Josh Freese has announced his return as drummer for Nine Inch Nails following his departure from Foo Fighters. He shared the news in a statement posted on Instagram. The announcement also comes as former Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin has joined Foo Fighters.
Freese reflected on his previous departure from Nine Inch Nails and his excitement about rejoining the band for their upcoming tour.
“Leaving Nine Inch Nails at the end of 2008 was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Freese said. “My wife and I were expecting our third child, and I knew I needed to step away from life on the road to be home with my family.”
The drummer expressed his deep appreciation for his previous experience with the band.
“NIN was a band that left me walking off stage every single night thinking, ‘That was incredible. We absolutely crushed it,'” he continued. “And it wasn’t just a feeling, it was a certainty. That level of intensity, pride, and satisfaction after each show is something I’ve rarely experienced anywhere.”
Freese also shared his enthusiasm about returning to perform with Trent Reznor and the Nine Inch Nails crew.
“Now, being back on tour with Trent and the crew—helping them do what they do best night after night—is something I’m incredibly excited about,” he said. “To be part of that energy again feels amazing.”
“If you get a chance to catch one of these shows over the next six weeks, I promise, they’re going to be absolutely unforgettable. Hope to see you out there.”
This return marks a significant chapter in Freese’s extensive career. His career spans decades of work with some of rock’s most influential acts.
NIN Wiki reported that Freese originally joined Nine Inch Nails in 2005 during the Live: With Teeth tour. He became the official drummer after initially filling in temporarily. His departure in 2008 came at a pivotal time when he chose family responsibilities over touring commitments. This decision would shape his career trajectory for years to come.
The drummer’s professional journey extends far beyond his work with Nine Inch Nails and Foo Fighters. Vice documented that Freese has worked with over 500 artists throughout his career. These include notable acts like Devo, The Vandals, and A Perfect Circle. This extensive session work has established him as one of the most sought-after drummers in the industry.
Freese’s musical roots trace back to his childhood. LA Session Drummer noted that he began playing drums at Disneyland as a young performer. This early experience in live performance would prove foundational to his later success with major rock acts. It developed the stage presence and technical skills that would make him invaluable to bands like Nine Inch Nails.
His versatility as a musician has been a defining characteristic throughout his career. The drummer’s ability to adapt to different musical styles and band dynamics has made him a reliable choice for both studio recordings and live performances across multiple genres. These range from punk rock to industrial metal.
The drummer swap between Nine Inch Nails and Foo Fighters represents more than just a personnel change. It highlights the interconnected nature of the rock music community and the ongoing evolution of these influential bands as they continue their respective touring schedules.
