Dingle, County Kerry – In a moment echoing a deeply personal chapter of his past, Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters delivered a surprise, intimate performance at St. James Church in Dingle, Ireland, on . The impromptu concert, part of the 25th anniversary celebrations for the Other Voices music festival, unfolded before an audience of approximately 80 people, a stark contrast to the band’s usual stadium engagements.
The location holds particular significance for Grohl. Following the death of his Nirvana bandmate, Kurt Cobain, he sought solace in Ireland, specifically driving the Ring of Kerry. It was during this period of grief and escape that a seemingly random encounter – picking up a hitchhiker wearing a t-shirt bearing Cobain’s image – proved to be a pivotal moment. As Grohl recounted, the experience underscored the impossibility of outrunning his past and ultimately inspired the formation of the Foo Fighters.
News of the performance spread quickly, fueled by fans spotting a Foo Fighters flight case on Main Street in Dingle. The band also announced and sold out a surprise gig in Dublin’s Academy for , adding to the whirlwind of excitement.
The concert itself was described as “surreally euphoric,” with the band launching into a mix of new material from their upcoming album, slated for release in April, and classic hits like “Everlong” and “My Hero.” Grohl engaged with the audience, even acknowledging a fan who shouted out having seen Nirvana perform years ago, playfully asking, “How do your fifties feel to you?”
The setlist included a rare performance of “A320” from the 1998 Godzilla soundtrack, alongside a spirited rendition of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” demonstrating the band’s willingness to deviate from expectations even in such an intimate setting. Touring guitarist Jason Falkner filled in for Pat Smear, who recently broke his leg “while gardening.”
The choice of St. James Church as a venue presented a unique challenge, with promoter Philip King initially questioning the practicality of hosting the Foo Fighters in a space that seats only around 80 people. However, the band proceeded, transforming the small chapel into what one attendee described as “the smallest stadium in the world.”
The performance wasn’t just a musical event; it was a full-circle moment for Grohl, returning to the place that played a crucial role in the birth of the Foo Fighters. The band’s willingness to play such a small venue, and the palpable energy of the crowd, underscored the enduring connection between the band and its fans, and the powerful influence of Ireland on Grohl’s musical journey. The concert served as a potent reminder of how personal tragedy can sometimes give rise to extraordinary creativity.
The band’s latest single, “Your Favourite Toy,” was also previewed during the set, offering a taste of what fans can expect from the forthcoming album. The performance in Dingle, coupled with the Dublin show, suggests a deliberate strategy of intimate engagements alongside larger-scale concerts, offering a unique experience for fans across the spectrum.
