Foo Fighters Villa Park recap as Dave Grohl calls Birmingham ‘most beautiful city in this country’

It was a real thrill getting to see Geezer Butler on stage with the Foo Fighters tonight. Read all about how the Black Sabbath legend joined Dave and the boys for a rendition of a classic.

That is, however, all I can offer you tonight. My ears are ringing, my heart is full and I’ve danced my little legs off! Thanks so much for joining us for the live blog today, it’s been a blast.

Hiya gang. Kirsty here, home from Foo Fighters following a 5,000 year-long wait for the shuttle bus back to town. Really happy to share with you my thoughts from tonights show, if you fancy reading our review – you can find it here.

Would love to hear what you thought about tonight’s show too. What was your highlight? Mine was pretty unexpected!

Yes the bassist and primary lyricist of Birmingham’s own Black Sabbath is on stage with the Foo Fighters! Amazing!

Geezer Butler revealed that despite only growing up three streets away from Villa Park Stadium, this is the first time he’s played at the venue! What a night!

They played Paranoid together! What a lovely surprise for us Brummies!

And that’s it from us! Thank you for joining us during our live coverage of Foo Fighters’ gig at Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham tonight.

If you’re there, you lucky devils still have another 90 minutes of Foos enjoyment! Lets hope the rain stays away!

Our Kirsty is still there and will be sharing her full review of the gig later tonight! We’ll catch you soon!

We’re over an hour into Foo Fighters’ Villa Park Stadium show – and fans are absolutely loving it! Even the rain can’t dampen those spirits.

Are you there? What do you think of the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or by emailing [email protected].

As rain has hit Villa Park Stadium, Dave Grohl is all praise for Birmingham as a rainbow pops up over the stadium.

“What is this, Hawaii?” asks Dave as a rainbow breaks out over Villa Park. “Birmingham is the most beautiful city in this entire country!” he comments.

“I feel like I’m on vacation”

Well you’re welcome back any time Dave! We Brummies love you!

Our June heatwave has come to an end – as the rain starts at Villa Park Stadium! Kirsty said:

Rain has started to pour as the heavens open for a huge singalong of Times Like These. The shower isn’t bothering Brummies though, who are screaming at the sky.

The Foo Fighters have finally taken to the stage here at Villa Park Stadium. Kirsty said:

All My Life to open and everyone has lost their minds. The noise is absolutely mad in the arena, and that’s what it was made for!

The stands are rattling and Dave’s chugging guitar has led people in a clap along that you can surely hear from the city centre. This is the warm up, then!

What a noise!

Our Kirsty said:

Excitement is reaching fever pitch as little strums on guitars by way of sound check send fans wild with anticipation. Villa Park is rammed from goal end to goal end!

While most are inside Villa Park Stadium ready for the Foo Fighters, it appears there’s some still unable to get to the stadium due to traffic and train issues.

One fan posted on X, formerly Twitter, claiming he was going to ‘miss the gig’ due to the problems. He said it has been ‘impossible’ to get to Aston station via train – while he’s now stuck in traffic in an Uber trying to get to Villa Park.

Anyone else experiencing problems? Let us know in the comments, or email [email protected].

Our reporter Kirsty Bosley, who is at Villa Park for the Foo Fighters gig, writes:

The late afternoon sun is flooding the stadium as Foos fans from all over start to make their way into Villa Park. The atmosphere is relaxed as the standing area, in particular, fills up.

Villa Park has put out a message asking people to “stay hydrated and look after each other” but water is £3.95 and the queue to get it is absolutely massive! Still, I’ve got a classic Doug Ellis stand pasty as fuel for the forthcoming set!

There’s unreserved seating available in the Lower Holte End stand according to messages from the Villa on the big screen. Handy if you’re heading in and can’t get a good view from the ground now that it’s getting so busy

We’re on the 30 minute countdown! After months of waiting, it’s nearly time for the Foo Fighters to take to the Villa Park stage.

And we’re expecting an epic three hour set from the Foos! The band are expected to be on stage from around 7.30pm, right up until the venue’s curfew at 10.30pm.

