NEW YORK (AP) — Two years ago, Foo Fighters were on the verge of a major comeback in New York City.

That summer, they took the stage before a packed crowd at Citi Field in Queens — a ballpark that can hold nearly 42,000 people — but their explosive performance was abruptly halted by severe weather. Heavy rain and dangerous lightning created unsafe conditions, forcing the show to end early.

In hindsight, the interruption felt symbolic; the following two years would prove turbulent for the group. In 2024, frontman Dave Grohl revealed that he had fathered a child outside his marriage. Then in 2025, the band split with drummer Josh Freese after a single tour together, bringing in Ilan Rubin as his replacement just two months later.

Since then, momentum has shifted. Last week, Foo Fighters released their 12th studio album, “Your Favorite Toy,” a high-octane set of songs driven by sharp-edged punk energy, gritty vocals and occasionally dense production. The new material translated seamlessly Thursday night at Manhattan’s Irving Plaza, a far more intimate venue with room for about 1,000 people. In that compact setting, the arena-sized rock act delivered a performance that felt immediate and up close.

A secret show for a lucky few

On Wednesday, the band revealed plans for two surprise concerts: one at Irving Plaza on Thursday and another at New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom on Saturday. Tickets were priced at $30, limited to two per person, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at each venue’s box office.

Devoted fans camped out overnight, while others arrived hours before sales began. Those fortunate enough to secure Irving Plaza tickets showed up in vintage Foo Fighters gear and eagerly purchased new merchandise inside. They traded memories of past concerts and speculated about how the group’s massive sound would translate to such a small stage.

At six minutes past 8 p.m., the band walked out to roaring applause. “How ya doing?” Grohl shouted, brimming with energy, as he promised the audience a mix of fresh tracks and “old school” favorites.

They followed through. Songs like 2002’s “All My Life” and “Times Like These” sat comfortably alongside late-’90s staples “Monkey Wrench” and “My Hero,” as well as new releases including “Spit Shine” and “My Favorite Toy.”

“Sometimes I ask the audience if they love rock ‘n’ roll music,” Grohl told the crowd. “I’m not gonna ask you all because I know you love rock ‘n’ roll music.”

Though the venue was modest, the band delivered a full-throttle performance. There were no elaborate effects or pyrotechnics, but the night still offered surprises. A new track titled “Window” received its live debut, and the five-song encore kicked off with “A320,” originally recorded for the 1998 “Godzilla” soundtrack.

At one point, a fan shouted, “Taylor Hawkins forever!” honoring the band’s late drummer. Grohl immediately replied, “That’s right!”

More than two and a half hours into the show, Grohl addressed newcomers in the crowd. “For those who’ve never seen us before,” he said, “next time we’ll try to make it feel like this.”

That “next time,” however, will likely unfold in a venue many times larger than Irving Plaza. As fans stepped back out into the rainy April evening, they carried with them the rare experience of seeing a stadium band perform at arm’s length.