TORONTO - "It's times like these, you learn to live again," sang Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl last night at the Molson Amphitheatre in front of a sold-out crowd.

Those lyrics from Times Like These, from the Foos' 2002 release, One By One, pretty much summed up the ferocious and infectious energy coming off the stage from Grohl.

Maybe he was just psyched about the fact that last night's show was the biggest solo headlining gig ever for the Foo Fighters, who are celebrating their first decade as a band.

"I think I just sucked my testicles up into my chest," he said after letting out three major screams.

Whatever the reason for his evident enthusiasm, the 36-year-old singer-guitarist, who in his former rock life played drums for Nirvana, has become the quintessential rock and roll frontman: Exciting, passionate, charming, charismatic and yes, dead sexy, in his own lovable, unshaven, and messy hair way.

Grohl was a downright wonder to behold, particularly during the concert's first five songs, which never really let up in the energy department -- In Your Honor (the title track from the Foos' two-month-old new double album), All My Life, Times Like These, My Hero, and Best Of You.

The only downside was that it was hard to match the intensity of that opening quintet of songs again during the rest of the onehour, 45-minute show, although Last Song, Stacked Actors. D.O.A., This Is A Call, Breakout, End Over End, and Monkey Wrench came awfully close.

Even when he accidentially knocked over his microphone stand during the encore he was funny.

"I just quit smoking four days ago so I'm a total spazz," he explained. "I'm losing my f---in' mind."

Later he playfully performed the intro to Van Halen's Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, and then admitted he really didn't know the tune.

"That song is a mystery to me," he said.

Grohl has also wisely added the props of a big rock show to help him deliver his music in the most stylish and dramatic way possible: large mishapen video screens, a incredible light and laser show, huge speakers literally piled up on top of one another and two large hanging shields with the double F insignia.

But all those bells and whistles didn't stop him from taking the solo spotlight effectively during Tired Of You and Everlong.

And when audience singalongs were requested, the crowd willingly took part.

Grohl even placed himself behind the drums for the new song Cold Day In The Sun so drummer Taylor Hawkins could take over on lead vocals and guitar.

Nice guy

Between the two of them, Grohl and Hawkins are two dynamic balls of energy in the centre of the action while guitarist Craig Shiflett and bassist Nate Mendel are quiet if sturdy anchors on either side of the stage.

Grohl also dedicated Your Arms to "the beautiful Canadian boys in rock bands," specifically Sloan and Constantines, who have opened for the Foos on different stops of their cross-Canada tour, which wrapped up in Toronto last night

Quite frankly, Grohl's success couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.