Foo Fighters part ways with drummer

Saturday, 17 May 2025 13:04

Freese has also played with Guns N Roses, The Offspring, DEVO, NIN and more

Foo Fighters have parted ways with drummer Josh Freese after a high-profile, emotionally charged two-year run—leaving fans shocked and curious about what prompted the decision.

Freese, a veteran session musician known for playing with everyone from Nine Inch Nails to Devo, confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: “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 added that while he’s disappointed, he remains supportive of the band’s decision: “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 band itself has yet to issue a public statement.

A Critical Role in a Difficult Time

Freese joined Foo Fighters in 2023 following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022—a devastating blow to the band and its fans. The group revealed Freese’s addition in a lighthearted livestream called Preparing Music for Concerts, playfully teasing several famous drummers before unveiling Freese as the one chosen to move the band forward.

It wasn’t just a gig—it was a delicate, emotionally loaded role. Hawkins had been a beloved member of the Foo Fighters family for over 20 years. Freese, while never pretending to replace Hawkins, offered steady hands and quiet strength through a difficult time. His drumming powered the band’s 2023 album But Here We Are, a record shaped by grief and catharsis, and accompanied them on a major tour.

Freese’s presence allowed the band to mourn and evolve. “There’s no replacing Taylor,” he said in interviews. “I’m just trying to help carry the music forward.”

A Sudden Exit with Few Answers

What makes Freese’s departure especially surprising is how little warning there was. The band is still in the middle of its touring cycle, with major shows planned into 2025—including a headlining set at Singapore’s Formula 1 Grand Prix.

In his Instagram post, Freese said the decision was made by the band during a phone call. No public farewell. No last show. Just a quiet change in direction.

“I'm not angry, just a bit shocked and disappointed,” he wrote. “I'm proud to have been part of the last two years.”

Online reaction was swift. Many fans praised Freese for the grace and honesty of his message, and expressed frustration at how the situation was handled. “He carried the band when it needed it most,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “He deserved a proper send-off.”

What Comes Next?

The big question now is who will take the drum stool moving forward. Some are speculating that Shane Hawkins—Taylor’s 17-year-old son who played with the band at his father’s tribute concerts—might be in the mix. While he earned praise for those emotional performances, it’s unclear whether the band or Shane see him as a full-time fit just yet.

Others expect the band to bring in another session player or even rotate drummers depending on the tour or recording schedule.

As for Freese, he’s already back at work. With a career spanning hundreds of recording credits and live performances, he’s likely one of the busiest musicians in rock. “That’s not going to stop now,” he said.

Foo Fighters, meanwhile, continue to move forward—again navigating change after loss. Founded by Dave Grohl in the wake of Kurt Cobain’s death, the band has long made resilience part of its DNA. Still, it’s hard not to feel the gravity of another unexpected turn.

The beat will go on. But as fans have learned time and again with the Foo Fighters, it rarely stays the same.

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