Josh Freese’s wife, Nicole Freese, recently shared her reflections on 2025, addressing her husband’s departure from Foo Fighters in a candid statement posted on Instagram.
The statement outlined both the highs and lows of her year. She placed particular focus on how Josh Freese’s firing from the band was handled.
“Wow, 2025 … you were by far one interesting year! If someone had told me half of what would happen, I never would’ve believed them!” she said. “Some of it was not so fun, some of it was really, really great and some of it lived in that strange in-between space where it didn’t feel good – but it wasn’t exactly bad either, if that makes sense?”
Nicole Freese then detailed the more challenging aspects of her year. This included her husband’s unexpected departure from the band.
“Lowlights: Perimenopause officially passing the baton to menopause… and everything that comes with that,” she continued. “Spending most of the year feeling like I was hanging off the edge of a cliff with one hand. Watching my best friend get blindsided by a very public firing from a job he’d been praised for.”
She also shared positive developments. She highlighted Josh’s subsequent musical opportunities.
“Highlights: Fully embracing not giving a f*ck. Being included in 2 art shows with Punkrock & Paintbrushes. So much time with people I love. Lots of travel,” she said. “My best friend being asked to play again with one of the best bands around. My best friend also getting to play with some of my other favorite artists.”
The statement reveals that Josh Freese was reportedly caught off guard by his dismissal from Foo Fighters. This occurred despite previous praise for his work with the band.
Nicole’s comments shed light on what has become one of the most puzzling departures in recent rock history. This is particularly notable given Josh’s significant contributions to the band during his tenure.
The A.V. Club reported that Freese had joined Foo Fighters in 2023. He stepped in as drummer two years after the death of Taylor Hawkins and played on the band’s 2023 album *But Here We Are*. His recruitment came at a crucial time for the band as they worked to rebuild following the tragic loss of their longtime drummer.
Loudwire revealed that Josh disclosed in May that the Foo Fighters called him to say they were “going in a different direction with their drummer.” The band offered no explanation for the decision. The abrupt nature of the dismissal left both Josh and those close to him struggling to understand the reasoning behind the band’s choice.
In subsequent interviews, Blabbermouth noted that Josh confirmed he still has “no reason” for why he was let go. He said he has “a couple of theories” but is reluctant to share them publicly. Despite the shock of his dismissal, Freese has emphasized that he “loved” his time with Foo Fighters and valued the two years he spent with them on and off stage.
Shortly after his dismissal from Foo Fighters, Freese moved directly into new work. He joined Nine Inch Nails while their drummer, Ilan Rubin, joined Foo Fighters.
