Indonesia Permits Foo Fighters to Smoke, Drink, and Swear During Performance
Foo Fighters are preparing to offer a one-of-a-kind concert experience as they gear up for their comeback show in Indonesia after nearly 30 years. The band has been granted special permission to engage in behaviors typically restricted, such as smoking, drinking, and using explicit language during their performance at Carnaval Ancol in Jakarta on October 2.
Ravel Entertainment, the local promoter, has confirmed that Foo Fighters’ unconventional requests will be met, albeit with some limitations. CEO Ravel Junardy stated, “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 does not touch on sensitive topics like race, religion, or Indonesian cultural values, we’ll allow it.”
In Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation with strict regulations on alcohol consumption, the ban on alcohol sales in mini-markets since 2015 does not commonly extend to concert performances. Local authorities have made an exception for the rock band’s upcoming show, indicating a willingness to accommodate their needs.
It has been almost three decades since Foo Fighters last performed in Indonesia, and they are pulling out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable show this time around. The band is bringing in 12 containers of cutting-edge stage and production equipment, including high-tech lighting systems that are not readily available locally. Their hospitality arrangements also reflect their commitment to excellence, with their own private chef flying in to cater to their needs. Nonetheless, Junardy shared that the organizers plan to introduce Foo Fighters to traditional Indonesian cuisine during their stay.
This concert signifies Foo Fighters’ official return to touring following a hiatus in late 2024. The break was prompted by frontman Dave Grohl’s public confession of fathering a child outside his marriage, a revelation that led to the band postponing all upcoming engagements to focus on personal matters. Their last live performance took place on September 6, 2024, before the unexpected pause.
Despite the hiatus, Grohl has kept busy with musical endeavors. In early 2025, he reunited with his former Nirvana bandmates for surprise mini-reunion sets and collaborated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at Coachella for an orchestral performance of Foo Fighters classics. He also made appearances at charity events.
Furthermore, Foo Fighters recently bid farewell to drummer Josh Freese amid undisclosed circumstances. While an official replacement has not been announced, speculation surrounds 18-year-old Shane Hawkins, the son of the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, as a potential new member. Shane has previously joined the band on stage for performances, leading many fans to believe his full-time debut with the band may be imminent.
Foo Fighters have a packed schedule for 2025, with upcoming performances in Jakarta, Singapore, and Japan. Their return to Indonesia promises to be a memorable and boundary-pushing event, showcasing the band’s commitment to providing a unique and electrifying concert experience to their fans.