Foo Fighters to Headline Friday at Shaky Knees After Stevie Nicks Cancels; Festival Adds Late-Night Shows to Lineup
By [Your Name]
Atlanta, GA — June 9, 2025
In a bold and unexpected shake-up, Shaky Knees Music Festival has announced that legendary rock band Foo Fighters will step in as the Friday night headliner, replacing Stevie Nicks, who was forced to cancel her performance due to unforeseen circumstances. The festival, which takes place annually in Atlanta’s Central Park and draws tens of thousands of music fans from around the world, has also unveiled an exciting roster of Late Night shows, giving fans even more to look forward to during the three-day music celebration.
A Sudden Change That Shook Fans
The news broke early Monday morning via Shaky Knees’ official social media channels and website. The brief but direct statement confirmed that Stevie Nicks would no longer be performing, citing “unforeseen circumstances” without elaborating further. Fans of the Fleetwood Mac icon, who was a major draw for this year’s lineup, expressed both disappointment and concern online, with many speculating whether the 76-year-old singer was facing health-related issues.
While festival-goers were clearly disheartened by the cancellation, Shaky Knees didn’t leave them hanging for long. Mere hours later, organizers announced that Foo Fighters would be stepping into the headline slot on Friday night, transforming the initial sting of the cancellation into a moment of excitement and anticipation.
Foo Fighters to the Rescue
Replacing Stevie Nicks is no small task. The singer, known for her ethereal voice, mystical stage presence, and iconic catalog of hits, was slated to bring a unique, emotionally resonant energy to the festival’s opening night. But if any band is capable of rising to the moment with both gravitas and sheer rock energy, it’s Foo Fighters.
Fronted by Dave Grohl, the ever-charismatic former Nirvana drummer turned rock legend in his own right, the Foo Fighters bring a powerful, electrifying live performance that few can match. Their setlists are often a high-octane blend of fan favorites like “Everlong,” “My Hero,” “Best of You,” and “The Pretender,” alongside newer material that continues to resonate with both longtime fans and newer audiences.
Foo Fighters are no strangers to festival stages. Having headlined nearly every major music event around the globe, including Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, their presence at Shaky Knees feels like a seamless fit—even if it was a last-minute pivot.
In their own statement released via social media, Foo Fighters said, “We’re honored to be stepping in for the one and only Stevie Nicks. While no one can truly replace her, we’ll bring everything we’ve got to Atlanta. Let’s make it a night to remember.”
Festival Organizers Act Quickly and Boldly
Shaky Knees organizers, known for curating one of the most eclectic and beloved festival lineups in the country, acted quickly to manage what could have been a major disruption. Within 24 hours of announcing Nicks’ cancellation, they had not only secured Foo Fighters as the replacement headliner but also rolled out a slate of Late Night shows across various venues in Atlanta.
These smaller, more intimate shows are an increasingly popular addition to major festivals, offering attendees the chance to catch exclusive performances by some of the weekend’s biggest acts in more relaxed settings after the main stages go dark.
Late Night Lineup Announced
The new Late Night lineup includes a diverse mix of artists performing at beloved Atlanta venues such as The Masquerade, Terminal West, and Variety Playhouse. Acts announced for the Late Night series include:
Interpol at The Masquerade (Heaven)
The Revivalists at Variety Playhouse
Soccer Mommy at Terminal West
Royal Blood at The Masquerade (Hell)
Waxahatchee at The EARL
The Kills at Variety Playhouse
The Hives at Center Stage
Bully at Terminal West
IDLES DJ Set at Aisle 5
These late-night performances offer fans a chance to experience a different side of their favorite artists, often in stripped-down or reimagined sets. The inclusion of indie darlings like Waxahatchee and Soccer Mommy alongside rock stalwarts like The Kills and Royal Blood reflects the festival’s deep commitment to musical diversity.
Tickets for the Late Night shows are being sold separately from the main festival passes and are expected to sell out quickly, especially given the buzz around the updated lineup.
Fan Reaction: From Disappointment to Anticipation
The initial reaction to Stevie Nicks’ cancellation was one of understandable disappointment. Many festival-goers had been drawn specifically by her inclusion in the lineup, hoping to hear classics like “Edge of Seventeen,” “Rhiannon,” and “Landslide” under the stars of Central Park.
However, the swift and dynamic replacement with Foo Fighters has largely quelled unrest. Social media was soon abuzz with praise for the festival’s quick action and excitement over what is now expected to be one of the most high-energy sets of the weekend.
On Reddit and Twitter, comments shifted from lamenting Nicks’ absence to celebrating the unexpected bonus. One fan posted, “I bought my ticket for Stevie, but Foo Fighters are a dream come true. Shaky Knees just turned heartbreak into hype!”
Others praised the added Late Night shows. “I was already stoked for Shaky, but now I’ve got tickets to see Soccer Mommy at Terminal West after the main set ends. That’s the dream,” wrote one Atlanta-based fan.
Shaky Knees: A Festival That Delivers
Since its debut in 2013, Shaky Knees has steadily earned a reputation as one of the most artistically adventurous and fan-centric festivals in the country. Eschewing the heavy EDM presence of other major fests, Shaky Knees has always focused on rock, indie, alternative, and Americana, catering to music lovers who value authenticity and live instrumentation.
This year’s full lineup still includes heavy hitters like The Killers, Noah Kahan, Queens of the Stone Age, Pixies, The Offspring, Maggie Rogers, and Tegan and Sara, ensuring that the weekend remains packed with iconic performances—even as fans adjust to the absence of Nicks.
The festival runs from Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4, 2025, with gates opening at 11 a.m. each day. With Foo Fighters now on the bill, anticipation is running higher than ever.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re a longtime Foo Fighters fan, a disappointed Stevie Nicks devotee, or just a festival junkie looking for your next unforgettable weekend, Shaky Knees 2025 is shaping up to be an experience full of surprises, resilience, and rock and roll soul.
For those already in Atlanta or making the trek from afar, the message is clear: get your Late Night tickets fast, wear your comfiest boots, and prepare to be blown away.
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Tickets & Info:
Visit shakykneesfestival.com for full details, updated schedules, and Late Night show tickets.
Foo Fighters’ headlining set is scheduled for Friday at 9:00 PM on the Peachtree Stage.
All Late Night shows are 18+ and require a separate ticket.
