Foo Fighters' Jakarta Tour Rider Permits Swearing, Smoking, and Drinking on Stage

Indonesian fans will see the Foo Fighters enjoy unique freedoms on stage during their Jakarta show, including swearing, smoking, and drinking.

Foo Fighters’ Jakarta Show Breaks the Mold with Tour Rider Permissions

The legendary Foo Fighters are gearing up for an epic return to Jakarta with a tour rider that grants them some rather unconventional liberties for the Indonesian stage. For those unfamiliar, a tour rider outlines all the requirements a band demands to perform. And in Jakarta, the Foo Fighters’ rider includes explicit permission to swear, smoke, and drink on stage—freedoms rarely allowed in Indonesia, where such behaviors typically face strict fines or even harsher penalties.

Dave Grohl and Pat Smear rocking out on stage

This show marks the band’s first performance in Jakarta since 1996 and will take place at Carnaval Ancol on October 2, 2025. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the Foo Fighters have also announced additional dates in Japan, including spots at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo and Glion Arena Kobe in Osaka.

What Makes This Rider So Unique?

Ravel Junardy, CEO of Ravel Entertainment and promoter of the Jakarta show, explains how the band’s demands align with the local cultural sensitivities:

“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 doesn’t touch on sensitive topics like race, religion, or Indonesian cultural values, we’ll allow it.”

Junardy’s role involves balancing Western acts’ artistic expressions with Indonesia's regulatory expectations, ensuring performances respect cultural boundaries while giving artists some creative space.

The Tour’s Exciting Asian Leg

Following their Jakarta show, the Foo Fighters will jump over to Japan for two additional concerts:

• October 7, 2025 — Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo
• October 10, 2025 — Glion Arena Kobe, Osaka

Tickets for all these electrifying shows are available at the band's official tour page.

New shows announced! 🇮🇩🇯🇵
Ticket details below.
2 October 2025
Jakarta, Indonesia
Carnaval Ancol
7 October 2025
Tokyo, Japan
Saitama Super Arena
10 October 2025
Osaka, Japan
Glion Arena Kobe
— Foo Fighters (via Twitter)

Behind the Scenes: Changes in the Band Lineup

The announcement of these shows comes shortly after news broke that Josh Freese, who took over drumming duties following the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, was unexpectedly dismissed from the band. Freese expressed surprise and disappointment but conveyed his support for the band’s decision:

“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer’. No reason was given. Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.”

Freese even joked about possible reasons for his exit, including whistling their hit "My Hero" non-stop for a week and starting rehearsals with a 20-minute cowbell sound bath — classic rock band humor at its finest!

Why This Matters

Indonesia’s typically strict policies around on-stage behavior make the Foo Fighters’ freedom to swear, smoke, and drink a significant gesture of artistic respect and cultural flexibility. It reflects a growing trend where global acts negotiate their riders to maintain their authentic stage presence without clashing with local laws.

Are you ready to witness this legendary band bring their raw energy to Jakarta and Japan, unfiltered and unapologetic? Don’t miss out!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a tour rider and why is it important?
  A tour rider is a set of demands or requests a band or artist provides to the venue to ensure their needs are met for the performance. It can include technical, hospitality, and performance-related requests.
• Is swearing, smoking, and drinking on stage usually allowed in Indonesia?
  No, Indonesia generally prohibits these behaviors on stage, and breaking these laws can lead to fines or imprisonment. The Foo Fighters’ rider is an exception allowed under specific agreements.
• Where and when will the Foo Fighters perform in Asia in 2025?
  They will perform on October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia, then October 7 in Tokyo, and October 10 in Osaka, Japan.
• Who replaced Taylor Hawkins as the drummer for Foo Fighters?
  Josh Freese took over as the touring drummer after Taylor Hawkins' passing but was later dismissed from the band in 2025.
• How can I buy tickets to the Foo Fighters’ upcoming shows?
  Tickets are available through the official Foo Fighters website under their tour dates section.

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