Scheduled host Drew Carey was sick with COVID-19, so Walsh’s son filled in, introducing service providers and veterans with notable stories while road crews reset the stage between acts.leading the crowd in “Hang on Sloopy” and the national anthem.
After the cheery, quirky hit “Cannonball,” Grohl joined the band on guitar to close with The Pixies’ “Gigantic.” Walsh remains one of the finest technical and artistic guitarists of his generation. He hasn't lost a bit of his expression or passion on stage, and “You’re Gonna Need Me” was a stunning few minutes of bluesy improvisation and heavy emotion.
Nine Inch Nails exploded onto the stage with “Wish” and “March of the Pigs,” with frenetic energy, strobe lights and pounding drums. Especially in contrast to the other bands, they’re heavy, industrial, and aggressive, and the younger crowd embraced it.