Drummer Josh Freese has clarified that he does not want anyone to feel sympathy for him following his dismissal from the Foo Fighters. Freese, who stepped in to replace the late Taylor Hawkins in 2022, was let go from the band in 2025. Since then, he has returned to performing with former bands, including Nine Inch Nails and Weezer, and expressed contentment with his current career trajectory.
In an interview with Modern Drummer magazine, Freese responded to comments suggesting he had endured a challenging year. “Someone recently said to me, ‘man, you’ve had a tough year’,” Freese recalled. “And I thought, really? So the Foo Fighters thing is over. Big deal, that was a blip.”
Freese’s optimism is evident as he highlights his ongoing collaborations. He stated, “The fact that I’ve been touring with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle again, playing some shows with Weezer, working in the studio with everyone from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol… I feel like I’m back where I belong. Trust me… no one should feel sorry for me.”
The drummer admitted he was “in shock” when he learned of his firing from the Foo Fighters. “The day it went down, I was hanging out on a day off with A Perfect Circle and the Primus guys,” he shared. “Everyone was in shock and asking me what the hell happened. I just remember thinking that I was really grateful to be out there on tour with my friends and with a great crew… playing music I liked with people that I’ve had a long history with.”
Freese expressed confusion regarding the reasons behind his dismissal, describing it as a “mystery.” “I have a couple small theories, but I can’t really go into them right now,” he said. He added, “I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys however, and they were good to me… until they weren’t.”
Reflecting on his time with the band, Freese remarked, “I liked playing with them. And I loved having Dave Grohl as a bandleader. I truly respect him so much as a drummer first and foremost.” He appreciated the supportive environment, noting, “It really was cool being in a band where the leader is a phenomenal drummer that you respect.”
The abrupt nature of his departure left Freese perplexed. “One day it was nothing but laughs, we’re on stage and Dave’s looking at me every night like, ‘You’re killing it dude’. And then it was just… over,” he recalled.
Despite the unexpected end to his time with the Foo Fighters, Freese remains focused on his future in music. His return to performing with well-known bands and collaborations with a variety of artists indicate a promising path ahead. As he continues to tour and create, Freese’s outlook remains optimistic and driven, ensuring that fans can expect more of his dynamic drumming in the years to come.