And we know songs like The Pretender, Best Of You and The Teacher are on the set list. We’ve listed the full set list here, if you wanted to take a peek.

Courtney Barnett is the Foo Fighters’ second support act for the Villa Park Stadium show – warming up the crowd ahead of the main act in 40 minutes time. Kirsty described Courtney as a ‘interesting choice’.

She said:

Courtney Barnett is an interesting choice for this support slot, in my opinion. After all of the upstart energy that Hot Milk brought, the tone is distinctly more relaxed and while that gives the grunge fans who have been following Dave Grohl since his Nirvana days something to connect to, I feel like we were taken up to an energy crescendo and now we’re heading back down to chilltown.

The queues for the bar are suddenly very, very long as people get the beers in for the main event. I’m sure I’d love Courtney if the clever lyrics she’s known for weaving were a little bit more discernible over this sound system but I’m sure the fans are absolutely loving it!

Foo Fighters fans here in Birmingham are loving life at Villa Park Stadium. There’s just over an hour to go until Foos take to the stage for their epic three-hour set.

We can’t wait for the show to kick off! And nor can fans!

Hot Milk have left the stage. Here’s what Kirsty thought of the band:

It was a pretty energetic set from Hot Milk who gave everything to the crowd in Brum in a set full of F-bombs and fire. The stands are still pretty bare here at 6pm but Hannah and Jim screamed as though they were performing to 100,000 people!

Bouncing pop, punky inflections and harder rock riffs played to a range of music fans here and it was hard to shoe horn them in to any one genre. And who needs to, all we need to know is that they told us they were here to warm us up and that they did.

We’re expecting second support act, Courtney Barnett, on at around 6.15pm. Just over an hour until the Foos!

The first support act, Hot Milk, are on stage at Villa Park Stadium! Kirsty said: “Hot Milk have come out swinging with a call of “Birmingham, get the f*** up!”

Hot Milk are an English pop rock band based in Manchester. They released their debut studio album A Call To The Void in August 2023.

The band is made up of members Hannah Mee, Jim Shaw, Tom Paton and Harry Deller. They have toured with acts including Foo Fighters and You Me At Six and appeared at Download Festival.

The Everything Or Nothing At All show in Birmingham is expected to be three hours long! Those who have tickets to see the Foo Fighters, fronted by Dave Grohl, in Birmingham may be wondering what hits the band will perform.

And after their first UK show – we know we can expect fan favourites like The Pretender, All My Life, Best of You and My Hero. Obviously, setlists could be subject to change – but based on the first show, we’ve put together the full setlist here.

Our Kirsty is inside Villa Park Stadium now. With just over two hours until the Foo Fighters make their way to the stage!

Temperatures here at the arena are perfect as a little cloud cover provides respite from the sun. There’s a ramp down from the stage reaching down to audience level giving all of the Foo Fighters faithful that have come early to nab a front row spot a chance to get up close to the action. The vibes are immaculate and there’s a real mix of people streaming in now.

Our Kirsty has described getting into Villa Park as the ‘easiest experience’. She called the process of entry ‘streamlined and problem-free’. Good news if you’re heading there now!

If you’re heading to see the Foo Fighters and you’re coming down after work, it will probably be helpful if I tell you that getting into the venue was the easiest experience I’ve had at a city gig in ages. At the O2 Academy you can find yourself in giant streaming queues all up the road and perhaps I’m speaking too soon, but there are staff everywhere around the stadium here and they all seem to know everything you need to know! The process of entry has been so streamlined and problem-free. It makes up for the traffic getting here.

Our reporter Kirsty is over in the Doug Ellis Stand where she’s been taking a look at some of the food and drink prices. The Purity Bar is serving drinks in that area.

A pint of pale ale will set you back £6.95, while a glass of red, white or rose wine is £7 for a 187ml serving. It’s £4.50 for a Coke Zero or Sprite on draught.

A pint of Heinekin is a reasonable £6, while a gin and tonic or Jack Daniels and Coke will cost you £7.

