Foo Fighters are temporarily down a guitarist, with Pat Smear sidelined after breaking his foot in what might be the most unglamorous rock injury of the year.
The band has confirmed Smear will miss a run of upcoming live dates after injuring his left foot during a gardening accident, Yes, gardening!
The injury means Smear won’t be joining Foo Fighters on several imminent shows while he recovers from multiple broken bones, the affected dates span Mexico, the United States, and Australia, including the band’s highly anticipated Launceston show at UTAS Stadium later this month.
In true Foo Fighters fashion, the band addressed the situation with humour while keeping fans in the loop:
“In the classic tradition of rockstars having bizarre gardening accidents, Pat Smear has apparently rung in the new year by smashing the sh*t out of his left foot.
This means he’ll unfortunately be missing a few shows while the multiple broken bones in his foot heal. 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.
Beck and St. Vincent guitar wizard Jason Falkner will be filling in for Pat while he’s on the mend.”
Jason Falkner stepping in
Jason Falkner, a seasoned guitarist with deep alternative credentials, best known for his work with Beck, St. Vincent, and The Grays is stepping up to the plate.
Falkner’s versatility and experience make him a safe pair of hands for Foo Fighters’ sprawling, riff heavy live sets, even if no one can truly replace Smear’s presence.
While Smear’s absence is a blow, the band has been clear that his recovery comes first, Foo Fighters have spent decades grinding through tours and injuries, the priority is getting Smear healed properly rather than rushing him back onstage.
Smear is expected to return once fully recovered, and until then, the band rolls on, carefully avoiding the garden.
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