'I called everyone I knew': Dave Grohl on Foo Fighters' 2011 NZ earthquake gig

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has revealed he's still got the seismograph reading from the band's earthquake-triggering 2011 Auckland gig framed in their studio, as they prepare to make history at Christchurch's new stadium.

Speaking to Rog from The Morning Rumble, Grohl was reminded of the band's massive Western Springs show, where 50,000 fans jumping up and down managed to register on seismic equipment.

According to GeoNet, seismic stations 1.5 and 2 kilometres from the venue picked up vibrations that matched the band's performance, with ground movement similar to volcanic activity.

The shaking started during Tenacious D's opening set, ramped up when Foo Fighters hit the stage at 8.20pm, and stopped when the gig wrapped at 11pm.

The ground was literally shaking three times a second. Not bad for a Tuesday night.

Turns out, Grohl's pretty bloody proud of it.

"We have the seismograph read out framed in the studio," Grohl revealed. "It's in the studio. When you walk in upstairs in the lounge it's right on the wall."

Not a bad souvenir from a trip to New Zealand.

Grohl reckons the band have had plenty of special career moments, but finding out they'd actually triggered a seismograph was right up there.

"I called everybody I knew."

And now, Foo Fighters are heading back to give Christchurch's brand-new stadium its first proper international rock show.

Rog broke the news to Grohl that they'd be the first international band to play the venue, which came as a bit of a surprise.

"I did not know that."

Naturally, Grohl had a few concerns about leaving the shiny new place standing.

"Well, we'll try our best not to completely destroy the place although that’s what we try to do everywhere else we go."

Rog also mentioned the stadium's $600 million price tag and the fact it's even got a roof.

"Oh my god!" Grohl responded.

Christchurch, might pay to keep an eye on those seismographs come January. Check out Rog's full chat with Grohl below.