Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters have sent a jolt of excitement through their Irish fanbase this week with a series of unannounced performances, transforming a historic church into an intimate venue and packing a Dublin city centre club. The band’s whirlwind visit, beginning with a remarkably small-scale concert in Dingle, County Kerry, has left fans buzzing and scrambling for tickets.
The surprise appearances come as the Foo Fighters celebrate their 25th anniversary as a band and ahead of the release of their new album, Your Favorite Toy, on April 24th. The band, formed in 1994 by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, but this week’s gigs offered a uniquely personal experience for those lucky enough to attend.
From Kerry Chapel to Dublin Academy
The initial shockwave came on Sunday night when the Foo Fighters took to the stage at St James’ Church in Dingle. The venue, described as a “tiny, vibrating, possibly now structurally-damaged chapel” by the Irish Times, holds a special significance for Grohl. After the death of his Nirvana bandmate Kurt Cobain, Grohl travelled to Kerry to grieve and locate solace. He famously encountered a teenager wearing a Kurt Cobain t-shirt during his travels, a moment that prompted him to return to the US and form the Foo Fighters. The Dingle performance felt, according to one attendee, “surreally euphoric.”
The intimate nature of the Dingle gig was remarkable. The church seats around 80 people, yet word spread quickly, attracting media attention and dedicated fans. One fan, Slash Lawless, was alerted by her former schoolteacher who worked with Other Voices, the organization that hosted the event, remembering her Foo Fighters patches. Attendees reportedly snagged set lists, drumsticks, and plectrums after the show.
Less than 24 hours later, the band announced a last-minute gig at The Academy in Dublin on Monday night. Tickets, priced at €99 including fees, went on sale at the 3Olympia Theatre Box Office and sold out quickly, prompting large queues that formed early in the morning, as RTÉ reported. MCD Productions, the promoter, limited ticket purchases to two per person and only accepted physical debit or credit cards.
Grohl Reflects on Hawkins and the Future of the Band
The Irish performances follow a period of reflection and rebuilding for the Foo Fighters following the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Dave Grohl recently spoke about the experience, stating that “the world is not the same” without Hawkins, whom he described as an “incredible human being.” He acknowledged the difficulty of continuing as a band after Hawkins’ passing, noting they “talk about him every day.”
Grohl also discussed the band’s evolution and their approach to their 12th record. He expressed a desire to create music that would “build us jump around and smile and scream,” signaling a continued commitment to energetic and engaging performances. The band has since welcomed Ilan Rubin as their drummer in Hawkins’ absence.
The band’s recent activity suggests a renewed energy and a desire to connect with fans on a more personal level. The choice of intimate venues in Dingle and Dublin stands in stark contrast to their usual stadium shows, offering a unique experience for those fortunate enough to witness them.
As the Foo Fighters move forward with their 25th-anniversary celebrations and the release of their new album, their surprise Irish gigs serve as a powerful reminder of their enduring appeal and their ability to connect with audiences in unexpected and meaningful ways. Fans will be watching to see what the next chapter holds for this iconic rock band.
What did you think of the Foo Fighters’ surprise gigs? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow music lovers!