Chips are £5 at the Park Kitchen Bar, or you can buy a sausage roll are also £5 if you’re feeling peckish. Yardbirds also has a fried chicken joint here!

It’s not long until the first support act – Hot Milk – take to the stage. The band is due to play a 30 minute set.

Here’s a reminder of the important set times you need for tonight’s gig. You can find out more about Hot Milk and Courtney Barnett, by clicking here.

• Gates open – 4pm
• Hot Milk – 5.25pm to 5.55pm
• Courtney Barnett – 6.15pm to 7pm
• Foo Fighters – 7.30pm to 10.30pm
• Curfew – 10.30pm

Planning to get your hands on some merch tonight? You better get in there quick as queues are starting to form!

Kirsty said: “Queues are forming for merchandise outside the Doug Ellis stand. The cheapest thing you can take home is a Foo Fighters Tour 2024 tote bag for £20 while short sleeve T-shirts are £35.

“Long sleeve T-shirts are £45 while hoodies will set you back a whopping £70! There are no fewer than ten short sleeve shirt designs, along with one long sleeve and two hoodies.”

There’s a handy seating plan available on the Villa Park Stadium, if you want to take a a closer look at where you’re sitting or standing. You can find it below, or by clicking this link.

Our Kirsty is in! She said queues so far ‘are short and moving quickly’. She added: “Make sure to follow rules for bags and banned items to reduce the chances of delays.”

We have all the details on the bags policy and banned items, here.

As expected, with thousands of fans descending on Villa Park Stadium and road closures in the vicinity, there’s huge traffic build up. Not forgetting it’s nearly rush hour too!

Our Kirsty is still on the shuttle bus from the city centre and has said this:

“It’s taken half an hour on the shuttle to get to Villa Park this afternoon, so be sure to factor in that time if you’re heading down to see the Foos as its only likely to get worse as we head into rush hour.

“Expect stop-start traffic in parts due to street closures and commuters heading out of the city.”

We have detailed the road closures here. On travel advice, including trains, buses, taxis and more, click here.

Our Kirsty has been catching up with fans on the shuttle bus heading to Villa Park Stadium. And they’re as excited as we are!

Emma Probert and her boyfriend Mark have come to see Foo Fighters from Rugeley. Emma said: “This is our first time seeing the Foo Fighters. I’ve been a fan since probably 1997 or 1998. We’re just looking forward to having a good time tonight, we can’t wait to enjoy the music.”

Ian Bradley has come from Leicester to see the Foos. He said: “I’ve been a really big fan for 20-odd years now. They’re a fantastic band, I’ve missed seeing them a couple of times and regretted it so this is a really good chance to just go and have a really good time.

“The last band I saw was Green Day in London in 2022 – the first show since Covid – and they were amazing. Tonight I really hope to hear My Hero, Times Like These and Walk.”

Fans are flooding through the gates of Villa Park Stadium now! One Foos fan has sent us this video from inside!

As we explained earlier, there’s designated shuttle buses taking Foos fans to Villa Park Stadium from the city centre, and vice-versa when the gig ends later tonight. You can find out more details about the buses here.

Our Kirsty is on one of the shuttle buses heading to Villa Park with plenty of excited fans. Here’s what she’s told us so far:

“All aboard the bab bus! We are taking the £10 return shuttle from Dudley Street outside New Street Station down to Villa Park as car parking nearby is sold out. It’s extremely well-organised!

“If you’re heading to Villa Park on the coach there are tons of signs at all exits of the station steering you right and loads of staff at the bus stops to get you on board. There are more trains on than normal but this takes us to Aston Hall so it seems like a no-brainer for swift and direct travel. Plus, you’re with fellow fans so you’re not jostling for space with regular commuters!”

Yes the Villa Park Stadium gates were due to open at 4pm to let thousands of fans inside ready for the Foo Fighters gig. Our reporter Kirsty is on her way to Villa Park now – and we’ll be sharing updates from her as soon as we have them!

