Josh Freese recently opened up about his unexpected departure from the Foo Fighters, a decision that took him by surprise. The 53-year-old drummer expressed feelings of shock and disappointment after being informed that he would no longer be part of the band, just two years after he joined to succeed the late Taylor Hawkins.
Sudden Departure from Foo Fighters
Freese shared the news of his exit through an Instagram post, stating that the band contacted him to announce they were going in “a different direction” with their drummer. Despite not receiving a specific reason for his dismissal, he reflected on the positive experiences he had during his tenure.
Reflections on His Time with the Band
In his social media post, Freese acknowledged the enjoyable moments he shared with the Foo Fighters. He stated, “I support whatever they feel is best for the band.” With four decades of professional drumming under his belt, he noted that this was his first experience being let go from a band, which left him feeling perplexed.
Thoughts on the Departure
In a recent interview with Modern Drummer, Freese approached the topic of his departure with caution. He remarked, “Everything I say gets taken out of context, reposted, and blown out of proportion.” Due to this reality, he indicated he must be careful with his comments surrounding the situation.
- Freese mentioned having personal theories about his dismissal but refrained from sharing details.
- He expressed admiration for bandleader Dave Grohl, indicating that they had a positive working relationship.
Freese reminisced about the camaraderie within the band, highlighting how unexpected the decision was. “One day it was nothing but laughs… and then it was just – over,” he recalled.
Current Projects
Since his exit, Freese has returned to perform with Nine Inch Nails, stepping in for Ilan Rubin, who had previously filled his role in the Foo Fighters. The musician has a rich history, having played with notable groups like The Vandals, Guns N’ Roses, and A Perfect Circle.
Meanwhile, the Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform at several U.S. festivals in May before heading to Europe for a summer tour.
