Foo Fighters Announce Surprise UK and Ireland Gigs

Foo Fighters, the American rock band fronted by Dave Grohl, announced a series of surprise intimate concerts in the United Kingdom and Ireland this week, drawing hundreds of fans to queue for tickets that sold out within hours. The gigs, set for venues with capacities under 1,500, mark a return to smaller stages ahead of the band's new album release and larger stadium tours.

The shows begin tonight at The Academy in Dublin, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the performance starting at 8:30 p.m. The band will follow with a performance at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on Wednesday, February 25, and conclude at Manchester's O2 Ritz on Friday, February 27. All events are restricted to those 18 and older, with no support acts announced.

Tickets went on sale Sunday at noon local time, available only in person at the venues or nearby box offices to curb scalping. Priced at 99 pounds each, including fees, they carried a strict two-ticket limit per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers needed to present physical photo ID and a credit or debit card matching the purchase, with no cash or contactless payments accepted. For two-ticket purchases, the buyer and guest must...