Saturday, October 5, 2024

Foo Fighters set for Cardiff Principality Stadium gig

Must read

By Rosie MercerPeter ShuttleworthBBC News

Getty Images Dave GrohlGetty Images

Fronted by Dave Grohl, the Foo Fighters’ Principality Stadium gig will be their first in Wales for 17 years

Foo Fighters fans attending the band’s Cardiff gig on Tuesday are being advised to keep hydrated as the UK basks in some of the warmest temperatures of the year.

The Principality Stadium’s roof will be open for what will be the Foo Fighters’ first performance in the Welsh capital for 17 years.

Organisers have said free water dispensers will be available inside the arena with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach 25C (77F).

Their Everything or Nothing at All tour is the band’s first in the UK since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins.

The 19-date, four-month tour coincides with the release of their 11th album But Here We Are, their sixth number one record.

They have already packed out stadiums in London, Manchester and Glasgow and, after playing in Cardiff, will head to Birmingham for the final date of the two-week UK stopover.

The Principality Stadium show follows sell-out concerts at the 70,000-capacity venue from fellow US superstars Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Pink.

The stadium advised fans to “stay safe and hydrated whilst queuing in potential hot weather”.

“Once inside the stadium there are free water dispensers throughout the public concourses which we encourage fans to utilise,” a spokesperson said.

“Extra water will be handed out from the barriers for those on the standing floor areas.”

What time do the Foo Fighters in Cardiff start?

The Principality Stadium gates will open at 16:00 BST.

The support acts are due to start at 17:25, before the Foo Fighters take to the stage at about 19:30.

The concert is due to finish at 22:30.

Who are the Foo Fighters’ support acts?

Getty Images The band Wet Leg performing at a festivalGetty Images

Wet Leg’s debut album reached number one in 2022

Grammy, Brit and Ivor Novello award winners Wet Leg are the main supporting act for the Foo Fighters in Cardiff.

The show will be opened by Welsh indie rock band Himalayas, whose single Thank God I’m Not You has been streamed more than 45 million times on Spotify.

What is the Foo Fighters’ setlist?

The Foos, founded by former Nirvana drummer Grohl in 1994, are expected to play all of their major hits from their 30-year back catalogue, as well as new ones from their latest album.

Fans can expect to sing along to classics like Everlong, The Pretender, All My Life, Monkey Wrench, My Hero and Learn To Fly.

Die-hards may also be treated to oldies but goodies from their 1995 debut album, written and recorded by Grohl himself, such as Big Me, I’ll Stick Around and This Is A Call.

What’s the weather forecast?

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl performing on stage

Tuesday is meant to be one of the warmest days of the year in Wales and BBC weather presenter Sabrina Lee says the outlook is bright for the Foo Fighters.

“It’ll feel very warm in the afternoon sunshine, with patchy cloud, gentle breezes and staying dry,” she said.

“Remember in the strong sunshine, sun protection a good idea, with some very high pollen levels. A high of 25C (77F) is possible.

“After the concert, the dry theme is set to continue, with a mild humid feel.”

Will the Principality Stadium roof be open?

Getty Images Principality Stadium roof open on a rugby match dayGetty Images

The Principality Stadium’s roof will be open for the Foo Fighters concert

Yes. For the first Principality Stadium show this summer, the roof will be open for the duration of the concert.

Can I take my water into the concert?

Bottles are not allowed in in the lower tier or standing areas of the venue.

“Collapsible bottles” are allowed in the middle and upper tiers but must be empty with tops removed upon arrival.

There will be free water dispensers throughout the public concourses of the stadium.

In addition, extra water will be handed out from the barriers for those on the standing floor areas.

Are tickets still available?

The show is close to a 70,000 sell-out, but there are some tickets still available.

The stadium has advised fans who have bought tickets that they must have access to a smartphone to download the relevant ticketing app before they arrive.

Promoters have also warned that screenshots of tickets will not be allowed.

Are there any road closures?

Principality Stadium Map of Cardiff's road closuresPrincipality Stadium

A map of city centre road closures on the day of the Foo Fighters gig

Scott Road and Park Street will be closed from 07:00.

A full Cardiff city centre road closure will then be enforced from 15:00 until midnight.

The roads included in this are:

  • Duke Street
  • Castle Street
  • High Street
  • St Mary Street
  • Caroline Street
  • Wood Street
  • Central Square
  • Westgate Street
  • Quay Street
  • Guildhall Place
  • Golate
  • Park Street
  • Havelock Street
  • Scott Road
  • Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street
  • Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street
  • Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street
  • Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street
Getty Images Foo Fighters fans in LondonGetty Images

Foo Fighters fans at the London Stadium in June 2024

What about trains, buses and parking?

The M4 motorway is likely to be very busy and drivers are urged to check the Traffic Wales website before setting off.

Fans are also being warned against parking in restricted areas.

Cardiff council has said event parking is available at Sophia Gardens and the civic centre.

A park and ride service will be operated by Cardiff council from the Cardiff City Stadium in Leckwith.

The first bus leaves at 09:00 and fans will be dropped off and picked up from Fitzhammon Embankment, opposite the stadium.

Transport for Wales and GWR will provide extra capacity on trains in and out of Cardiff wherever possible, but warned rail services across south Wales would be very busy.

Buses will be diverted due to the road closures. Full details of Cardiff Bus diversions can be found here.

Can I take my bag into the stadium?

Small bags and handbags no larger than a sheet of A4 paper are allowed in, but the stadium has said waiting times for fans with bags will be longer.

In addition, there are a number of things that you cannot take into the stadium – including professional cameras.

Organisers also advise large chains or spiked bracelets, wallet chains, backpacks or waist packs won’t be allowed into the concert.

A full list of what can and cannot be taken into the stadium can be found on the Principality Stadium’s website.

Latest article