Josh Freese just dropped a bombshell that has Foo Fighters fans seriously stunned.
The 52-year-old drummer, who joined the band back in 2023 after the heartbreaking death of Taylor Hawkins, says he’s been fired, and with no explanation at all. In a blunt and emotional Instagram post, Freese shared that he got a call from the band on Monday night informing him that they were “going in a different direction” with their drummer. And just like that, it was over.
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“I’m not angry, just a bit shocked and disappointed,” Freese wrote. It’s clear the news hit him hard. After all, he’s been in the music game professionally for 40 years and says this is the first time he’s ever been let go from a band. He was blindsided, to say the least. Still, he kept things respectful, adding that he had genuinely enjoyed his two-year run with the group both on and off stage. “I support whatever they feel is best for the band,” he said, proving he’s taking the high road despite the sudden exit.
Freese’s run with the Foo Fighters began during a big reveal livestream in May 2023, a moment that was hyped up with cameos from other legendary drummers like Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee. The band had kept fans guessing about who would step in for Taylor Hawkins after his sudden passing in March 2022. When Freese was announced, it felt like a solid move. He’s got an impressive resume, having played with artists like Sting, Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses, and Weezer. His technical skills and energy seemed like the perfect fit for the band’s vibe, and many fans were excited to see what the new lineup could bring.
That’s why this news hits so strangely. No official reason was given for the departure, and as of now, the Foo Fighters themselves haven’t commented publicly. For Freese, the confusion lingers. He ended his post teasing a future list titled “Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters,” which honestly feels like his way of handling the whole thing with a bit of humor to soften the blow.
Despite the unexpected dismissal, Freese doesn’t seem like he’ll be out of work for long. His whole career has been about adaptability, jumping from gig to gig and contributing to some of the biggest acts in rock. “I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so I’m fine,” he assured his followers. And yeah, fans of his drumming will no doubt see him pop up somewhere new soon, he’s too talented to stay off the stage for long.
As for what this means for the Foo Fighters, that’s still a question mark. The band, led by Dave Grohl alongside Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, and Rami Jaffee, had finally started to find their rhythm again after Taylor Hawkins’ death. Hawkins, who passed away in Bogotá, Colombia, just hours before a scheduled show, left behind a massive legacy. Freese had seemed like the right person to honor that legacy and move the band forward. Now, fans are wondering what this “new direction” means and who might sit behind the kit next.
No matter what happens next, this moment marks another big shift in Foo Fighters history. And while Freese may be out, he’s clearly walking away with his head high, and a few jokes up his sleeve.
