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Foo Fighters Drummer Josh Freese: A Look At His Time With The Band And Recent News

Foo Fighters unveil new drummer, Josh Freese | Kerrang!

Aug 04, 2025
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Foo Fighters unveil new drummer, Josh Freese | Kerrang!

The music world, it's almost, has been buzzing lately with some significant news concerning the Foo Fighters and their drumming situation. For fans, and really anyone who follows rock music, the identity of the person behind the kit for such a beloved group is a pretty big deal. When a band like the Foo Fighters makes a change, especially after the immense loss of a cherished member, everyone pays close attention. This particular story centers around Josh Freese, a musician with an incredible background, and his journey with the band, which recently took an unexpected turn.

You see, the Foo Fighters faced a truly heartbreaking moment when their long-time drummer, Taylor Hawkins, passed away in March 2022. This event left a huge, sudden gap in one of rock's most dynamic and popular groups. Finding someone to step into those very large shoes was, quite frankly, a monumental task, and the band took their time, as a matter of fact, to figure out their next steps.

Eventually, in 2023, the Foo Fighters announced Josh Freese would be joining them, bringing a wave of excitement and, you know, a sense of continuity for their many followers. However, as things sometimes go in the music business, this chapter has now, apparently, come to a close, leading to a fresh set of questions and conversations among fans and industry watchers alike.

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Josh Freese: A Brief Biography

Joshua Ryan Freese, born on December 25, 1972, is an American drummer whose career is, honestly, nothing short of legendary. He's known for his incredible versatility and his ability to adapt to a wide array of musical styles, which is a talent many drummers, you know, really admire. His professional journey spans decades, making him a truly respected figure in the music community.

Freese has been a steadfast member of the punk rock band The Vandals since 1989, a pretty long run if you ask me. He also joined the new wave band Devo in 1996, showing his range, which is, like, really cool. Before his time with the Foo Fighters, he had significant stints with some other massive names in rock, too.

For instance, he was a member of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses from 1997 to 1999, a period where he, basically, contributed to some very well-known sounds. He was also a part of the alternative rock band A Perfect Circle, starting in 1999. His resume, in short, reads like a who's who of modern rock, showcasing his immense talent and demand as a session and touring musician. This background, you see, made him a natural choice when the Foo Fighters were looking for someone with serious chops.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full NameJoshua Ryan Freese
BornDecember 25, 1972
NationalityAmerican
Primary InstrumentDrums
Notable Bands (Past/Present)The Vandals, Devo, Guns N' Roses, A Perfect Circle, Foo Fighters
Joined Foo FightersMay 2023
Departed Foo FightersJuly 2024 (announced)

Stepping into Big Shoes: Joining the Foo Fighters

The sudden passing of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022 left a profound void in the Foo Fighters. Taylor was, quite honestly, a force of nature behind the drum kit and a beloved friend to his bandmates and fans around the globe. The question of who would take over drumming duties was, naturally, on everyone's mind for a considerable period.

After months of quiet speculation and, you know, anticipation, the Foo Fighters finally revealed their new drummer in May 2023. The announcement came during a special global livestream event titled "Preparing Music for Concerts," which was, in a way, a very cool and engaging way to share the news. It was a comical confirmation sketch, actually, that introduced Josh Freese to the world as the band's newest member.

This reveal showed Josh Freese sitting in as the new live drummer for the band, a moment that, apparently, brought a collective sigh of relief and excitement from fans. He had, in fact, already stepped in as a guest drummer in September 2022 following Taylor Hawkins' passing, so he wasn't, you know, a complete stranger to the band's live setup. The band and their fans gave him a really warm welcome as they kicked off their first tour since Taylor's death, which was, basically, a truly emotional time for everyone involved.

Hours after this announcement, and after the Foo Fighters returned to the stage for their first concert with Josh Freese, the band released "Show Me How," a new single from their upcoming album "But Here We Are." This period marked, sort of, a new chapter for the band, with Josh Freese at the heart of their rhythm section, playing a vital role in their continued musical journey. He joined the group in May 2023, and his presence was, pretty much, immediately felt as they resumed their live performances and released new material.

