Key Facts
- ✓ Pat Smear will miss 'a few dates' on the current tour.
- ✓ Smear suffered a broken foot in a 'bizarre gardening accident.'
- ✓ Jason Falkner will fill in on guitar.
- ✓ Falkner has played with Beck, St. Vincent, and Jellyfish.
Quick Summary
Foo Fighters have confirmed that guitarist Pat Smear will be absent from the band's current tour schedule. The injury was caused by a 'bizarre gardening accident' which resulted in a broken foot.
The band announced that Jason Falkner will step in to handle guitar duties for the upcoming dates. Falkner is recognized for his work with Beck, St. Vincent, and Jellyfish. The announcement utilized a reference to the mockumentary Spinal Tap, a common trope for the band. The tour is expected to continue without interruption despite the lineup change.
The Incident and Injury
Pat Smear, a longtime member of the Foo Fighters, has been forced to step away from the band's current tour. The band released a statement confirming that the guitarist suffered a broken foot. The injury occurred due to what the band termed a 'bizarre gardening accident.'
This type of injury is reminiscent of the fictional mishaps often depicted in rock and roll lore. The band acknowledged this connection by framing the announcement with a reference to the movie Spinal Tap. Despite the humorous framing, the injury is significant enough to require Smear to miss 'a few dates' on the schedule.
"bizarre gardening accident"
— Foo Fighters Statement
The Replacement: Jason Falkner 🎸
To ensure the tour continues without cancellation, Foo Fighters have secured a high-profile replacement. Jason Falkner will join the band on stage for the dates Smear is unable to play.
Falkner brings a wealth of experience to the temporary role. He is a veteran guitarist known for his work with several prominent artists. His credits include performing with:
His versatility makes him a suitable choice to fill in for the veteran Pat Smear.
Band History and Spinal Tap References
The Foo Fighters have a long history of referencing the fictional band Spinal Tap in their public statements and media appearances. The announcement regarding Pat Smear's injury continued this tradition. By attributing the injury to a 'bizarre gardening accident,' the band invoked the chaotic, often absurd narrative tropes associated with the mockumentary.
This approach allows the band to address personnel changes or injuries while maintaining a lighthearted tone. It signals to fans that despite the setback, the band's morale remains high and the show will go on. The recruitment of Jason Falkner ensures that the musical quality of the performances will remain intact.
Tour Implications
The current tour will proceed as scheduled. Fans attending the upcoming shows will see Jason Falkner performing alongside Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Taylor Hawkins, Rami Jaffee, and Chris Shiflett. There is no indication that further dates beyond the initial 'few' will be affected. Pat Smear is expected to return to the tour once he has recovered from his broken foot.
