I guess I'm torn between juke joint and concert hall, between bare-bone rock in a bucket of blood and the splendid spectacle of an arena. Some artists are capable of cramming the big show in the dive, and others bring the corner bar to the big stage. But I'm not sure too many bands can do both simultaneously. OK, maybe The Stones... and now definitely The Foo Fighters. What an absolutely incredible show from this band Monday night at Blue Cross Arena.

Completely unpretentious on an uncluttered stage, the band pounded out a generous two-hour set of hits and lesser-known gems. Except for the light show and the size of the stage - which front man Dave Grohl did numerous laps around - this show could have come off in a sweaty little club. It was intimate and big, in your face and all around. Grohl was loquacious to say the least, and seems to be as big a Foo Fighter fan as anyone.

Dynamics hairpinned from the rage of "Monkey Wrench" to an extra-slow version of "Big Me," done eighth-grade prom style.

There was plenty of singing along, especially by the callipygious Naughty Little Pig filling in for my wife, but it didn't get carried away. And the lack of show was the show; no pyro, no props, no smoke and mirrors. Just loud guitars, big drums, and a big 'n' tight band led by a wild-ass long hair with a guitar; the last cool American export.

The Foo Fighters are old enough now that Grohl's old band doesn't have to be avoided like the 10-ton, flannel-shirt-wearing elephant in the room nobody wants to talk about. And during an acoustic detour, Grohl hit on Nirvana's "Marigold."

The band teased a little with those magic three chords from "Baba O'Riley" before delivering on The Who with "Bargain," featuring singer Gaz Coombes from opening band Supergrass.

Speaking of, Supergrass was the perfect opener. Much like The Foos, the band was t-shirt and jeans casual, somewhat retro, and full of great songs and big guitars. The band could have headlined themselves. Great show all around. And I call that a bargain - the best I ever had.