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Foo Fighters Guitarist Pat Smear Injured in Gardening Accident

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 14:42 GMT by NME

Foo Fighters' Pat Smear Sidelines Himself After Bizarre Gardening Mishap

Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear will be unable to perform on the band's upcoming tour dates due to a highly unusual injury sustained while gardening. The news, initially reported by NME, details a freak accident involving Smear and a power tool, leaving him with significant hand injuries and necessitating a temporary leave from the band. While known for his powerful riffs and long history in punk and rock, Smear is now focusing on recovery, with the Foo Fighters adapting to cover his absence.

The incident, as described in the NME article and corroborated by a post on Smear’s Instagram, occurred while he was attempting to clear some bamboo using a reciprocating saw. The saw reportedly kicked back, resulting in deep lacerations to his fingers. While the initial description sounds simple, the extent of the injury is considerable, requiring surgery and a period of intensive rehabilitation. Smear himself humorously downplayed the incident on Instagram, posting a photo of his bandaged hand with the caption, “Well, this is an update… looks like I won’t be hitting the road with the boys this spring. Turns out I’m not as good at gardening as I thought I was. Bamboo is a real pain in the a**!”

This isn’t the first time a seemingly mundane activity has led to injury for a member of the Foo Fighters, casting a somber shadow over the band's recent history. The tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022 remains a deeply felt loss. Hawkins passed away unexpectedly while on tour in Colombia, and the band subsequently cancelled all scheduled performances. The circumstances surrounding his death were complex and remains a sensitive topic for fans and band members alike. The current incident, though significantly less tragic, underscores a certain fragility – a reminder that even everyday activities can have unforeseen consequences.

Following Hawkins’ death, the Foo Fighters initially announced an indefinite hiatus. They eventually returned to performing, debuting a new song, “Rescued,” at a benefit concert for Hawkins’ family in September 2022. The band then embarked on a series of memorial concerts and eventually began working on a new album, “But Here We Are,” released in June 2023. This album was described as a deeply personal and cathartic response to Hawkins' passing, a tribute to his life and a statement of the band’s resilience.

Now, with Smear sidelined, the Foo Fighters are once again adjusting their lineup. The band has announced that guitarist Josh Freese will fill in for Smear on the upcoming shows. Freese is no stranger to the Foo Fighters; he’s been a touring member and session musician for the band for years, having first stepped in as a temporary drummer after Hawkins’ death. He ultimately officially took over the drumming role following the release of “But Here We Are”, and now assumes guitar duties alongside Dave Grohl and Chris Shiflett. This demonstrates the band’s continued ability to adapt and carry on, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

The tour dates affected by Smear’s injury include upcoming performances in various cities across the United States. The band has not specified how long Smear will be out, but the NME article suggests it will be for the entirety of the current leg of the tour. This means Freese will be responsible for covering Smear’s signature guitar parts on songs spanning the Foo Fighters’ extensive catalog, including hits like "Everlong," "Best of You," and “All My Life.”

Pat Smear’s history with the Foo Fighters stretches back to their early days. He initially joined the band in 1995 following the release of their self-titled debut album, having previously played with Grohl in the seminal punk band Nirvana. He left the band in 1997 but rejoined in 2010, becoming a consistent and valued member ever since. His contributions to the Foo Fighters' sound, rooted in his punk rock background, have been instrumental in shaping their energetic and dynamic performances.

While the incident is undoubtedly frustrating for Smear, the band, and fans, the outpouring of support on social media demonstrates the affection many hold for the guitarist. The Foo Fighters, having already weathered immense grief and loss, are proving remarkably resilient, continuing to move forward with the support of their dedicated fanbase and the adaptability of their core members. The focus now remains on Smear's recovery and a swift return to the stage when he's fully healed, alongside a band determined to continue making music and honoring the legacy of those they’ve lost.