> At a Glance
> – Pat Smear broke multiple bones in his left foot during a “bizarre gardening accident”
> – The 66-year-old guitarist will miss several upcoming Foo Fighters shows
> – Jason Falkner will fill in for Smear during his recovery
> – Why it matters: Fans will see a temporary lineup change as the band prioritizes Smear’s full recovery before he returns to the stage
Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear is sidelined after a New Year’s gardening accident left him with multiple broken bones in his left foot. The 66-year-old rocker’s injury comes just as the band prepares for a busy start to 2025.
The Accident
The band announced the injury through their Instagram account on January 7, describing it as a “bizarre gardening accident” in a nod to the classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. The post humorously stated that Smear had “smashing the s— out of his left foot” while ringing in the new year.
Foo Fighters wrote:
> “This means he’ll unfortunately be missing a few shows while the multiple broken bones in his foot heal.”
Upcoming Shows Affected
The band has several performances scheduled where Smear will be absent:
- January 10: Guanajuato, Mexico
- January 14: Los Angeles benefit concert (also Dave Grohl’s 57th birthday)
- January 24: Australia
After the Australia show, the band takes a break before resuming their tour in May through summer 2025.
Temporary Replacement
Jason Falkner, known for his work with Beck and St. Vincent, will step in as guitarist during Smear’s absence. The band expressed their support for their injured member:
> “We want him fully healed and back on his feet as soon as possible.”
Key Takeaways
- Pat Smear suffered multiple foot fractures in a gardening accident
- He’ll miss shows in Mexico, Los Angeles, and Australia
- Jason Falkner will temporarily replace him on guitar
- The band prioritized Smear’s complete recovery over immediate return
The Foo Fighters join a long tradition of rock stars with unusual injury stories, though fans hope Smear’s recovery is swift and complete.
