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Josh Freese is an American drummer who has worked with several popular bands including Nine Inch Nails and Guns N’ Roses. His most recent assoiciation was with popular American rock band Foo Fighters, with which he had worked with for two years.
He recently parted ways with the band as the drummer revealed that he received a call on Monday, May 12, 2025, informing him that the band had decided to “go in a different direction with their drummer.”
Josh Freese also mentioned that they did not provide any specific reasons for their decision. He shared this news in a statement on Instagram on May 16, 2025.
“The FOO FIGHTERS called me Monday night to let me know they've decided to go in a different direction with their drummer.' No reason was given. 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.”
The statement continued:
“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. But as most of you know, I've always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so I'm fine. Stay tuned for my 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the FOO FIGHTERS' list.”
More details on Josh Freese's time as the Foo Fighters’ drummer
Josh Freese's relationship with Foo Fighters began after the band’s former drummer, Taylor Hawkins, passed in March 2022. The band, which was formed in 1994 in Seattle, Washington, with members Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflet, and Rami Jaffe, welcomed Josh Freese with open arms, and they worked together for two years.
The band announced Freese's addition to the band as a full time member just in time for their upcoming Tour in May 2023. Before then, Josh played with the group at their tribute concert to Taylor Hawkins.
In an April 2024 interview with popular YouTuber and producer Rick Bento, Josh Freese detailed how he joined the band.
He revealed that he wasn't expecting to get the position, but everyone around him, as well as fans online, believed that "Josh Freese is going to be the guy." At that time, he wasn't sure if the band would even continue, but he felt hopeful. He also mentioned that he didn't want to be a bother to Dave, the frontman of Foo Fighters, so he chose not to bring up the position and decided to let things unfold as they would.
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He mentioned that he received a call from Dave a few months after the tribute for their former drummer. At the time, he was out with his wife walking their dog when he noticed he had missed a call from Dave. When he shared this with her, she suggested that it might be about him becoming the new drummer for the band, but he didn't want to jump to conclusions.
Josh said he returned the call and they had a lengthy discussion about family, their children, and Christmas.
Josh Freese shared how he was offered the job after having casual conversations with Dave about Christmas. During their discussions, Dave mentioned that he and his band members had "recorded a bunch of stuff." When it came time to decide on a new drummer, they all agreed that Josh would be perfect for the role.
Josh Freese mentioned that he didn't feel like celebrating with a "yippee," but instead felt more grounded. He understood that he needed to push himself and put in the hard work. He also revealed that he had always intended to accept the offer if it was presented to him, especially if it came from Dave, someone he respected greatly.
Josh Freese shared that, in his 40 years as a professional drummer, this was the first time he had been let go from a band. Despite this experience, he also expressed that he enjoyed every moment of being a group member. As of the time of writing this article, Foo Fighters have not released an official statement regarding Josh's departure.
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