Foo Fighters op Pinkpop 2026: Veel hits, weinig emotie

Foo Fighters closed the 55th edition of the Pinkpop festival in Landgraaf, Netherlands, on June 21, 2026. Returning to the venue after eight years, the band performed a two-hour set featuring a mix of high-energy rock hits and acoustic tracks, ending the event at exactly midnight with the song “Everlong.”

How did Foo Fighters open the Pinkpop 2026 finale?

The performance began at 22:00 with pink smoke emitting from the stage and sound towers. According to the report, the band opened immediately with “All My Life,” followed by “The Pretender.”

The set included hits such as “Times Like These,” “My Hero,” and “Learn to Fly.” These tracks featured extended musical jams, guitar solos, and heavy drumming supported by a light show and visuals including a UFO-like object with the band’s logo and a car suspended by wires.

Dave Grohl told the crowd, “We have 180 songs, get as much in before we have to leave.” The band played “Walk” and “No Son of Mine” before performing their 1995 debut single, “This is a Call,” which Grohl introduced by acknowledging that the date was Father’s Day.

Did You Know? The band performed “Marigold,” a track Dave Grohl wrote using Kurt Cobain’s left-handed guitar.

Why did the crowd reaction shift during the set?

The energy dipped after the first 45 minutes when Grohl switched to an acoustic guitar. The band played “Wheels,” a song they perform only in Europe, along with “Marigold” and “Big Me.”

While some fans appreciated the slower pace, many others used the time to visit bars for drinks or discuss the World Cup football results. This trend continued during the performance of “Aurora,” a song dedicated to late drummer Taylor Hawkins.

During “Aurora,” an image of a hawk appeared on the screen as a tribute. Grohl told the audience, “He’s been here before, he might be here now,” though the report notes that many attendees continued talking and fetching drinks during the emotional moment.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the contrast between the band’s raw emotional tributes and the crowd’s preoccupation with beer and sports highlights the inherent tension of festival environments, where personal grief often clashes with the communal party atmosphere.

What other significant tributes were included?

The band regained audience attention with “Monkey Wrench” and “Breakout.” Grohl then used a double-neck guitar to perform “The Teacher” from the album But Here We Are.

Foo Fighters – This Is A Call [[Live at Pinkpop Festival 21-06-2026]]

This 10-minute track was dedicated to Grohl’s mother, who passed away a few months after Taylor Hawkins. The song featured multiple musical layers and was described as a highlight for dedicated fans.

What happens next for the band?

The band’s return to the Netherlands follows a period of significant change, including the release of three albums and lineup shifts after Taylor Hawkins’ death. This appearance also follows a year in which the band canceled shows due to Dave Grohl’s extramarital relationship and the birth of a child.

Given the high energy of the Pinkpop closing, the band may continue to lean into long-form musical jams in future festival appearances. They could also further integrate tributes to fallen members and family into their touring setlists.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the last time Foo Fighters played Pinkpop?
The band returned to the Pinkpop grounds after an eight-year absence.

What time did Pinkpop 2026 officially end?
The festival ended at exactly 12:00 midnight following the final notes of “Everlong.”

Which song was dedicated to Dave Grohl’s mother?
The 10-minute track “The Teacher” was dedicated to his mother.

Do you think emotional tributes are more effective in intimate venues than at large festivals?