Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear has been forced to pull out of several imminent concert dates after sustaining a significant injury in what the band has termed a 'bizarre gardening accident'.
The Injury and Immediate Aftermath
The 66-year-old musician, a founding member of punk band The Germs and a former touring guitarist for Nirvana, suffered multiple fractures in his left foot. The incident occurred as he reportedly 'rang in the new year' by severely injuring himself while gardening.
The rock group announced the news in a characteristically humorous statement posted to their official Instagram account. The post featured a mock tabloid front page showing a cheerful-looking Smear seated on an ambulance stretcher.
The band confirmed that guitarist Jason Falkner, known for his work with Beck and St. Vincent, will step in to cover Smear's parts while he recuperates.
Fans React with Humour and Sympathy
In a wave of responses online, many supporters immediately referenced frontman Dave Grohl's famous 2015 leg break. After that injury, Grohl famously completed a tour while seated on an elaborate, custom-built 'Game of Thrones-style throne'.
Comments on the band's post were flooded with variations on the same theme, with fans writing: 'Give Pat the Throne!', 'PUT HIM ON THE THRONE!' and 'Pretty sure Dave has a throne he can borrow.'
Impact on the Band's Tour Schedule
The injury directly affects the band's planned performances in the coming weeks. The affected dates include:
- A concert at Feria Estatal De Leon in Guanajuato, Mexico, on January 10.
- A benefit show for the Los Angeles Mission at the Kia Forum on January 14 (coinciding with Grohl's birthday).
- A performance at Utas Stadium in Launceston, Tasmania, on January 24.
Following these dates, the Foo Fighters have a break before headlining the Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 8. They are then scheduled to commence a major European and North American tour in June.
This summer run includes two highly anticipated nights at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium. The band has not yet confirmed whether Smear is expected to recover in time to rejoin the lineup for these summer shows.
The band concluded their statement by expressing that they will miss their 'beloved Pat' and are wishing him a swift and full recovery so he can return to the stage as soon as possible.
