Josh Freese recently opened up about his unexpected departure from Foo Fighters. He shared his confusion over the circumstances that led to his firing in an interview with Modern Drummer Magazine. However, this time, Freese praised Dave Grohl and detailed the good times he had with the band.
The drummer reflected on his two-year tenure with the band. He expressed his bewilderment about why he was let go, despite what he perceived as a positive working relationship.
“The Foo Fighters are such a big, mainstream band that everything I say gets taken out of context, reposted, and blown out of proportion,” Freese said. “People created headlines from one quick, simple comment I made on a podcast not long ago, it’s crazy. I’ve got to be careful about what I say about it. But I’ve got a lot to say about it and I’ve been just trying to figure out how and when, to go about really articulating it.”
Freese acknowledged having theories about his dismissal but remained cautious about sharing details publicly.
“I have a couple small theories [as to why I was let go], but I can’t really go into them right now,” he continued. “I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys however, and they were good to me… until they weren’t. I liked playing with them.”
The drummer expressed particular admiration for Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl’s musical abilities and leadership style.
“And I loved having [Foo Fighters frontman] Dave [Grohl] as a bandleader. I truly respect him so much as a drummer first and foremost,” Freese said. “To me, he’s a drummer first and everything else is second. I’ve listened to him on all the great records he’s played drums on more than I’ve listened to any Foo Fighters stuff. It really was cool being in a band where the leader is a phenomenal drummer that you respect… That’s really fun… We basically came from the same era too and could relate to one another.”
Despite the positive working relationship, Freese emphasized how sudden and unexpected his departure was.
“I enjoyed being around those guys, they were generous and good to me… and that’s what makes the whole thing even more of a mystery,” he said. “I think I’m a pretty good read on people, and I did not see that coming. One day it was nothing but laughs, we’re on stage and Dave’s looking at me every night like, ‘You’re killing it, dude!!!’ And then it was just — over.”
Freese’s departure from Foo Fighters marked the end of a significant chapter in the band’s history. He had stepped into one of rock music’s most challenging positions following a tragic loss.
Louder Sound reported that Freese was dismissed from the band in May 2024, exactly two years after he replaced the late Taylor Hawkins. The timing of his exit came as a shock to fans and industry observers who had watched him successfully fill the void left by Hawkins’ unexpected death in March 2022.
When Freese announced his departure, he took to Instagram with characteristic humor and transparency. He shared the news by writing, “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.”
Following his exit, Tone Deaf noted that Freese posted a comical social media list of the top 10 possible reasons for his surprise dismissal. Among the humorous suggestions were whistling “My Hero” for a week, naming only one Fugazi song, and never growing a beard. This showcased his ability to maintain levity despite the professional setback.
The drummer’s career has come full circle since leaving Foo Fighters. Louder Sound confirmed that Freese has rejoined Nine Inch Nails, replacing Ilan Rubin, who ironically took Freese’s spot in Foo Fighters. This musical chairs scenario highlights the interconnected nature of the rock music scene and Freese’s continued relevance as one of the industry’s most sought-after drummers.
