Prepping the release of another new album, recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Wilson performed on flute as she debuted cuts like “Ruler of the Night” from the forthcoming record Another Door , due out next month. Zach Bryan performs on day four at Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). Sunday, July 9, 2023 in Québec .

. . [+] City, Canada Photo by Barry Brecheisen Meanwhile, Sunday at FEQ was reserved mostly for country, with Megan Moroney and Tenille Townes, who covered Alanis Morissette (“Ironic”), The Beatles (“Come Together”) and Melissa Etheridge (“I’m the Only One”), setting the stage for a rollicking set by Oklahoma singer songwriter Zach Bryan – and rappers Cypress Hill, who got the crowd moving with “Insane in the Brain” before closing with a cover of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.

” Driven by fiddle and a tight eight piece backing band, Bryan tore into “Open the Gate,” pausing briefly before moving into “God Speed. ” “Thank you so much. I’ve never been to Québec! It’s a crazy first time,” said Bryan prior to “Fifth of May.

” “Cheers to you guys standing in the heat all day. ” Follow me on Twitter . Check out my website .

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