Foo Fighters to launch Take Cover tour at Christchurch’s new covered stadium

Christchurch’s new $683m covered stadium has its first big-name international visitor, with US rock band Foo Fighters announcing a gig for next year.

The band, led by frontman Dave Grohl, return to New Zealand with their Take Cover Tour in January, having last toured in 2024. Foo Fighters played Apollo Projects Stadium last time they were in the Garden City.

Grohl told the crowd then that they’d be back soon.

Christchurch will get the first New Zealand show in 2027 before the band heads up the country to the newly refurbished Western Springs Stadium in Auckland.

The Foo Fighters will play at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.

It is a marquee announcement for One NZ Stadium, which opens in April when it hosts five matches for Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round over Anzac weekend. The first match will feature the hometown Crusaders against the Waratahs of New South Wales.

The enclosed stadium will host its first concert with Once in a Lifetime on May 16 – a sold-out festival of music that will feature headline Kiwi act Six60 as well as Synthony and Kaylee Bell.

Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare reacted to the news, saying it was “exciting to have our first international concert for One New Zealand Stadium locked in and how fitting for it to be the Foo Fighters”.

“Their continued commitment to our city has been on show over the last 10 years with incredible concerts in 2015 and 2024,” she said.

“Having one of the world’s biggest bands taking centre stage under the roof at One NZ Stadium is going to be a special experience.

“The stadium’s world-class acoustics will raise the level of what fans have seen during previous visits here, making this a can’t-miss show.”

The All Blacks will play their first test at the stadium when they host France on July 4.

Foo Fighters will be joined by local acts Dartz and Seek Help!

Tickets go on sale from Friday.