In a surprising turn of events, Josh Freese has announced his departure from Foo Fighters after a two-year tenure as the band’s drummer. Freese, a seasoned session and touring musician, shared the news via Instagram, revealing that he was informed by the band on Monday that they had decided “to go in a different direction with their drummer,” without providing a specific reason.
“No reason was given,” Freese wrote. “Regardless, 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 added, “In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so … —just a bit shocked and disappointed.” Freese concluded his statement with a touch of humor, teasing a forthcoming “Top 10 possible reasons … .
Freese joined Foo Fighters in May 2023, stepping in after the tragic passing of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. He was introduced during a livestream event titled “Preparing Music For Concerts,” which featured cameos from renowned drummers like Chad Smith and Tommy Lee. Although Freese did not perform on the band’s 2023 album But Here We Are, which featured Dave Grohl on drums, he played a significant role in the subsequent tour supporting the album.
The Foo Fighters have not yet commented publicly on Freese’s departure, nor have they announced a replacement drummer. Their next scheduled performance is set for October 4 at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Freese’s extensive career includes collaborations with a diverse array of artists, such as Guns N’ Roses … Nine Inch Nails, Devo, and A Perfect Circle. Despite this unexpected change, he remains active in the music scene and continues to be a sought-after drummer for various projects.
Fans and fellow musicians have expressed support for Freese, acknowledging his contributions to Foo Fighters during a challenging period for the band. As the group moves forward, the music community will be watching closely to see who will take up the drumsticks next.
