Frontman’s fall from stage in Sweden leads band to call off two European shows, sparking concern about Wembley and Glastonbury appearances

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Foo Fighters fans are anxious the band may cancel their British shows after singer and guitarist Dave Grohl broke his leg during a concert.



The band announced on Saturday that their frontman’s injuries were so severe they would not be able to play two forthcoming European shows.

Fans now face several nervous days waiting for news about the fate of Foo Fighters gigs a few days later at Wembley stadium and Glastonbury festival.

'I think I just broke my leg': Dave Grohl finishes show after Sweden stage plunge Read more

Grohl tumbled off the stage at the Nya Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden, while performing one of the band’s best-known songs, Monkey Wrench, on Friday. Still clutching on to his microphone while he lay beside the stage, Grohl told the crowd: “I think I just broke my leg. I’m going to go to hospital. I’m going to fix my leg and then I’m going to come back.”

The rest of the band carried on with the show until Grohl returned to sing for the final part of the gig, sitting in a chair with his leg in a cast.

According to reports, he told the Swedish crowd: “I may not be able to walk or run but I can still play guitar and scream.”

He later tweeted a picture of an X-ray of his leg showing a fracture, along with the message: “Thank you Gothenburg. That was amazing.”

Although fans applauded the former Nirvana drummer’s bravado, they are concerned that Foo Fighters will have to pull out of some of their British dates.

Foo Fighters are due to play two gigs at Wembley stadium in London on 19 and 20 June, another at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on 23 June, followed by a headline performance at the Glastonbury festival on 26 June.

On Saturday evening, the band’s management released a statement cancelling two shows in the Netherlands and Switzerland next week.

“As witnessed by tens of thousands,” the band wrote on their website: “Dave Grohl took a nasty spill during the second song of the set.

“With the help of on-site medical staff who patched him up temporarily, Dave was able to rejoin the band to complete that performance. While the full extent of Dave’s injuries are still being determined, it was confirmed at a post-show hospital visit that he sustained at least one fracture.

“As a result Foo Fighters have been forced to cancel their 14 June appearance at the Pinkpop festival, as well as their 16 June show at the AFG arena in St Gallen, Switzerland.”

A spokesman for Wembley stadium said: “We are aware of the incident last night involving Dave Grohl and are in contact with the event organisers, who at this stage have no further information.

“As soon as we have news from the artiste this will be made public.”

British fans have greeted the uncertainty with offers of help, prayers and tears.

Liam Shaughnessy wrote on Twitter: “Might cry if foo fighters cancel Wembley on Friday #prayfordave.”

Paul Milton said: “I pray to the rock gods that Dave is fit, healthy and ready for Wembley.”

Matthew Nugent tweeted: “If you cancel glastonbury you’ll break my heart.”

And user Stephsputnik said: “If Dave needs a nurse, I have the outfit.”