Foo Fighters are rewarding fans who didn’t get a chance to see them at four surprise club shows in recent weeks with a live EP, Foo Fighters – Are Playing Where ??? Vol. 1, which is exclusively availabl now as a pay-your-own-price download for Bandcamp Friday.
Accurately described as “six absolutely ripping live tracks recorded in front of dozens, possibly hundreds of lucky fans,” the EP consists of five songs from Foo Fighters’ beloved 1995 self-titled debut and one each from Wasting Light and One By One.
Several cuts from the debut, such as “Winnebago” and “Exhausted,” hadn’t been performed since 2014, while “Weenie Beenie” had only been aired three times since then. They benefit greatly from the arrival of powerful new drummer Ilan Rubin, whose first show with the Foos was Sept. 13 in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Proceeds from Are Playing Where will benefit local charities combating food insecurity in cities where the Foos recently played, which also included Santa Ana, CA, Washington, D.C., and New Haven, CT. “And while you’re there, check out and support some other artists,” the band says. “Discover something new or rediscover some old favorites.”
Foo Fighters Surprise Fans With Exclusive Live EP: “Are Playing Where ??? Vol. 1”
Foo Fighters are keeping the spirit of spontaneity alive in 2025, surprising their loyal fanbase yet again. After dropping jaws with a run of intimate, unannounced club shows over the past few weeks, the band has decided to reward those who couldn’t make it into those tiny venues. The payoff? A brand-new live EP, cheekily titled Foo Fighters – Are Playing Where ??? Vol. 1, released exclusively on Bandcamp as a “pay-your-own-price” download for Bandcamp Friday.
This release serves as both a thank-you to hardcore followers who track their every move and a consolation prize for the many who missed out on seeing the Foo Fighters’ rare small-club energy. The EP delivers six blistering live cuts recorded during these underground gigs, capturing a side of the band that often gets lost in arenas and stadiums.
A Throwback to Their Roots
Described tongue-in-cheek as “six absolutely ripping live tracks recorded in front of dozens, possibly hundreds of lucky fans,” the EP leans heavily into the Foo Fighters’ beginnings. Of the six tracks, five are pulled from their iconic 1995 self-titled debut album—a deliberate nod to the band’s scrappy early days. Songs like “This Is a Call,” “I’ll Stick Around,” and “Big Me” remind listeners of the raw urgency and charm that propelled Dave Grohl from drummer of Nirvana to frontman of one of the biggest rock bands of the next three decades.
Adding depth to the nostalgia trip, the EP includes one track each from One By One (2002) and Wasting Light (2011), eras that showcase the Foo Fighters at their most anthemic and emotionally charged. This balance of early classics and more modern staples paints a portrait of a band that honors its past while continuing to evolve.
Why Bandcamp, and Why Now?
The decision to release the EP exclusively on Bandcamp is both strategic and heartfelt. Bandcamp Fridays—a monthly event where the platform waives its revenue share so that artists receive 100% of sales—has become a lifeline for independent and established musicians alike. Foo Fighters, despite their superstar status, have always prided themselves on being connected to the grassroots of rock music.
By opting for a pay-what-you-want model, the band democratizes access to the EP. Fans struggling financially can still download the record without guilt, while diehard supporters are free to throw down generous contributions as a show of solidarity. It’s a move that fits neatly into the Foo Fighters’ ethos of community, gratitude, and accessibility.
Capturing Lightning in a Bottle
Part of what makes Are Playing Where ??? Vol. 1 so compelling is its authenticity. Recorded in tiny venues packed wall-to-wall with fans who likely thought they were heading to a normal night out, the atmosphere is electric. Gone are the pyrotechnics and oversized video screens of stadium tours. Instead, you hear the sweat, the crowd chatter between songs, and the kind of adrenaline that only comes from being inches away from Grohl and company.
This is the Foo Fighters stripped down to their core: a rock ’n’ roll band feeding off the energy of a roomful of fans, blasting through songs with the kind of reckless joy that made them legends in the first place.
A Continuation of Surprise Moves
The surprise EP is just the latest in a string of unpredictable moves the band has pulled since returning to the road. Following the tragic passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, many wondered if Foo Fighters would continue at all. But the group, now featuring Josh Freese behind the kit, have embraced a renewed sense of purpose.
The small-club shows leading up to this EP were part of that evolution. Rather than sticking exclusively to arenas and festivals, the Foos have popped up in unexpected places, channeling the punk rock spontaneity of their influences. Each show has become the stuff of legend, with fans swapping stories online about how they stumbled into history in real time.
Fans React With Joy
Reaction to Are Playing Where ??? Vol. 1 has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up within minutes of the Bandcamp drop, with fans praising both the quality of the performances and the band’s decision to make the EP widely available. Many see it as a gift to the community, especially since tickets to the surprise club gigs were limited and often sold out instantly.
Longtime fans are especially thrilled at the heavy emphasis on songs from the 1995 debut. For those who have followed the band from day one, it feels like a time machine back to when Foo Fighters were an underdog project trying to step out of Nirvana’s shadow. Hearing those songs live, played with the same fire as ever, is a reminder of just how far the band has come.
The Future of “Vol. 1”
The “Vol. 1” tag in the EP’s title has naturally sparked speculation. Is this the beginning of a series of live releases from Foo Fighters’ secret shows? Could future volumes include tracks from other albums, rarities, or even covers from their long history of unpredictable setlists?
While the band has yet to confirm plans, the title alone suggests that this isn’t a one-off stunt. Fans are already clamoring for more, and given the Foos’ playful relationship with their audience, it wouldn’t be surprising if additional volumes appear in the months to come.
A Band That Still Loves the Game
Nearly three decades into their career, Foo Fighters could easily rest on their laurels, touring the world’s biggest venues and releasing occasional albums to keep the machine moving. Instead, they continue to find new ways to surprise and delight. Whether it’s sneaking into clubs for secret gigs, collaborating with younger artists, or experimenting with surprise releases like this EP, the band proves they still have the hunger that made them icons.
With Foo Fighters – Are Playing Where ??? Vol. 1, the group captures something rare: the energy of a band playing like they have nothing to lose. It’s raw, it’s imperfect, it’s alive—and it’s exactly what fans love about them.
For now, fans can head to Bandcamp, name their price, and download the EP while the excitement is fresh. Whether you pay a dollar or a hundred, what you’re really buying into is a piece of Foo Fighters history: a snapshot of a band that refuses to grow stale, even as they approach their thirtieth year together.
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