Monday 28 March 2011

Bligh bowled over by 'caring' Foo Fighters

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh saw the softer side of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl when she dropped in to thank the US rock band for Sunday night's flood benefit concert at Brisbane's Riverstage.
Ms Bligh made a fleeting visit backstage for a meet-and-greet with the Foo Fighters about half an hour before they took the stage before some 10,000 fans at the alcohol-free event.
She exchanged some light-hearted banter, posed for photos with the Foo Fighters and music mogul Michael Gudinski and then explained the complications and frustrations for Queenslanders confronted with flood insurance.
The Premier said she was pleasantly surprised by the band's inquiries about the problems faced by those who were affected by the floods.
"He (Dave Grohl) said 'this is what I know how to do. I don't know how to fix people's roofs, but I know how to make music and make money'," she said.
"They wanted to speak about how many people were out of their homes... they are genuinely interested. They were wanting to help.
"Foo Fighters care about people who need help."
All profits from the concert, which was the only Australian benefit show the Foo Fighters slotted on their tour to promote their forthcoming album Wasting Light, will go to the Premier's Disaster Relief Fund.
Ms Bligh was unable to stay and soak up the atmosphere of the two-and-half-hour concert because of early morning cabinet duties.
"They are an iconic international rock band and them coming here to raise money for us is a gift," Ms Bligh said.
"They understand I have some big responsibilities and they were fine.
"They sold out in 15 minutes and they have some big young fans here, they don't need an old lady like me rocking in the front row."
The Premier's Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $250 million and Ms Bligh has no intention to set a cut-off date for donations.
"In the past we've let them go on and let people donate for as long as they like," Ms Bligh said.
"I'm happy to take donations for as long as people want to make them."
@'ABC'

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