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Foo Fighters fans woke to surprising news this week: longtime guitarist Pat Smear suffered a freak gardening injury and will miss several upcoming performances while he recovers. The band made the announcement with a cheeky Instagram post, mixing dark humor with practical tour updates as they name a temporary substitute.
Band breaks the news with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram stunt
Rather than a formal press release, Foo Fighters opted for a playful social media reveal. The post featured a mock tabloid cover lampooning the incident and poked fun at rock-star tropes. Alongside the image, the group explained that Smear’s injury left multiple fractures in his left foot and that he needs time off to heal.
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The tone of the message balanced concern and wit, stressing that the band wants him healthy before returning to the stage. They made clear he’ll miss “a few” shows while recovering from broken bones in his foot.
Who will fill Pat Smear’s shoes on tour?
Foo Fighters announced that Jason Falkner will step in on guitar during Smear’s absence. Falkner is known for collaborations with artists such as Beck and St. Vincent, and the band described him as a reliable, skilled pick for the slot.
- Replacement guitarist: Jason Falkner
- Noted credits: session and touring work with Beck and St. Vincent
- Role: temporary touring guitarist while Smear recovers
Which dates are most likely to be affected?
The band did not list exactly how many concerts Smear will miss, but early signs point to several January shows being impacted. Most immediately at risk are the Foo Fighters’ set in Guanajuato, Mexico, on January 10 and the big benefit night at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on January 14.
The Kia Forum performance is a charity event tied to frontman Dave Grohl’s 57th birthday. Proceeds will benefit Hope The Mission and Los Angeles Mission, two nonprofits focused on community support in L.A.
Practical outlook for fans
- Expect lineup adjustments rather than cancellations, as a seasoned fill-in has already been named.
- Ticket holders should monitor official band channels for final confirmations.
- Promoters may update set times or billing depending on Smear’s recovery timetable.
Foo Fighters summer 2026 routing and supporting acts
Below are the major stadium and arena stops announced for summer 2026. Support artists are noted where listed.
- 08-04 — Toronto, Ontario — Rogers Stadium (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 08-06 — Detroit, MI — Ford Field (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 08-08 — Chicago, IL — Soldier Field (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 08-10 — Cleveland, OH — Huntington Bank Field (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 08-13 — Philadelphia, PA — Lincoln Financial Field (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 08-15 — Nashville, TN — Nissan Stadium (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 08-17 — Washington, D.C. — Nationals Park (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 09-12 — Fargo, ND — Fargodome (guest lineup TBA)
- 09-15 — Regina, Saskatchewan — Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 09-17 — Edmonton, Alberta — Commonwealth Stadium (with Mannequin Pussy)
- 09-20 — Vancouver, British Columbia — BC Place (with Gouge Away)
- 09-26 — Las Vegas, NV — Allegiant Stadium (with Gouge Away)
Legend:
- ^ with Queens of the Stone Age
- $ with Jehnny Beth
- + with Mannequin Pussy
- @ with Gouge Away
What we know — and what remains unclear
Key facts are confirmed: Smear injured his left foot, suffered multiple fractures, and will miss some shows. The band named Jason Falkner as a temporary touring guitarist.
Remaining unknowns include the exact cause of the gardening mishap and the precise number of concerts he will skip. The Foo Fighters encouraged patience as they prioritize Pat’s full recovery.
