Foo Fighters interrupt Sydney concert to pay tribute to Beaconsfield miner Todd Russell
A solemn moment broke up an otherwise raucous Foo Fighters Australian concert on Tuesday night as frontman Dave Grohl made a detailed on-stage tribute to Todd Russell, one of the survivors of the 2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse.
The Mine Collapse and Survivors
The Tasmanian mine collapsed on Anzac Day in 2006. The disaster trapped two miners—Todd Russell and Brant Webb—at a depth of approximately one kilometre underground. A third miner, Larry Knight, died during the incident.
Russell and Webb were presumed dead after the collapse. They survived by being sheltered inside a vehicle beneath ground level for 14 days before rescue operations concluded. Their ordeal became global news due to its scale and duration.
Personal Connection with Dave Grohl
During the crisis, Dave Grohl sent a message to Russell and Webb stating he had reserved two tickets and two beers for them should they survive the mine disaster.
The pair eventually emerged alive, and in 2006, Grohl met them backstage at a show held at the Sydney Opera House—where he fulfilled his promise of beer and conversation.
Grohl recalled that night: "Afterwards we all went to the bar and we had the beers I promised, and I got so drunk I promised I’d put [Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners] on our next record," he said. "And I did. I’m glad I did because I’ve met a few heroes in my life but that was a big one, so I’m doing this one tonight for Todd Russell."
Russell’s Death and Final Days
Todd Russell died at age 54 from illness. His death occurred just one week after he announced plans to return home—"to see out his days"—following an extended period of health issues.
The Guardian reported the tribute during its coverage of the event, citing Grohl's on-stage remarks as part of the narrative. No official confirmation has been issued by any government or authority regarding the details of the mine collapse or the survivors’ recovery beyond what is publicly documented in media reports.