The undersized venue was chosen for a reason, outside of providing a rare chance for fans to see the band in a small setting instead of an arena. Grohl attended his first live show at The Cubby Bear, seeing Chicago punk band Naked Raygun on his cousin’s recommendation.
The singer described the experience to NPR in 2011.
“We drove up there and my cousin Tracy had turned punk rock. And she said, ‘I’m going to this show tonight. Come with me.’ And so I went to this club called The Cubby Bear – it’s right across the street from the baseball stadium – and a band called Naked Raygun were playing, and they’re this legendary Chicago punk rock band. But I’d never seen live music. So my introduction to rock and roll was in a club that held about 150 people that was half full and I was belly up against the stage watching this incredible live band, like, sweat and spit and bleed in front of me.”
Grohl’s HBO documentary series also airs on Friday, focusing on eight American musical landmarks in different cities, examining the history and culture of each venue and its role in the city.
Foo Fighters will release their newest full-length, Sonic Highways, November 10, with the album’s single dropping Thursday, October 16.
Tickets for the Cubby Bear date go on sale Wednesday, October 15 at 10 a.m. The concert will be live-streamed through HBO’s Facebook page for those unable to purchase tickets.
