Foo Fighters Part Ways With Drummer Josh Freese

Freese joined the band following Taylor Hawkins’ untimely death in 2022.

By Andy Kahn May 16, 2025 1:48 pm PDT

Drummer Josh Freese is no longer a touring member of Foo Fighters. Freese posted a message confirming his exit from the band fronted by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.

Freese became a touring member of Foo Fighters after the untimely death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Freese’s first show with Foo Fighters was held in May 2023.

“Josh Freese has helped save the day,” Grohl said during that concert in Gilford, New Hampshire. “We would not be here tonight if it wasn’t for Josh.”

Freese is currently performing with A Perfect Circle on the Sessanta V2.0 Tour with Primus and Puscifer. The highly in-demand drummer lists some of his numerous credits, which include Danny Elfman, Devo, Nine Inch Nails, The Replacements, Sting, The Vandals and Weezer.

Freese noted his departure from the Foo Fighters marked the first time he was dismissed from a band, which left him “a bit shocked and disappointed.” It is unclear who will replace Freese as the new Foo Fighters drummer.

Read Josh Freese’s note regarding his departure from Foo Fighters Below:

“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. 🙁

“Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band. In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry — just a bit shocked and disappointed. But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”

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