Dave Grohl performs the Foo Fighters songs “My Hero” and “Everlong” at the Concert for Valor held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, thousands of people packed the National Mall to watch some of America’s favorite artists perform. Those who could not manage a spot on the mall settled for listening from afar. Regardless of where in Washington you ended up, the Concert for Valor was a concise, eclectic night of music.
The show kicked off with Jennifer Hudson singing the national anthem, followed by an upbeat performance of “Titanium” from Hudson and Jessie J.
During the beginning of the concert, massive lines were still slowly shuffling into the show, but those in line respectfully removed their hats during the anthem.
After solid individual performances from Dave Grohl and Zac Brown Band, Grohl and ZBB teamed up with Bruce Springsteen to perform Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic rock staple “Fortunate Son.”
Each artist incorporated patriotism into their acts in some way: ZBB included “Proud to be an American” in its set, while country diva Carrie Underwood was accompanied onstage by the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants. Other artists expressed support for veteran causes and those currently serving between songs.
Over the course of the night, The Black Keys delivered a short and solid showcase of the duo’s most popular songs, while Metallica performed with raging fans behind them onstage, like something out of a hard rock concert from the ’80s. Springsteen played an acoustic set, presenting his upbeat “Born in the USA” and “Dancing in the Dark” at a slow and emotional tempo.
The concert concluded with a seamless transition from Rihanna to Eminem connected by a duet of “The Monster.”
Although he opened his set with “Happy motherf—— Veterans Day,” Eminem managed to emotionally capture the audience, including many members in uniform who were shown on the video screens rapping along to his lyrics.
The show was efficient but entertaining, showing the best of the various artists present, all while celebrities and public figures such as Meryl Streep, John Oliver, George Lopez, Jack Black, Bob Woodruff, Jamie Foxx and Bryan Cranston hosted the concert and introduced the performers.
While the audience may have been separated by which artist they came out to see, they were united by their support for Veterans Day. It isn’t very often that a Rihanna fan and a Metallica fan stand in an audience together, both cheering for the same show. God bless America.
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