Viral Vibes (Headline News USA) (Copyright © 2025) — Josh Freese, the seasoned session drummer who joined Foo Fighters in 2023 following the death of longtime bandmate Taylor Hawkins, announced Friday that he’s been dismissed from the group — a move that caught even him off guard.
“In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band,” Freese wrote on Instagram. “So while I’m not angry—just a bit shocked and disappointed.”
Freese, 52, known for his prolific career with acts like Nine Inch Nails, Devo, and Guns N’ Roses, joined Foo Fighters in May 2023 during a livestreamed reveal that featured cameos from high-profile drummers including Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee (People).
His entry into the band filled a void left by the sudden passing of Taylor Hawkins, who died at age 50 in March 2022 while on tour in Bogotá, Colombia. Hawkins’ death led to a period of uncertainty for the Foo Fighters, culminating in a pair of tribute concerts and, eventually, Freese’s arrival.
But Freese’s tenure has now come to an abrupt end. According to his Instagram post, the call came Monday night: “The Foo Fighters called me to let me know they’ve ‘decided to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given,” he shared (NBC News).
Despite the surprise, Freese made it clear there were no hard feelings, adding, “I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band” (9NEWS). Known for a sense of humor that’s never too far from the surface, he ended his post teasing a future reveal: “Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”
The Foo Fighters have yet to publicly name a replacement drummer, and their representative declined to comment when reached by media outlets, including People.
The announcement comes days after the band revealed they’d be performing at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in October — their first show since frontman Dave Grohl made headlines with a personal revelation last year about fathering a child outside of his marriage (NBC News, 9NEWS).
Freese, for his part, appears ready to move forward. “As most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so I’m fine,” he assured fans.
While the Foo Fighters have now cycled through three drummers in their nearly 30-year history — William Goldsmith, Taylor Hawkins, and now Josh Freese — the band’s next chapter remains uncertain, particularly with no successor named. But for Freese, the beat goes on, even if it’s no longer behind one of rock’s most iconic kits.
Image Credit
Photo by swimfinfan of DEVO, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0: https://www.flickr.com/photos/swimfinfan/4868146028
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