Josh Freese Opens Up About Unexpected Foo Fighters Exit

The veteran drummer says he has "a lot to say" about his 2025 dismissal from the band, but is choosing his words carefully.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nearly a year after his unexpected dismissal from Foo Fighters, drummer Josh Freese says he has "a lot to say" about the situation, but is hesitant to share his full perspective publicly due to concerns about how his comments may be taken out of context. Freese officially joined the band in 2023 following the death of Taylor Hawkins, and went on to appear on their 2023 album "But Here We Are." However, in May 2025, Freese revealed that Foo Fighters had decided "to go in a different direction with their drummer," with no reason given for the decision at the time.

Why it matters

Freese's unexpected dismissal from the high-profile band has sparked curiosity and speculation among music fans, with many wondering what led to the abrupt change in the band's drummer lineup. Freese's reluctance to fully address the situation also adds an air of mystery around the circumstances of his departure.

The details

Freese, a veteran percussionist, officially joined Foo Fighters in May 2023 after appearing with the group at their London and Los Angeles tribute concerts for the late Taylor Hawkins. He then went on to serve as the band's drummer for their 2023 album "But Here We Are." However, in May 2025, Freese revealed that Foo Fighters had decided "to go in a different direction with their drummer," with no reason given for the decision at the time.

  • Freese officially joined Foo Fighters as their drummer in May 2023.
  • Freese appeared on Foo Fighters' 2023 album "But Here We Are."
  • In May 2025, Freese revealed that Foo Fighters had decided to "go in a different direction with their drummer."

The players

Josh Freese

A veteran percussionist who officially joined Foo Fighters as their drummer in May 2023, following the death of Taylor Hawkins.

Foo Fighters

An American rock band that Freese was a part of from 2023 to 2025.

Taylor Hawkins

The late drummer of Foo Fighters, whose death in March 2022 led to Freese's hiring.

Ilan Rubin

The new drummer for Foo Fighters, announced after Freese's departure in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Foo Fighters are such a big, mainstream band that everything I say gets taken out of context, reposted, and blown out of proportion. 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.”

— Josh Freese, Drummer (Modern Drummer)

“I have a couple small theories [as to why I was let go], but I can't really go into them right now. I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys however, and they were good to me... until they weren't.”

— Josh Freese, Drummer (Modern Drummer)

“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. I think I'm a pretty good read on people, and I did not see that coming.”

— Josh Freese, Drummer (Modern Drummer)

The takeaway

Freese's reluctance to fully address his unexpected dismissal from Foo Fighters highlights the challenges musicians can face when parting ways with high-profile bands, as their comments are often scrutinized and taken out of context. Despite the abrupt end to his tenure with the band, Freese has quickly moved forward, returning to work with other acts like Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle.