- Josh Freese has been fired from the Foo Fighters
- The band told him they’re going “in a different direction”
- Will Freese re-join A Perfect Circle?
Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese has been fired by the band, just two years after he replaced the late Taylor Hawkins.
Following Hawkins’ tragic death in 2022, Freese was introduced as the Foo Fighters’ new drummer during a 2023 livestream event.
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He joined after the recording of their latest album, But Here We Are, which featured frontman Dave Grohl on drums – meaning Freese never appeared on any of the band’s studio records.
The drummer shared the news in an Instagram post, explaining that he received a call from the band telling him they wanted to “go in a different direction with their drummer”.
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The 52-year-old – has previously played drums for the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer and The Offspring – insisted he’s “fine” and joked “Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”
“No reason was given”
In his statement, Freese wrote: “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.”
Despite the abrupt end, the drummer showed class and was ultimately supportive of their decision.
He said: “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.”
Freese revealed it was the first time he’s been fired from a band and admitted it caught him off guard.
“In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry – just a bit shocked and disappointed. But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelanced and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”
What’s next for Freese and Foo Fighters?
Despite the disappointment, Freese can be confident there’s a lineup of bands at his door eager to work with him.
Fans are already speculating that his next move might be a return to touring with A Perfect Circle. One Instagram user wrote: “This means a new worldwide tour with A Perfect Circle? FF couldn’t handle that much awesomeness. Keep rocking as always, Josh!”
Freese played drums with A Perfect Circle from 1999 to 2004, recording their first three albums. He briefly rejoined for live shows in 2010–2011 and made a comeback in 2024 for their Sessanta tour.
As for the Foo Fighters, they were set to play the Soundside Music Festival in September 2024 but dropped out just two days before. People were guessing it had something to do with Grohl’s recent news about having a kid outside his marriage.
Their next gig is set for the Singapore Grand Prix on 4 October 2025.