One of the Beaconsfield miners had an unforgettable reunion with Dave Grohl on stage at the Foo Fighters’ Launceston concert on Saturday night.
Brant Webb was brought on stage during the encore to a roar of applause from the crowd of approximately 25,000 people.
The moment marked nearly 20 years since Webb and fellow miner Todd Russell were trapped underground for 14 days following the 2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse.
During their ordeal, the trapped miners made an unlikely request – an iPod loaded with Foo Fighters hits.
Webb said listening to the band was a way to feel connected to his wife, a longtime Foo Fighters fan.
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl told the crowd on Saturday night of how he first heard the story about Beaconsfield.
He described it as “such a huge, beautiful, profound moment”.
“When musicians write songs and they go to the studio and do it, you never really consider … the reach of it.”
Grohl later wrote “The Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners” in response to the tragedy, which he first played for Webb and Russell at the Sydney Opera House.
Last night, Grohl played the song to the crowd in Launceston in a special acoustic performance, a moment which Webb said will stay with him forever.
“That was pretty special, introducing your song that he’s written for you … in front of 26,000 people to the roar was amazing,” Webb told Sunrise.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”
Webb attended the concert with his wife and daughter-in-law.
Accomodation in Launceston sold out quickly, forcing Webb to bring his yacht down from Beauty Point for accommodation.
Webb now runs a property maintenance business and credits people like Grohl with helping shape his life after the rescue.
“It doesn’t matter if they rescue your body or your mental health,” he said. “They’re all my heroes.”
