was one of the more surprising chapters in recent rock history: seasoned session drummer Josh Freese — known for his work with A Perfect Circle, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer and hundreds of other artists — was let go by the Foo Fighters in May 2025 after roughly two years with the band.
Freese had joined the Foo Fighters in May 2023 to help fill the massive shoes left by the late drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died in 2022. The band announced his addition during a livestream that also honored Hawkins’ legacy. Over the next year and a half, Freese toured extensively with the band, earning praise for his professionalism and energy behind the kit.
Then, in spring 2025, Freese revealed on social media that the band had informed him they were “going in a different direction with their drummer.” He said no formal reason was given and that it was the first time in his long career — spanning more than 40 years and hundreds of album credits — that he’d ever been fired from a band.
Rather than airing grievances, Freese chose a remarkably upbeat perspective. He told reporters and fans that the Foo Fighters “called me… and said they’d decided to go in a different direction,” but added, “I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and support whatever they feel is best for the band.” He emphasized he was “not angry — just a bit shocked and disappointed,” but also resilient, noting he’d always worked freelance and moved between many projects in his career.
In comments shared more recently, Freese pushed back on any sympathy around the situation. One of his most telling statements about this period referenced the notion that he’d somehow had “a tough year.” He countered that idea by pointing out the broader picture of his life and career: while the Foo Fighters chapter ended, that wasn’t the sum total of his journey. He highlighted that he’s been touring with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle again, performing shows with Weezer, and working in the studio with artists ranging from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol — all of which makes him feel like he’s “back where I belong.” In his words: “Trust me… no one should feel sorry for me.” (quote provided by user)
That comment reflects Freese’s broader approach to his departure. Rather than portraying it as a blow to his career, he frames it as simply one chapter closed and others still very much active. In fact, after leaving the Foo Fighters, he rejoined Nine Inch Nails — a group he previously played with — and continued to drum on multiple tours and studio projects, reinforcing that his musical life is far from stagnant.
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl clarified in a recent interview that the decision to part ways with Freese wasn’t abrupt or personal. He said the band spent six to seven months discussing how to move forward after the Everything or Nothing at All tour and ultimately decided to find another drummer whose style and creative connection matched the band’s evolving direction. Grohl added that while Freese was a consummate professional — with thousands of studio recordings and vast experience — the fit wasn’t quite right creatively, echoing something Freese himself had alluded to earlier about not always resonating with the band’s music.
Freese’s willingness to take the exit in stride — and to immediately dive into new collaborations — underscores why he’s considered one of rock’s most in‑demand drummers. He’s worked with artists across genres, from punk and industrial to pop and alternative, including Sting, Sublime with Rome, The Vandals, Offspring, and Danny Elfman, and continues to share his craft with a wide variety of acts.
In a conversation marked by loss, transition and reinvention, Freese’s outlook stands out: rather than framing his departure as a setback, he sees it as one pivot in a career defined by flexibility, passion and sheer musical momentum — a reminder that in the life of a freelance musician, no chapter is ever truly over.