Are you queuing already, or are you aleady inside Villa Park? Get in touch, or send us your photos, by emailing [email protected].

Another option could be one of the official concert shuttle buses operating from the city centre. The service is priced at £5 one way – or a £10 return.

Ahead of the concert, the shuttle buses will be located at Dudley Street, near New Street Station. Buses will start from 4pm and run in 10 minute intervals – dropping fans at Aston Hall. The final service will leave Dudley Street at 7.30pm.

After the concert, the shuttle buses will run from Aston Hall, starting at 6pm. Again, these will run in 10 minute intervals, dropping you back off at Dudley Street. The final bus will be midnight

Marshalls will be available at both Dudley Street and Aston Hall. You can purchase the shuttle bus tickets in advance, by clicking here. Or you can purchase them on the day at either end of the service.

Villa Park Stadium can be found just outside of the Aston area of Birmingham. The easiest postcode to use to navigate to the stadium is B6 6HE. Organisers are urging fans coming to see Foo Fighters on June 27 to avoid drop off and pick up near the venue.

Ahead of the concert, taxis and Ubers should be easily obtained from the city centre and surrounding areas.

However, after the show it may prove a little more difficult for taxis to get through the expected congestion in the area. A taxi rank will be set up at Aston Parish Church, which is adjacent to the stadium.

Organisers are urging fans to set up a pre-arranged collection point with taxi drivers away from the stadium.

The Everything Or Nothing At All show in Birmingham is expected to be three hours long! Those who have tickets to see the Foo Fighters, fronted by Dave Grohl, in Birmingham may be wondering what hits the band will perform.

And after their first UK show – we know we can expect fan favourites like The Pretender, All My Life, Best of You and My Hero. Obviously, setlists could be subject to change – but based on the first show, we’ve put together the full setlist here.

There’s just over an hour to go until the gates open at Villa Park Stadium at 4pm. Our reporter Kirsty will be there with the crowds ready for the show!

Are you queuing already? Get in touch, or send us your photos, by emailing [email protected].

Birmingham Police has issued a safety warning ahead of tonight’s Foo Fighters show at Villa Park Stadium. They have urged fans to ‘be patient with security checks and staff’.

They also urged people to report anything to security that ‘doesn’t feel right’. They added: “Enjoy the event.”

A Traffic Exclusion Zoe will be applied around the stadium throughout today. So expect road closures and traffic restrictions!

Through Birmingham City Council’s roadworks map on their website, which you can find here, a number of other roads will be affected to. Traffic restrictions and road closures will be in place on:

• Witton Road
• Station Road
• Trinity Road
• Holte Road

You can find out the full details, by clicking here.

There’s just under two hours until gates open – and just over five hours until the Foo Fighters take to the stage at Villa Park Stadium!

Who’s excited? Seems the Foos are too! They told their UK fans it’s their ‘last chance to dance!’ tonight.

Are you travelling to Villa Park Stadium by train tonight? Luckily, West Midlands Railway has added extra services due to increased demand!

The two closest train stations to Villa Park Stadium are Witton and Aston – both are a short walk to the actual venue, with trains running fairly regularly. You can find out more about travelling by train, by clicking here.

As with most gigs, it’s always best to plan ahead and make sure you’re in the venue with plenty of time. And Foo Fighters’ Villa Park Stadium is no different.

The gates will open at 4pm – but it is likely fans will queue up before this. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get inside before Foo Fighters hit the stage.

Here are the set times for the show on June 27:

• Gates open – 4pm
• Hot Milk – 5.25pm to 5.55pm
• Courtney Barnett – 6.15pm to 7pm
• Foo Fighters – 7.30pm to 10.30pm
• Curfew – 10.30pm

It is finally time! Yes the Foo Fighters are heading to Birmingham’s Villa Park Stadium tonight (June 27).

It feels like ages since we first announced the rockers were heading to the city for their Everything Or Nothing At All Tour after their surprise performance at last year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Who has tickets? Let us know in the comments, or email us! We’ll be bringing you the latest throughout today and into the concert so stick here!