The Foo Fighters have fired their drummer Josh Freese, leaving the musician “shocked and disappointed.”
The musician, 52, shared the news of his axing from the band via a candid post shared via his Instagram on Friday, May 16.
“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in another direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given. :(“ Freese wrote.
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.”
Related: New Foo Fighters Drummer Josh Freese: 5 Things to Know
Honoring a legacy. Josh Freese is taking a seat behind the Foo Fighters’ drum kit after the death of Taylor Hawkins last year. The news was first announced during the Foo Fighters: Preparing Music for Concerts livestream on Sunday, May 22, where fans could catch a glimpse of a studio session at Studio 606 via […]
As he reflected on the turn of events, Freese added that he was disappointed in the decision, and said that it was unexpected.
“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,” he wrote. “But as most of you know, I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so I’m fined.”
He then joked, “Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters list.’”
Former Foo Fighters drummer William Goldsmith, 52, was among the people reacting in the comments section and appeared to be just as shocked as Fresee.
“Say what?” he wrote. “Why? For playing everything not only perfectly but going above and beyond what most are remotely capable of?
He added, “I apologise but respectfully this makes absolutely no sense to me.”
Fans also shared their disappointment at the news, with one writing: “A strange act on their part. We wish you to soon find yourself in a band which you decide that this is even better for you! And with Foo Fighters, there will be more good memories than bad ones. We hug you because you are the best drummer for us! ❤️🙌”
Another commented, “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.”
Related: Honoring Dad! Taylor Hawkins’ Son Joins Foo Fighters for Performance
Remembering Taylor Hawkins. The late drummer’s son, Shane Hawkins, joined Foo Fighters for a Friday, May 26 performance at Boston Calling Music Festival. Shane, 17, joined lead singer Dave Grohl and company to perform “I’ll Stick Around,” Us Weekly confirms. “Thanks for last night #foofighters so much f–kin fun,” Shane shared via Instagram on Sunday, […]
Freese joined the Foo Fighters in 2023 after taking over from the late Taylor Hawkins, who died in March 2022 after being found unresponsive in a hotel in Colombia. He was 50 years old at the time of his death.
“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” the band wrote in a statement via X at the time. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.”
Hawkins joined the music group — which also comprises Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Nate Mendel, Rami Jaffee and Franz Stahl — in 1997 after Goldsmith‘s departure.
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