FOO FIGHTERS are set to deliver a concert experience like no other when they make their long-awaited return to Indonesia for the first time in nearly three decades. The band has secured special permission to smoke, drink, and curse during their highly anticipated show at Carnaval Ancol in Jakarta on October 2.
Local promoter Ravel Entertainment confirmed the news, with CEO Ravel Junardy revealing that the band’s unique requests will be accommodated—within certain boundaries. “They’ve asked for the freedom to curse on stage, as well as permission to smoke and drink during the show,” Junardy told the Jakarta Globe. “As long as it does not touch on sensitive topics like race, religion, or Indonesian cultural values, we’ll allow it.”
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, typically enforces strict regulations on alcohol, banning its sale in mini-markets since 2015 except in select tourist zones such as Bali. However, these regulations do not generally apply to concert performances, and local authorities appear willing to make an exception for the rock legends.
FOO FIGHTERS’ upcoming show marks their first performance in Indonesia since 1996, and the band is planning a spectacle worthy of the occasion. They are bringing in 12 containers of stage and production equipment—including cutting-edge lighting systems unavailable locally—to ensure a high-energy, unforgettable show. The hospitality arrangements are equally lavish, with the band flying in their own private chef. Despite this, Junardy mentioned that the organisers intend to introduce FOO FIGHTERS to traditional Indonesian cuisine during their stay.
The show also marks FOO FIGHTERS’ official return to touring after a brief hiatus in late 2024. The break followed frontman Dave Grohl’s public admission of having fathered a child outside his marriage, a revelation that made headlines and prompted the band to postpone all upcoming commitments to focus on their personal lives. Their last live performance was on September 6, 2024, before the sudden pause.
Despite the break, Grohl has stayed musically active. In early 2025, he reunited with his former Nirvana bandmates for two surprise mini-reunion sets and delivered a moving orchestral performance of Foo Fighters classics with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at Coachella. He also appeared at a high-profile charity concert shortly afterward.
Also, FOO FIGHTERS recently parted ways with drummer Josh Freese under undisclosed circumstances. While no official replacement has been announced, speculation is swirling about 18-year-old Shane Hawkins, son of the late FOO FIGHTERS drummer Taylor Hawkins. Shane has already joined the band onstage for previous performances, and many fans believe his full-time debut may be just around the corner.
FOO FIGHTERS‘ announced dates for 2025 so far are as follows:
- Oct 2 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Carnaval Ancol
- Oct 4 – Singapore – Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay)
- Oct 7 – Tokyo, Japan – Saitama Super Arena
- Oct 10 – Osaka, Japan – Glion Arena Kobe
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