Foo Fighters have just dropped a major curveball on their fans in the UK and Ireland, unveiling three surprise shows scheduled for later this week — and the response has been instant chaos at the box office.
Instead of the usual pre‑sale ticket frenzy online, the band announced gigs that require fans to buy tickets in person only, triggering long queues and a rush in city centres.
- Dublin, Ireland — The Academy on Feb. 23, tickets sold at the box office only.
- London, England — O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Feb. 25, tickets at the venue.
- Manchester, England — O2 Ritz on Feb. 27, also in‑person tickets.
All shows are limited in capacity compared to big arenas and sold strictly on a first come, first served basis, with a two‑ticket limit per person. Attendees must bring physical photo ID and credit card to buy tickets at each venue’s box office.
In Dublin, fans reacted immediately — with many arriving well before ticket sales opened. Local reports describe people lining up early in the city centre just to secure one of the 850 available spots.
Lifelong Foo Fighters fan Colm Scott‑Byrne summed up the atmosphere perfectly: he said he “literally can’t even put it into words” how excited he was to finally get a ticket. It may be his 25th or 26th time seeing the band live, he added.
Another attendee, Amy Malloy, said she didn’t even know details until minutes before lines formed — but once she got her ticket, she and fellow fans were celebrating in the street.
The surprise gigs come at an exciting time for the band — they recently shared new music and announced the upcoming album Your Favorite Toy, set for release on April 24 via RCA/Roswell Records. The title track was described by frontman Dave Grohl as the key that unlocked the energetic tone of the record.
These intimate shows in Dublin, London and Manchester also act as teasers ahead of their larger “Take Cover” world tour, which will include traditional stadium and arena dates across Europe, North America and beyond. This tour marks one of the band’s most extensive live runs since 2023, and will feature current drummer Ilan Rubin following the departure of Josh Freese.
Foo Fighters’ decision to stage these spontaneous performances — with strict in‑person ticket rules and limited capacity — has thrilled fans and stirred excitement across social media. It’s a reminder that even after decades on the road, the band can still surprise audiences with unpredictable, crowd‑pleasing moves.
Whether you’re in Dublin, London or Manchester, these shows are shaping up to be memorable moments in the Foo Fighters’ ongoing 2026 live story.
