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Foo Fighters cancel Minneapolis show after venue dispute over Covid rules

Dave Grohl and his bandmates are working on finding a “suitable replacement”

By Hollie Geraghty

Dave Grohl performs live standing against a purple backdrop
Foo Fighters have previously required all concert attendees to be vaccinated. (Photo: YouTube)

Foo Fighters have pulled the Minneapolis show from their 2022 North America tour due to the venue’s “refusal to agree to the band’s Covid safety measures”.

Dave Grohl and co were due to play the Huntington Bank Stadium on August 3, but said they are now working on finding a “suitable replacement”.

In a statement posted to the band’s Twitter, they wrote: “Due to Huntington Bank Stadium’s refusal to agree to the band’s COVID safety measures, Foo Fighters are unable to perform at that venue.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and are working on finding a suitable replacement — one that will prioritize the health and safety of everyone working and attending the show.”

A spokesperson for the venue, which is on the University of Minnesota campus, told The Star Tribune: “The university declined to change its existing protocols for large events, which have been effective.

“We continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, wear a mask when in large crowds, and take appropriate steps to protect public and personal health.”

While the university has required students to be vaccinated since October, the stadium did not require masks, proof of vaccine or negative test results for football fans.

The band has previously seen anti-vaxxer protests at shows in New York and Agoura Hills.

They played their first full capacity show since the beginning of the pandemic at Madison Square Garden in June to a fully vaccinated crowd.

The 2022 tour will kick off in Pennsylvania in May, and finish up in Los Angeles later in the summer.

Meanwhile, Grohl recently released a rendition of Barry Manilow’s ‘Copacabana’ as the latest cover in his second annual ‘Hanukkah Sessions’.

The song was released as part of his ongoing series with producer Greg Kurstin, where they cover a Jewish musician for every day of the Festival of Lights.

“Barry Pincus – not only one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th (or any) century, but a mega-mensch to boot!” a Foo Fighters tweet read with the video.

“So, like a good neighbor, you deserve a break today. So grab a bucket of chicken and let’s get stuck on…..”