Published Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl on stage in Belfast. (© Pacemaker)
The lead singer and guitarist told the Reading festival on Sunday that it was the Foo Fighters "last show of the tour and the last show for a long time".
Since then, numerous reports across social media networks and in the press have suggested everything from a lengthy absence by the band to an imminent split.
But Grohl's bemused frustration over the reaction shone through when he posted via the band's official account: "I was only talking TO England!! ABOUT England ..."
It's good news for fans in Northern Ireland because he did promise a return after the warm welcome for the Foos' debut performance, headlining the first night of Tennent's Vital in Belfast.
Recognising how long it had taken for the band to travel to Northern Ireland, Grohl apologised and added: "I promise it won't take so long for us to come back again."
At one point, he asked the 32,000-strong crowd if they got many concerts locally - prompting an overwhelming rumble of discontent.
"So that's why you guys are so much fun!" Grohl laughed.
About 120 complaints were made to Belfast City Council, and a further 20 to police, over the noise.
The gig, which ended promptly at 11pm, was reported to have been heard for miles around - a perk for rock fans without tickets, but less welcome in the households of light sleepers and early risers.
"I like to play my music loud - that's how proper rock and roll should sound." Grohl had declared during the concert, little knowing then the stir his band was about to cause.
The Foo Fighters later quoted AC/DC to their detractors via Facebook.
"A wise man once said ... Rock and Roll ain't noise pollution. Rock and Roll ain't gonna die."
The band have a number of scheduled gigs coming up in the US in September, including the Music Midtown Festival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta and Deluna Fest at Pensacola Beach, Florida.
It's thought they will take some time off after that, having been touring the world for a year - but nothing that should cause fans concern for the future.