The Foo Fighters acquired special permission from the government of Indonesia to curse, smoke, and drink.
Touring certain parts of the world requires special planning. Is the electricity supply reliable? What currency will be used for transactions? Are there certain cultural sensitivities that need to be respected?
The Foo Fighters, not looking to endure any more negative publicity, have been proactive when it comes to a gig later this year in Jakarta, Indonesia. Knowing that some Indonesians hold very conservative religious views, the band has sorted things out ahead of time.
Ravel Junardy, the promoter for the show, has signed off on a rider that will allow the band to curse, smoke, and drink onstage as part of their set. He says “As long as it doesn’t touch on sensitive topics like race, religion, or Indonesian cultural values, we’ll allow it.”
Good to know what the guardrails are. Indonesia has some pretty strong indecency laws that can result in fines to prison sentences. Junardy also has to clear his Foos rider with the relevant authorities. He will take the heat if something goes wrong.
