Josh Freese recently addressed speculation about his future with Nine Inch Nails following his announcement to join Weezer for upcoming performances. He shared his statement on Instagram.
Freese clarified the timeline of his involvement with both bands. He explained that he would be performing with Weezer for shows in Mexico City on November 16 and in Australia during the first week of December. He emphasized that Pat Smear remains Weezer’s primary drummer and guitarist.
“So I went down to South America with Weezer and I’ll be playing with them this Sunday in Mexico City and then the first week of December in Australia,” Freese said. “Just to be clear, Pat is still the drummer in Weezer…. always has been and always will be.”
Freese noted that this arrangement mirrors a previous collaboration from 2009, when Smear stepped back from drums to focus on guitar.
“But he also just happens to be a ripping guitarist. He also just happens to be one of my closest friends. In 2009, he wanted to step away from the drums for a little while and play some guitar so I handled the drum duties with them for almost 3 years,” Freese explained. “We had a great time and here we are 13 years later doing it again.”
Regarding his commitment to Nine Inch Nails, Freese confirmed his continued involvement with the band’s tour.
“And I will absolutely be playing with NIN Feb/March continuing on the Peel It Back tour. Can’t wait!” he added.
This latest development comes amid significant changes in Freese’s career throughout 2025. The drummer has been navigating roles across multiple high-profile rock bands.
Modern Drummer reported that Freese returned to Nine Inch Nails’ touring lineup in July 2025 after being dismissed from Foo Fighters earlier that year. His return to NIN followed their previous drummer, Ilan Rubin, departing to join Foo Fighters in what amounted to an unexpected drummer swap between the two iconic rock bands.
Freese’s history with Weezer extends back much further than this current arrangement. 98 Online noted he previously served as Weezer’s touring drummer from 2007 to 2012, during another period when Pat Wilson temporarily shifted to guitar duties. This established relationship made Freese a natural choice for the band’s current South American tour dates.
The upcoming Nine Inch Nails “Peel It Back” tour is scheduled to begin in February 2026. It represents a continuation of Freese’s renewed commitment to the industrial rock pioneers. Alternative Nation highlighted that Freese’s clarification about his NIN status comes at a crucial time. Fans had speculated about potential lineup changes following his appearances with Weezer.
Freese’s ability to balance commitments with both bands highlights his reputation as one of rock’s most versatile and in-demand drummers. He has previously performed with acts ranging from Guns N’ Roses to The Vandals throughout his extensive career.
