Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel recently addressed the band’s decision to fire drummer Josh Freese. He explained their refusal to provide specific reasons for the dismissal in a statement shared with The Guardian.
Mendel’s comments came in response to questions about whether Freese was given a clear explanation for his firing from the band.
When asked if it was true that Josh Freese wasn’t given a reason for his firing, Mendel responded candidly about the band’s approach.
“Yeah. We made a decision that it was best for all parties,” Mendel said. “To get into the personal details [with Freese], of why that didn’t necessarily sync up, just didn’t seem like it was going to benefit anybody.”
The bassist further elaborated on the band’s philosophy regarding difficult personnel decisions.
“Some things are OK to be like: this is what’s best for us, and we’re going in a different direction,” he continued.
The dismissal marks another significant change for the band. The group has faced considerable upheaval in recent years following the tragic loss of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Freese had stepped in to replace Hawkins after the beloved drummer’s death. He served the band during a critical transition period. Blabbermouth reported that Freese himself confirmed the lack of explanation in an Instagram statement on May 16, 2025. He revealed that the band called to say they had decided “to go in a different direction with their drummer” and “No reason was given.”
The band has since moved forward with their lineup changes. They announced Ilan Rubin as Freese’s replacement. Blabbermouth noted that Rubin is a former Nine Inch Nails drummer and 2020 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee who was officially announced as the new drummer in July 2025.
The timing of these personnel changes coincides with the band’s continued creative output. They recently released their new single “Caught In The Echo” from their upcoming 12th studio album “Your Favorite Toy.” Blabbermouth confirmed that the band marked their first official show with Rubin last week. This signals their commitment to moving forward with the new lineup.
The statement provides insight into how the veteran rock band handles internal conflicts while maintaining privacy around sensitive personnel matters. It demonstrates their approach to difficult decisions during a period of significant transition.
