Dave Grohl Discusses Josh Freese’s Departure from Foo Fighters
In spring 2025, Foo Fighters announced that drummer Josh Freese would be departing the band. He revealed this in an Instagram post, stating the band had decided to move in a different direction. Freese expressed gratitude for his two years with the group and supported their decision.
Josh Freese’s Journey with Foo Fighters
Freese joined Foo Fighters in 2022 as a guest drummer for tribute concerts honoring the late Taylor Hawkins, the band’s original drummer. Following these performances, he became a permanent member. However, the band took a break from touring in 2024 to reassess their direction.
Decision to Move On
Dave Grohl recently discussed the decision to part ways with Freese during an interview with Apple Music 1. He emphasized that the choice was a collective band decision rather than an individual one. The band appreciated Freese’s contributions and informed him about the new direction they wanted to take regarding their drumming lineup.
New Beginnings for Foo Fighters
Following Freese’s departure, longtime Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin was announced as his replacement. Freese, in turn, is set to return to Nine Inch Nails, having previously toured with them from 2005 to 2008.
Pressure of Filling Hawkins’ Shoes
Freese spoke candidly about the challenges he faced as the new drummer. He noted feeling immense pressure to perform at a high level after the loss of Hawkins. In an interview with The New York Times in August 2025, he admitted that the band’s music did not resonate with him as strongly as he had hoped.
Legacy of Taylor Hawkins
Taylor Hawkins, who passed away in 2022 at 50, had been a pivotal part of Foo Fighters for 25 years. His death was attributed to a drug overdose while the band was in Bogota, Colombia, for a performance. Grohl reflected on the difficulty of moving forward without Hawkins, acknowledging the profound impact he had on the band.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges, Foo Fighters are set to embark on a new stadium tour beginning August 4 in Toronto. The band continues to honor Hawkins’s memory and spirit in their music and performances.
Foo Fighters Lineup Changes
Throughout the years, Foo Fighters have seen several lineup changes. Here’s a quick overview:
- Taylor Hawkins – Drummer (1997-2022)
- Josh Freese – Drummer (2022-2025)
- Ilan Rubin – New Drummer (2025 onwards)
As the band evolves, they remain committed to creating music that celebrates Hawkins’ legacy.
