Sony Music invited a bunch of media writers on a limo ride where we would be privy to an exclusive screening of the new Foo Fighters documentary “Back and Forth” telling the Foo Fighters story in its entirety. The sad fact is the rock-umentary is being screened in cinemas all across the States and the best we get is a DVD release sometime around midyear.

The 97 minute film feels like a triumphant declaration by the band, their way of saying, it hasn’t been an easy 17 years but we’re still here. The soundtrack alone is reason enough to get this on DVD, not just radio heavies like “Hero” and “All My Life” but older band favourites along with some very revealing commentary on their writing process. The movie runs like a timeline of events starting, of course, with Nirvana and about Kurt Cobain’s death. There are some very real emotions captured in all the interviews, for a band that portrays itself as a bunch of goofs in many of their music videos, it’s very telling and relatable.

From Kurt’s death, the formation of the first Foo Fighters lineup (Nate Mendel, William Goldsmith and Pat Smear), to strife within the band, an almost ridiculous number of line up changes, tales of rockstar addictions, and not so harmless side projects, there’s not one detail left out. Being a fan of their music, I wasn’t really clued in on the real journey of the Foo Fighters until now.

What does become undeniable as you watch this DVD is Dave Grohl’s central position in the band, it feels almost as though he is the band and he could do whatever he wanted. Kudos to him though, for revealing himself in such a candid manner, his strengths and his weaknesses as a band leader are well documented in “Back and Forth”. It is still so evident that he feels regret for the way things had to be especially when recording their second album “The Colour and the Shape” where he solemnly states “I know that William will never forgive me and I wish things we’re different but I felt this was what I had to do to make this album happen”

None of these personal moments might be news to any hardcore Foo Fan, but the last 30 minutes of this DVD is a real gem. The recording of the 7th and latest album “Wasting Light” is intimately presented. Getting away from the pressure of a professional recording space, the entire album was recorded in Dave’s home studio on old school tape with some very sweet family moments charmingly caught on camera. They seemed to have matured and are so much more of a band than just Dave anymore. You’re made to feel throughout the film, that certain past members should come back and work on this album and that’s exactly what happens! I wont spoil the surprise for you but I guarantee it’ll put a smile on your face.

I’d say this film is a must watch for fans and anyone looking for an inside look behind the machismo hard outer shell of a rock and roll m&m. But don’t get the wrong idea the Foo Fighters still rock hard, just check out the full 49 minute live recording of the entire album below. For more exclusives check out their newly revamped official website and social media. Oh and by the way Wasting Light is at the number 1 spot in Singapore!

Foo Fighters Website | Facebook | Myspace | Twitter

If you want to catch an exclusive screening of the Foo Fighters new DVD documentary “Back and Forth”  here’s a little treat for you, just buy the album “Wasting Light” from any retailer and you’ll get an invite for 2 to a screening of the film at Beer Market on the 27th of April at 8pm.