Foo Fighters Start Concert with Heartfelt Video of Injured Bandmate Pat Smear at Home

Dave Grohl and Pat Smear.
Credit :

Scott Dudelson/Getty; Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• The Foo Fighters concert on Wednesday, Jan. 14 kicked off with an at-home video from guitarist Pat Smear.
• In the video, Smear has his injured foot propped up on a couch and introduces the band to the crowd.
• The band announced that Pat Smear suffered a freak accident earlier this month and would miss some shows.

Despite guitarist Pat Smear needing to miss several performances due to an accident, the Foo Fighters found a way to include him in their recent Los Angeles show. The concert, held at the Kia Forum on January 14, opened with a heartfelt video message from Smear.

The video, which featured a propped-up Smear, 66, delivering a message to fans, began with an announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, a message from Pat Smear.” As the audience watched, Smear’s cast-covered foot appeared on-screen, transitioning to show him relaxing on a couch.

“Happy birthday, Dave, sorry I could not be there,” Smear said to band frontman Dave Grohl, who celebrated his 57th birthday on the same day, before introducing the rest of the band.

Following the video, Grohl addressed the crowd, stating, “We’re gonna start this off right,” before leading the audience in a tribute. “We’re gonna sing one for Pat Smear,” Grohl announced as the band played their classic 1998 hit “My Hero.” “He’s my hero,” Grohl shouted during the performance.

On January 7, the band shared news of Smear’s “bizarre gardening accident” via an Instagram post. It featured a mock tabloid cover with the headline, “BREAKING NEWS! In the classic tradition of rockstars having bizarre gardening accidents, Pat Smear has apparently rung in the new year by smashing the s— out of his left foot.” The post confirmed that Smear will need time for his multiple foot fractures to heal.

Foo Fighters in Las Vegas in September 2023.

Rich Polk/Getty

In light of Smear’s situation, the band expressed their desire for his swift recovery, stating, “We’ll miss our beloved Pat as much as you will, but we want him fully healed and back on his feet as soon as possible.” During Smear’s recovery period, Jason Falkner, a guitarist known for his work with artists like Beck and St. Vincent, will step in to perform with the band.

Looking ahead, the Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform in Australia on January 24 before taking a break, with plans to resume their tour from May through September.