Foo Fighters Granted Permission to Swear, Smoke, and Drink Onstage at Jakarta Show — Amid Surprise Drummer Exit
Foo Fighters are set to return to Jakarta for the first time since 1996, and they’re doing it on their own terms. The band’s tour rider for their October 2 show at Carnaval Ancol includes special permissions to swear, drink alcohol, and smoke during their performance—an uncommon request for concerts in Indonesia.
According to Consequence Sound, show promoter Ravel Junardy, CEO of Ravel Entertainment, confirmed the band’s unusual demands, stating:
“They’ve asked for the freedom to curse on stage, as well as permission to smoke and drink during the show. As long as it doesn’t touch on sensitive topics like race, religion, or Indonesian cultural values, we’ll allow it.”
While the Foo Fighters prep for their high-energy return to Indonesia, recent news has added a twist to their tour narrative. Drummer Josh Freese, who joined the band following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, revealed earlier this month that he was unexpectedly fired.
Freese took to Instagram to break the news:
“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given. 🙁 Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage.”
Despite expressing disappointment and surprise—this being the first time he’s ever been let go from a band—Freese remained upbeat and teased a humorous “Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters” list for fans.
As the band gears up for their October show with new staging freedoms and a shakeup behind the kit, fans are left wondering what direction the Foo Fighters will take next—both musically and personally.