Foo Fighters Move Forward Without Josh Freese
In a surprising turn of events in the spring of 2025, the Foo Fighters announced that they would continue their musical journey without drummer Josh Freese. Freese, who had been with the band since 2022, confirmed the news via a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
Josh Freese’s Departure
Freese shared, “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.” He expressed gratitude for his time with the band, stating, “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.”
A Journey with the Foo Fighters
Freese joined the Foo Fighters as a guest drummer for tribute concerts honoring the late Taylor Hawkins, the band’s beloved drummer who passed away in 2022. His transition to a permanent member came after those emotional performances, but the band took a break from touring in 2024.
Decisions in the Off-Season
During their hiatus, the band engaged in deep discussions about their future. In an interview with Apple Music 1, frontman Dave Grohl explained, “We talked about what to do next, a new direction, and thought, ‘OK, let’s call Josh and let him know that we are going to move on with a different drummer.'” Grohl emphasized that this decision was a collective one, not made lightly.
Transition to New Drummer
Not long after Freese’s departure, it was announced that Ilan Rubin, the longtime drummer for Nine Inch Nails, would step in as the new drummer for the Foo Fighters. Freese, meanwhile, would return to NIN, a band he had previously toured with from 2005 to 2008.
Reflections on the Experience
Freese had previously expressed the challenges he faced stepping into such a significant role after Hawkins’ passing. He remarked, “It wasn’t music that I really resonated with. I’m coming in as Dave Grohl’s drummer, and the guy that’s supposed to save the day after the beloved Taylor Hawkins died,” highlighting the immense pressure he felt during his tenure.
Remembering Taylor Hawkins
The loss of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, at the age of 50, left a profound impact on the Foo Fighters. Hawkins passed away in a hotel room in Bogota, Colombia, just before a scheduled performance, with later reports confirming a drug overdose as the cause of death.
Grohl reflected on the complexity of moving forward without Hawkins, stating, “We had Taylor Hawkins as our drummer for 25 years… He was our best friend.” He emphasized that the band aims to honor Hawkins’ legacy in every performance and creative endeavor.
Upcoming Tour Plans
Despite the recent changes, the Foo Fighters are scheduled to embark on a stadium tour starting August 4 in Toronto, signaling their commitment to continue making music and performing for their fans.
Conclusion
The Foo Fighters’ journey continues to evolve as they navigate the challenges of loss and change. With new drummer Ilan Rubin stepping in, the band is poised to honor their past while exploring new musical directions. The band remains dedicated to the spirit of Taylor Hawkins, ensuring his legacy lives on through their music.
FAQs
Why did Josh Freese leave the Foo Fighters?
Josh Freese left the Foo Fighters as the band decided to go in a different direction with their drummer. He expressed support for the band’s decision in his public statement.
Who will be the new drummer for the Foo Fighters?
Ilan Rubin, former drummer for Nine Inch Nails, has joined the Foo Fighters as their new drummer following Freese’s departure.
What happened to Taylor Hawkins?
Taylor Hawkins, the longtime drummer for the Foo Fighters, passed away in March 2022 from a drug overdose, leading to a significant emotional impact on the band.
When is the Foo Fighters’ next tour?
The Foo Fighters are set to begin their stadium tour on August 4, 2025, in Toronto.
