Foo Fighters Fire Drummer Josh Freese After Two Years: ‘No Reason Was Given’

It looks like the Foo Fighters will now have to search for a new drummer. According to 52-year-old Josh Freese, he was fired from the band, a decision he self-announced on social media. Freese originally joined the group back in 2023 following the tragic death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins. The drum legend died of cardiac arrest in 2022. The band was originally scheduled to perform at a music festival in Bogotá, Colombia.

The band currently consists of singer Dave Grohl, Chris Shiflett, Nate Mendel, Rami Jaffee, and Pat Smear.

Josh Freese Announces Departure From Foo Fighters

Through Instagram, Freese shared on May 16, “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. :(.”

He continued, “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. 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 freelance and bounced between bands, so I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”

Freese is most likely referring to his previous work with other well-known bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Blink-182, Devo, Nine Inch Nails, and The Offspring.

Fans React as Band Remains Silent

The band has yet to make an official statement on the situation. This, despite several media outlets requesting comments. Freese was originally introduced as the Foo Fighters’ drummer during a 2023 live stream. The band was previewing their 11th studio album, “But Here We Are.”

He previously performed with the band during two tribute concerts in 2022 for Hawkins, held in London and Los Angeles. That same year, Freese shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about his friendship with Hawkins.

“Taylor and I both grew up in Orange County… 30 minutes away from one another, but whenever we were in a group full of musicians (usually far away from home somewhere), we’d joke that we were the only 2 guys from OC in the room,” he wrote. “We always had that funny little bond, and he’d always remind me that he was tired of hearing about ‘that other young guy from OC who was already making records and touring’ when he was a teenager.”

Fans were shocked by Freese’s announcement and have been urging the band to speak out.

“Omg this is not what I expected to read today. Josh, us Foo fans loved you in the band. We will miss you, and I will still be following you on IG,” one fan commented.

Another added, “You are a legend, so congrats for doing an amazing job and being the support person during a sad time for us fans!! We love you!”