The Unexpected Departure from the Foo Fighters

Just shy of two years after joining the Foo Fighters, Josh Freese, the drummer brought in to fill the vacancy left by the late Taylor Hawkins, announced some surprising news. In July 2024, he shared on Instagram that he had, basically, been let go by the band. This revelation, you know, left fans and the wider music community in a state of surprise, as his tenure seemed, in a way, to be going quite well.

According to Freese's announcement, the band decided to go in a "different direction" with their drummer. He revealed the news on Instagram, sharing his thoughts on the matter. The Foo Fighters, it seems, parted ways with him without providing a specific reason publicly, which is, sometimes, how these things go in the music business. The news came as a surprise, even to those close to the situation, apparently.

The "Learn to Fly" rockers had enlisted Freese back in May 2023, and he had been with them for almost two years, contributing to their tours and, you know, their musical output. His departure means another change for the band's lineup, particularly in such a crucial role. Drummer Josh Freese, who was abruptly fired from the Foo Fighters last week, even offered 10 comical reasons for his ejection, from poodles to other lighthearted explanations, which, you know, is a bit of his personality coming through.

This development, in some respects, threw a monkey wrench in Josh Freese's plans, as he had settled into the role quite well. The news that he was let go, almost two years after stepping into Taylor Hawkins' role, came directly from him on social media. It was a quiet parting, but the announcement itself, you know, made quite a bit of noise in the music world. Dave Grohl, according to an insider, has his band walking on eggshells since drummer Josh Freese got the axe earlier this year, which, basically, suggests there might be more to the story than what's been publicly shared.

The Impact and the Future

The departure of Josh Freese marks another significant moment for the Foo Fighters, a band that has, arguably, faced its share of challenges and changes over the years. His time with the group, though relatively short, was crucial in helping them navigate the period after Taylor Hawkins' passing and get back on the road. His extensive experience and talent were, truly, invaluable during this transitional phase for the band.

For fans, this news means another period of anticipation and, you know, curiosity about who will take on the drumming duties next. The Foo Fighters are known for their powerful live performances and their tight musicianship, so the role of the drummer is, really, central to their sound. The band's 30th anniversary was marked with the release of "Today's Song," their first new song since the 2023 album "But Here We Are," which, you know, shows they are still very much active and creating music.

The decision to go in a "different direction" suggests the band is, perhaps, looking for a specific fit or chemistry as they continue their journey. What this "different direction" entails for their drumming setup remains to be seen, but it's clear the Foo Fighters are, basically, always thinking about their future and how to best move forward. This recent event, in a way, just adds another layer to their ongoing story, keeping fans guessing and, you know, eagerly awaiting their next move.

As the Foo Fighters move forward, the drumming position is, obviously, a key spot to watch. Whoever steps into that role will have big shoes to fill, not just because of Taylor Hawkins' legacy, but also because of Josh Freese's strong contributions during his time. We'll all be watching to see what happens next with this iconic band, and, you know, who will be providing the beat for their future anthems. Learn more about Foo Fighters on our site, and check out this page for more music news.

Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Freese and the Foo Fighters

Q1: When did Josh Freese join the Foo Fighters?

Josh Freese officially joined the Foo Fighters as their new drummer in May 2023. This announcement was made during a special global livestream event, which, you know, generated a lot of excitement among fans. He had, actually, stepped in as a guest drummer for some performances even before the official announcement.

Q2: Why did Josh Freese leave the Foo Fighters?

Josh Freese announced on Instagram in July 2024 that the Foo Fighters decided to go in a "different direction" with their drummer. No specific reason was given publicly for his departure, which, you know, can sometimes be the case with band changes. He shared the news himself, which, basically, surprised many people.

Q3: What other bands has Josh Freese played with?

Josh Freese has an incredibly extensive resume, having played with many well-known bands. He's been a member of the punk rock band The Vandals since 1989 and the new wave band Devo since 1996. He was also, you know, previously a member of hard rock band Guns N' Roses from 1997 to 1999 and alternative rock band A Perfect Circle from 1999. His career, in short, spans a wide range of musical styles and famous groups.

Foo Fighters unveil new drummer, Josh Freese | Kerrang!
Foo Fighters unveil new drummer, Josh Freese | Kerrang!
Foo Fighters announce Josh Freese as new drummer | Punknews.org
Foo Fighters announce Josh Freese as new drummer | Punknews.org
Foo Fighters Announce Josh Freese as New Drummer
Foo Fighters Announce Josh Freese as New Drummer

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