Foo Fighters Surprise California Concert Today Amidst Drummer Change and Busy Music News Cycle

Foo Fighters have announced a surprise concert in California, scheduled to take place today, September 13, 2025, at the intimate Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo. This unexpected event comes at a notable juncture for the band, coinciding with the departure of drummer Josh Freese and a period of significant activity within the broader music news landscape.

The announcement for this intimate, all-ages show was made on Friday, September 12, with details about ticket sales released shortly after. Fans looking to attend the nearly 900-capacity venue were directed to purchase tickets in person at the box office, with sales commencing at 8:00 AM PST on September 13. A strict limit of two tickets per person was enforced, and attendees were advised to line up no earlier than 7:00 AM PST. The venue specified that only physical credit or debit cards would be accepted for payment, and a physical ID was required for both purchase and entry. This surprise event marks the band’s first live performance in California in some time, following a break after their last shows in August 2024 and prior to scheduled international dates in October and November.

Drummer Transition

The departure of Josh Freese from the Foo Fighters was confirmed by Freese himself in May 2025. He revealed on social media that the band had decided to “go in a different direction with their drummer,” with no specific reason provided. Freese, a highly experienced drummer with an extensive discography, had joined the band in May 2023, taking on the significant role of replacing the late Taylor Hawkins. While he expressed being “shocked and disappointed” by the dismissal, Freese maintained a graceful demeanor, even humorously suggesting he would compile a “Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters” list. Reports indicate that Ilan Rubin, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, has taken over as the Foo Fighters’ new drummer for their upcoming tours. Freese, in turn, has rejoined Nine Inch Nails for their current North American tour. In interviews following his departure, Freese suggested that the decision may have stemmed from management issues or a lack of musical resonance, rather than personal conflict.

Broader Music News Context

The current music news cycle is particularly active. Alongside the Foo Fighters’ surprise concert announcement, other significant music news breaking around this time includes Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil revealing he suffered a stroke. Additionally, The Who announced the final show for a leg of their North American tour scheduled for September 12, 2025. This flurry of music news highlights a dynamic period for rock artists and their fans.

An Intimate Performance

The Foo Fighters’ decision to play a surprise show in a relatively small venue like the Fremont Theater underscores their connection with fans and their ability to create unique live music event experiences. While the band has extensive international dates scheduled for later in the year, including performances at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and headlining shows in Mexico, this California gig offers a more intimate setting for their audience. The band’s announcement, characterized by their signature blend of humor and directness, noted, “SOUND ON. See you Saturday in San Luis Obispo.” This surprise concert provides an immediate opportunity for fans to experience the band live amidst a period of transition and ongoing global music news.