“Skin And Bones” is the first Foo Fighters live CD, though, to be blunt, the CD itself isn’t by any means the main draw : it presents, in much the same way as “Unplugged In New York!” does, one night in the life of a band.

Whilst Dave Grohl is often at his happiest behind a black telecaster and screaming his lungs out (and come to think of it, who isn’t happiest there?), “Skin And Bones” is an entirely different proposition : add an extra guitarist, an extra drummer, a keyboard player and a violinist, and perhaps the Foos are richer, yet poorer at the same time. The rich vein of massive riffage and chest beating vocals is ditched in favour of a tenderer, softer side. Previous arena stompalongs are recast as more delicate, gentle beasts. Sadly, this occasionally reveals the limitations of some of the songs, but overall, recasting the work in this basic and minimal setting exposes the oft-obscured melodic and lyrical strength of their impressive ouevre.

Forget the CD. The DVD edition is the biggest draw here : with two full length live shows (one loud in London, one not so loud in LA), it offers easily the best value package of the two on offer : the two hour acoustic show is presented in full - including an ill-advised drum solo and some interesting but inessential lengthy monologues on life with Kurt and Dave – but this is a benefit, for the 20 song setlist revisits all parts of the Foos quietly impressive back catalogue and even “Marigold”, the ancient Nirvana b-side sung by Dave Grohl in 1993.

The second DVD presents a 80 minute live show from London’s Hyde Park to 80,000 people : the show is a fantastic, raise-your-fist-and-yell adventure in one of contemporary music’s richer pastures. The Foos rock like bastards and I caught myself at at least point playing air guitar, yelling out of tune and scaring the cat with a rendition of “Best Of You”.

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