Dave Grohl Confirms Completion of Twelfth Foo Fighters Album During Surprise Tasmania Show
Dave Grohl stunned 20,000 fans at UTAS Stadium on Saturday, he revealed the band has fully recorded their latest studio effort. The announcement came during an exclusive performance in Tasmania on January 24, 2026, it marks a major creative turning point for the rock icons following a turbulent few years.
Turbulent Years and Lineup Changes Precede New Recording
This project serves as a significant milestone for the group, it follows the emotionally heavy release of But Here We Are in 2023. That record addressed the tragic loss of drummer Taylor Hawkins, Grohl himself played percussion on those tracks before session veteran Josh Freese toured with the group. The band has since undergone another evolution, Freese departed in 2025 to make way for a different rhythmic direction. Personal challenges also impacted the frontman recently, Grohl admitted to fathering a child outside his marriage in 2024, this led to a brief hiatus before this current resurgence.
Tasmanian Crowd Witnesses Historic Reveal and Fresh Personnel
Grohl broke the news midway through a marathon three hour set at UTAS Stadium, he told the capacity crowd they had "finished the other day" regarding the new tracks. This performance showcased the live debut of Ilan Rubin behind the drum kit, the former Nine Inch Nails member brings a technical and industrial edge to the rhythm section. Fans also noticed a change in the guitar lineup, long time member Pat Smear was absent due to a reported gardening injury, touring musician Jason Falkner filled the role for the evening.
The event featured an emotional appearance by Brant Webb, the Beaconsfield mine survivor joined the band onstage to celebrate their return to the region after two decades. Grohl emphasized the fresh material represents a new chapter, he stated "We might have a whole new record of fucking songs" to the cheering audience. The show served as a testing ground for this lineup, the chemistry between Rubin and the veteran members suggests a tighter and heavier sound is on the horizon.
Industrial Influences and Upcoming World Tour Expectations
The addition of Rubin suggests a shift toward a more aggressive style, this aligns with social media teasers hinting at involvement from legendary producer Rick Rubin. Industry analysts expect the untitled album to launch a massive global tour in late 2026, Grohl hinted at returning to Australia before early 2027. This release represents a strategy to rebuild the band's public image, they are moving past recent controversies to focus on a new era of high energy rock music.
A specific release date remains unconfirmed as the tracks enter the mixing phase, eager listeners anticipate the rumored lead single "Asking For A Friend" will drop in the coming months.
