Foo Fighters Launch ‘Take Cover’ Tour Amidst pat Smear’s Recovery
Foo Fighters officially launched their highly anticipated ‘Take Cover’ 2026 tour in León, Mexico on January 10th, delivering a high-energy performance despite the absence of guitarist Pat Smear, who is recovering from a broken foot sustained in a gardening accident.The band was joined by Jason Falkner,stepping in to fill Smear’s role,as they launched into an 18-song setlist packed with fan favorites. The concert also included a special moment where the audience collectively celebrated frontman Dave Grohl’s upcoming 57th birthday on January 14th.
A Warm Welcome for Falkner, Acknowledgment of Smear’s Absence
The show marked the first performance of the year for the Foo Fighters and the beginning of their extensive ‘Take cover’ tour. however, the evening was tinged with the unfortunate news of Pat Smear’s injury. Grohl addressed the crowd, acknowledging Smear’s absence with characteristic candor. “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but our guitar player – Pat Smear – broke his fucking leg, right? Been there, done that,” Grohl reportedly said, before introducing Falkner as a temporary replacement. He praised Falkner’s extensive experience, highlighting his collaborations with artists like Beck and St. Vincent, and expressed gratitude for Falkner’s willingness to step in on short notice.
setlist Highlights and a Birthday Serenade
The band launched into a dynamic setlist, opening with the powerful duo of “All My Life” and “Times Like These” from their 2002 album, One By One, followed by their iconic hit, “The Pretender.” The concert continued with a mix of well-known anthems like “Best Of You,” “Monkey Wrench,” “Learn To Fly,” “Everlong,” and “My Hero.” The setlist also included deeper cuts such as “La dee Da,” “Run,” “Aurora,” and “Exhausted,” the latter of which was a debut single released prior to their breakthrough track, “This Is A Call” in 1995 [1].
Midway through the performance, the audience spontaneously erupted into a rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Grohl, who will turn 57 on January 14th. This heartfelt moment underscored the strong connection between the band and its devoted fanbase.
Tour Dates and Support Acts
pat Smear’s injury will keep him sidelined for several upcoming shows, including the Foo Fighters’ benefit concert for Hope the Mission and the Los Angeles Mission in Los Angeles on January 14th, as well as shows scheduled in Australia later this month. Despite Smear’s absence, the ‘Take Cover’ tour is set to continue with dates across the UK and Europe this summer, including two highly anticipated performances at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium on June 25th and 27th.
The tour will also feature a diverse lineup of support acts, including Royel Otis, Inhaler, IDLES, Otoboke Beaver, Fat Dog, and Die Spitz, promising a dynamic live experience for fans. Tickets are available here.
Looking Ahead: North American Dates and new Music
beyond the UK and European leg, the Foo Fighters have also announced a 2026 North American stadium tour. This announcement follows the band’s recent release of new music, including the singles “Today’s Song” and “Asking For A Friend,” signaling a new era for the band [2]. The band has described this period as “about to take flight,” suggesting exciting developments for fans in the coming months [3].
Despite the setback of Smear’s injury, the Foo Fighters’ launch of the ‘Take Cover’ tour demonstrates their resilience and commitment to delivering unforgettable live performances. With Jason Falkner stepping up to the challenge and a wealth of new music on the horizon, the band is poised to continue their legacy as one of rock’s most enduring and beloved acts.
Published: 2026/01/14 12:07:12
