In a shocking development for rock fans, the Foo Fighters have parted ways with drummer Josh Freese, who had been with the band since 2023, following the tragic death of their longtime drummer, Taylor Hawkins. The announcement, made by Freese himself on Instagram, has left fans and the music community buzzing with speculation about the band’s future direction.
A Sudden Departure
Josh Freese, a seasoned session drummer with an impressive resume
including stints with Guns N’ Roses, Devo, and Nine Inch Nails, joined the Foo
Fighters in May 2023, a year after Hawkins’ untimely passing in March 2022
during a tour in Colombia. Freese stepped into the role with reverence, even
playing on Hawkins’ drum kit during tribute concerts in 2022 to honour the
late drummer’s legacy. His addition to the band was celebrated, with many
praising his technical skill and ability to carry the Foo Fighters’ high-energy
performances.
However, on May 12, 2025, Freese revealed that the band informed him they
were choosing to “go in a different direction with their drummer.” Freese expressed surprise and disappointment in his Instagram post, noting
that “no reason was given” for the decision. “In my 40 years of drumming
professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry—just
a bit shocked and disappointed,” he wrote. Despite the abrupt exit, Freese
remained gracious, stating, “I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on
and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.” He even
teased a humorous “Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo
Fighters” list, hinting at his resilience and good humour in the face of the
unexpected news.
The Legacy of Taylor Hawkins
The Foo Fighters’ decision to move on from Freese comes after a
challenging period for the band. Taylor Hawkins, who had been with the group
for 25 years, was a beloved figure whose death at age 50 sent shockwaves
through the music world. Hawkins passed away from a drug overdose while on
tour, leaving the band and fans devastated. The Foo Fighters took a hiatus,
performing only at tribute concerts for Hawkins in September 2022 before
returning with Freese for their 2023 tour and releasing their album. Still, Here We Are, with Dave Grohl handling drum duties in the studio.
Freese’s tenure with the band was marked by his effort to honour Hawkins’
legacy while bringing his flair. Fans noted his technical prowess, though
some observed a lack of the same chemistry Hawkins shared with the band. One
commenter on a Reddit thread speculated, “Josh was clearly the more talented
drummer, but there was zero chemistry between Josh and anyone else in
the band. He was just there.” Whether this perceived disconnect played a role
in the band’s decision remains unclear, as no official statement from the Foo
Fighters has elaborated on the split.
What’s Next for Foo Fighters and Josh
Freese?
The Foo Fighters’ next scheduled performance is at the Singapore F1 Grand
Prix in October 2025, leaving fans curious about who will take the drum throne.
The band has not yet announced a replacement, and their silence on Freese’s
departure has fueled speculation. Some fans have wondered if Dave Grohl, who
played drums on But Here We Are and is a renowned drummer in his own
right from his Nirvana days, might step back behind the kit. Others have
speculated about Hawkins’ son, though his young age makes this less likely.
As for Josh Freese, his extensive career ensures he won’t be sidelined
for long. Freese is a sought-after talent in the music industry with a discography that spans over 400 records and collaborations
with artists like Sting, Weezer, and Paramore. His lighthearted response to the firing suggests he’s
already looking ahead, and fans are eager to see where he lands next.
A Band in Transition
The Foo Fighters have faced significant challenges in recent years, from
Hawkins’ death to personal controversies surrounding Grohl, including the
revelation of a child born outside his marriage. This latest shakeup with
Freese adds another layer of uncertainty to the band’s trajectory. Yet, their
history of resilience—continuing after Hawkins’ passing and releasing
critically acclaimed music—suggests they’ll navigate this transition with the
same grit that’s defined their career.
For now, fans are left to ponder the reasons behind Freese’s exit and
what it means for the Foo Fighters’ future. As Freese himself put it, “Stay
tuned.” The rock world will undoubtedly be watching closely.
Sources: The Daily Beast, USA Today, Instagram, Reddit discussions