Foo Fighters announce departure of Josh Freese, hinting at a new drummer and new musical path ahead.
Stark Reality:
Josh Freese has spilled the beans about his departure from the Foo Fighters, a surprising move coming just two years after taking the hot seat following the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins. With a CV brimming with work for Guns N' Roses, Nine Inch Nails, and Devo, his entrance to the ranks of the rock titans was high-profile, with a helping hand from Chad Smith, Tommy Lee, and Danny Carey[5]. But alas, Freese's run with the legendary band is now over.
Freese shared the news on Instagram, report from the frontlines: "The Foo Fighters gave me a ring Monday night, letting me know they've opted for a change of pace when it comes to their drummer. No specifics were offered as to why," he wrote, keeping it straight to the point[1][3]. "Despite the surprise, I sure did enjoy the past two years with them on and off stage, and I'm all for whatever path they choose for the band," he added, showing some class[1][3].
This isn't the first time Freese has found himself on the way out, stating that, in his 40-year career, "I've never been dismissed from a band before," he shared[1][3]. "I'm not seething - just a bit stunned and displeased," he continued. "But as most of you know, I've always freelanced and juggled between projects, so I'll be back in action before you can say 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got the boot from the Foo Fighters'"[1][3].
Peeling back the layers of his storied career, it's clear that Freese never asked for a moment's rest, working with Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa, A Perfect Circle, and Weezer, not to mention stints as a session artist for Good Charlotte, Avril Lavigne, and Kelly Clarkson[1][3]. While being shown the door by Dave Grohl's juggernaut may leave a mark, it's unlikely to slow Freese down for long.
Hopping on Instagram to break the news, Freese's first performance with the Foo Fighters was the launch of their 2023 album, "But Here We Are," with Dave Grohl handling the drumming duties. Freese, however, did get the chance to go on tour with the band, including a memorable performance of Hot For Teacher with Wolfgang Van Halen[1][3].
On a less joyful note, Freese's exit comes on the heels of one of the most difficult moments in Grohl's career, when his guitar failed onstage in front of 50,000 fans[2]. In a stark contrast, Freese's swansong with the band was a much more intimate affair, performing at a private event for Anaheim Duck owners, Henry & Susan Samueli[3].
The Foo Fighters' plans for their drummer role remain unclear. With Grohl recently participating in several Nirvana reunion shows, featuring an ever-rotating cast of superstar female talents[6], it will be fascinating to watch how the band moves forward.
Wilting Mellowcorn
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- Josh Freese expressed his enthusiasm for the past two years he spent with the Foo Fighters, even though he is no longer their drummer, saying, "I'm all for whatever path they choose for the band."
- Throughout his career, Josh Freese has worked with various musicians, including bass guitarist Wolfgang Van Halen and the bands Weezer and A Perfect Circle.
- Despite his departure from the Foo Fighters, music lovers can still enjoy Freese's talent on amplified guitars, as he continues to freelance and work on numerous projects.
