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Josh Freese has humorously shared a list of “Top 10 possible reasons” he “got booted from” the FOO FIGHTERS.
Just three days after the drummer was informed of his dismissal from the Dave Grohl-led band without an explanation, Freese — a seasoned session musician known for his work with the SoCal punk group THE VANDALS, and later with GUNS N’ ROSES, A PERFECT CIRCLE and DEVO — followed through on his promise by compiling a lighthearted list of reasons for his dismissal.
The list is as follows:
10) Whistled “My Hero” non-stop for a week on tour.
9) Could name only one FUGAZI song.
8) Just two words: polyrhythms.
7) His metronome-like precision behind the kit was deemed “soulless.”
6) Insisted on starting each rehearsal with a 20-minute cowbell sound bath.
5) Never attempted to grow a beard.
4) Did not attend the studio because Mercury was in retrograde.
3) Promised Noodles [THE OFFSPRING] he’d be the 4th guitarist.
2) Refused to play unless guaranteed a Ouija board and nunchucks after each show.
1) The whole poodle situation was becoming excessive.
Two years after stepping in for the late Taylor Hawkins, Freese announced via Instagram last Friday (May 16) that the FOO FIGHTERS called him earlier that week to inform him they had chosen “to go in a different direction with their drummer.” Freese mentioned, “No reason was provided,” and later joked, “Stay tuned for my list of ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the FOO FIGHTERS‘.”
Josh‘s full statement reads:
“The FOO FIGHTERS called me Monday night to let me know they have decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was provided. 🙁
“Regardless, I enjoyed my two years with them both on and offstage, and I support their decision for the band’s best interest.
“In my 40 years as a professional drummer, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry, I am a bit shocked and disappointed. But as many of you know, I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so I’ll be fine.
“Stay tuned for my list of ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the FOO FIGHTERS‘.”
In April 2024, Josh spoke with producer and YouTuber Rick Beato about how he landed the prestigious FOO FIGHTERS role. He remarked, “On my children’s lives, I had zero plans of being called to be the drummer. And everyone and their mother — my neighbor walking the dog, ‘Hey Josh, did the FOO FIGHTERS call you yet?’ Other drummers and Reddit forums were buzzing, ‘Josh Freese is gonna be the guy.’ I thought, ‘I don’t even know if they’re going to continue after Taylor‘s death].’ Most folks I knew said, ‘Oh, they’re gonna have to figure it out.’ I was, like, ‘Well, maybe. Who knows?’ I didn’t bring it up during those [Taylor Hawkins] tribute [concerts in September 2022]. I wanted to give everyone their space. I wasn’t going to approach Dave [Grohl, FOO FIGHTERS frontman] and say, ‘So dude, if you need a drummer, I’m available. Just saying.’ I didn’t mention it at all and was busy enough making a decent living, so I wasn’t anxious about it. I thought, ‘Whatever happens will happen.’ That’s how I prefer to roll.”
He continued, “Months passed after that second L.A. [Taylor Hawkins tribute concert]. I believe it was September [2022 when the two shows happened]. Dave had mentioned that he’d written several songs and was going to record some music after those shows. So, it seemed like he was ready to put out a record. Then right before Christmas that year, in 2022, I received a call from him. I had a missed call while walking with my wife and our dogs, and I said, ‘Ah, Dave just called me like 20 minutes ago.’ And she said, ‘I know why he’s calling you.’ I was, like, ‘Easy. That’s not what I’m thinking.’ Honestly, I was hoping he was calling for a New Year’s Eve party or a project with our drummer friends. He could be reaching out for various reasons, but I wasn’t going to presume. I returned his call, and we chatted about Christmas, our kids, and the usual family small talk. I asked, ‘Hey, did you go record?’ He replied, ‘Yes, we recorded a lot, and I played drums, and I’m really happy with the sound. I’m excited about it. We had the drummer talk, and we want you to be the guy.’ It felt like someone hit me in the stomach. I didn’t react with ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ It was as if the wind was knocked out of me. I was, like, ‘Oh my God.’ I had time to contemplate it, but I thought, come on. After the holidays, Dave and I got together and he played me the new album. We talked, and there were times when I thought, ‘You know you have to do this, right?’
Freese expressed that he had no hesitation in accepting the offer to become the FOO FIGHTERS‘ new drummer. “It couldn’t have played out any other way after being asked, especially by someone I’ve respected forever, not just as a songwriter and singer/guitarist, but also as a drummer,” Josh explained. “First and foremost for me, Dave is a powerhouse. He possesses something innate that can’t be taught. You can’t merely explain it; either you can do it or you can’t. He has been bestowed with the ability to deliver. For me as a drummer, it’s fantastic. I would often discuss it with Taylor. He would say, ‘Oh man, it’s so cool. Look at Dave.’ He admired Dave‘s drumming, and we would talk about it.”
Freese went on to state: “I’ve recorded with bands where the singer might have previously played drums. But Dave is a drummer’s drummer. It’s not just, ‘Oh yeah, he used to drum.’ No, he’s the real deal. I’ve tried to let that be a source of inspiration and excitement while performing with him, rather than allowing it to intimidate me. If you let fear creep in, it could be overwhelming. ‘My God, I’m Dave Grohl’s drummer.’ But he makes it so comfortable and natural, the way we perform together. As a drummer, his rhythm is exceptional. In most bands, during a break, I focus on maintaining time on the hi-hat. [With Dave, I] don’t have to worry about that. It’s always consistent. When he and I lock in, it’s never felt daunting; it’s always fun and thrilling. It’s just seamless. It’s all great. Everything is good.”
FOO FIGHTERS introduced Freese as part of their touring lineup on May 21, 2023, during a pre-tour livestream titled “Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts.” Freese was announced as the drummer during this livestream after humorous appearances by Chad Smith of RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, Tommy Lee of MÖTLEY CRÜE, and Danny Carey of TOOL.
Before joining the FOO FIGHTERS, Freese had been drumming for Danny Elfman but was recently replaced by Ilan Rubin. Freese was also touring with THE OFFSPRING until 2022, when former SUICIDAL TENDENCIES drummer Brandon Pertzborn officially took his place.
Freese is a seasoned session drummer who has played with GUNS N’ ROSES, A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUDDLE OF MUDD, NINE INCH NAILS, WEEZER, PARAMORE, THE REPLACEMENTS, Sting, and THE VANDALS, among many others. He has contributed to over 300 recordings spanning genres from pop to rock to country.
The FOO FIGHTERS‘ 11th album, “But Here We Are”, was released in June 2023 by Roswell/RCA.
Hawkins tragically passed away in March 2022 at the age of 50.
Hawkins was found deceased in a hotel room in Colombia, shortly before FOO FIGHTERS were scheduled to perform at a festival in Bogotá. No cause of death was disclosed.
Hawkins had been the drummer for the FOO FIGHTERS for 25 years, succeeding original drummer William Goldsmith in 1997. He is survived by his wife Alison and their three children.
The FOO FIGHTERS held two tribute concerts in memory of Hawkins. The first took place on September 3, 2022, at London’s Wembley Stadium, with a second concert in Los Angeles on September 27, 2022, raising funds for Musicares and Music Support charities as a farewell tribute to Hawkins‘s adopted hometown.
Other significant tributes in the months following Hawkins‘s passing included a segment at the 2022 Grammy Awards, a drum circle in Taylor‘s hometown, and a live rendition of the FOO FIGHTERS song “My Hero” performed by over 1,000 musicians.
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