Drummer Josh Freese recently addressed his departure from Foo Fighters. He explained why no one should feel sorry for him in an interview with Modern Drummer.
Freese’s comments came as he reflected on his current musical endeavors and his perspective on the Foo Fighters situation.
“Someone recently said to me, ‘Man, you’ve had a tough year.’ And I thought, Really? So the Foo Fighters thing is over. Big deal, that was a blip,” Freese said. “The fact that I’ve been touring with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle again, playing some shows with Weezer, working in the studio with everyone from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol.”
The drummer emphasized his current position in the music industry and his gratitude for his ongoing projects.
“I feel like I’m back where I belong. Trust me… no one should feel sorry for me,” he continued. “The day it went down I was hanging out on a day off with A Perfect Circle and the Primus guys. Everyone was in shock and asking me what the hell happened.”
Freese concluded by highlighting his appreciation for his current musical relationships.
“I just remember thinking that I was really grateful to be out there on tour with my friends and with a great crew… playing music I liked with people that I’ve had a long history with,” he said.
Freese’s resilient attitude comes at a time when his career achievements are receiving significant recognition within the music industry.
The veteran drummer’s extensive career recently earned him prestigious recognition. MusicRadar reported that Drum Workshop honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at NAMM 2026 for his “invaluable contributions” to the music industry. This recognition underscores his decades-long impact across multiple genres and hundreds of albums.
Drummers Review noted that DW President Chris Lombardi emphasized Freese’s long-standing relationship with the company. He stated that “Josh has been a true member of the DW family for over 40 years.” This acknowledgment highlights not only his technical prowess but also his loyalty and consistency within the drumming community.
The scope of Freese’s collaborations extends far beyond his recent high-profile gigs. MusicRadar detailed his work with artists spanning from Sting and Guns N’ Roses to Katy Perry. This showcases his versatility as a freelance drummer across rock, pop, and alternative genres.
His recent award ceremony took place during the NAMM Show in January 2026. It serves as a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry and provides context for his confident response to the Foo Fighters situation. Rather than viewing his departure as a setback, Freese’s perspective reflects the security that comes from a career built on diverse, long-term musical relationships.
