In a move that sent fans into a frenzy this weekend, American rock legends Foo Fighters unexpectedly announced a set of three intimate live shows across Ireland and England, beginning the week of 22 February 2026.
The surprise run, confirmed via the band’s social media channels and official press releases on 22 February, will see frontman Dave Grohl and his bandmates take to smaller venues in Dublin, London and Manchester in quick succession.
📍 The Shows
- 23 February – Dublin, Ireland — The Academy
- 25 February – London, England — O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
- 27 February – Manchester, England — O2 Ritz
These dates are markedly more intimate than the massive stadium and arena shows the band are known for, offering fans a rare chance to see the Foo Fighters up close in packed-in, first-come, first-served settings.
🎟️ Ticketing Chaos And Celebration
In keeping with the element of surprise, the band specified that tickets would only be sold in person at the venues, with no online sales or pre-bookings available. Buyers needed to present physical photo ID and credit cards, and there was a strict two-ticket per person limit to combat scalping.
The announcement sparked long queues and enthusiastic scenes outside box offices, especially in Dublin’s city centre, where fans lined up hours early for the first night’s show. Many expressed sheer delight at securing tickets for what some called one of the most exciting and unexpected gigs they’ve tried to attend.
🎤 A Rock Week For Foo Fighters
These surprise gigs cap off an already exciting time for the band. Just days earlier, Foo Fighters released the title track to their upcoming twelfth studio album, Your Favorite Toy, which is due out on 24 April 2026.
The band also recently appeared on The Graham Norton Show, where they debuted the new track live, fueling speculation that more UK dates would follow this spring.
What Fans Are Saying
Across social media and outside the waiting crowds, many fans celebrated the chance to experience Foo Fighters in a raw, intimate setting, a contrast to their usual festival and headline tours. For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of rock’s most enduring bands up close.
At the same time, the unconventional ticketing rules and the pace at which shows sold out sparked debate online about access and pricing for such high-demand surprise events.
In sum, the surprise shows in Dublin, London, and Manchester have become one of the week’s biggest talking points in music, blending nostalgia, spontaneity, and sheer live-rock excitement at the start of 2026 for Foo Fighters fans across the UK and Ireland.
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