Foo Fighters Confirm Drummer Change After Deliberation

Renowned rock band Foo Fighters have made a significant decision regarding their drummer Josh Freese, following months of careful consideration. Freese had joined the band after the tragic death of long-time drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, but last summer he was removed from the lineup. Band frontman Dave Grohl has emphasised that the move was not sudden but a collective, carefully deliberated decision by the group.

Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Grohl explained, “For six to seven months, we discussed what the next step should be, the new direction, and finally we called Josh to let him know we would be moving forward with another drummer. It wasn’t a unilateral decision — the whole band made it together.”

Grohl added that discussions with Freese were constructive and cordial. “We told him, ‘Buddy, it’s been amazing, we’ve had a lot of fun, thank you. But now we’re moving forward with a different drummer.’ We didn’t issue a press release, tweet, or give interviews immediately. Josh, however, explained it best himself, saying that our music didn’t truly connect with him — which is an important thing.”

Following Freese’s departure, Ilan Rubin was brought in as the new drummer. Meanwhile, Freese returned to performing with Nine Inch Nails and joined Weezer for various shows.

In a recent interview with Modern Drummer magazine, Freese reflected on his post-Foo Fighters career. “Someone said, ‘It’s been a tough year for you.’ I thought, really? The Foo Fighters chapter is over — no big deal. I’m back on stage with Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, and Weezer, and working in the studio with artists from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol. I’m back where I belong.”

However, he admitted that being removed from the band came as a shock. “The day it happened, I was spending time with A Perfect Circle and Primus. Everyone was shocked. It felt like they avoided me, but I was grateful to be on stage with friends.”

Freese also acknowledged that the exact reasons for his departure remain unclear. “I have a few small theories, but I can’t share them now. I enjoyed two years with the band, and they were kind to me — until suddenly they weren’t.”

Foo Fighters Drummer Timeline

The band’s recent decision underscores the importance of internal dialogue and collaborative decision-making, illustrating the delicate balance between personal relationships and professional commitments within a globally renowned group.