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With three guitarists, two former Nirvana members, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the Foo Fighters seemed to be on an upward trajectory. However, they faced significant challenges. One notable setback was the sudden loss of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins during their 2022 tour, which profoundly impacted the band. Yet, they quickly transformed their grief into a celebration of Hawkins’ life through the multi-city Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert, featuring rock legends such as Brian May and Paul McCartney.
Recently, however, the Foo Fighters seem to be struggling to find their footing. Initially, there was a sense of optimism about their future after Hawkins’ passing. In 2023, they brought on renowned session drummer Josh Freese to fill the gap left behind. Shortly thereafter, they released their eleventh studio album But Here We Are in June. However, the unexpected events that followed would profoundly alter both the trajectory of the band and the public’s perception of them. The upcoming incidents would take the Foo Fighters’ story in an unforeseen direction.
Frontman Dave Grohl Had a Child Outside of His Marriage
In late 2024, it was disclosed that frontman Grohl welcomed a child outside of his marriage to Jordyn Blum. Following this revelation, the Grohl family and the Foo Fighters have refrained from further commentary. While this personal matter is private, the fallout from Grohl’s infidelity may have impacted the band’s schedule. About two weeks post-revelation, the Foo Fighters canceled their scheduled appearance at the Soundside Music Festival, which was set for September 28. Additionally, Hellfest founder and director Ben Barbaud claimed that the Foo Fighters canceled their planned 2025 tour.
While the Foo Fighters remained largely inactive during the late 2024 to early 2025 period, Grohl didn’t disappear from the public eye for too long. On January 30, he reunited with original Nirvana members Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear (who is also a Foo Fighter) for a FireAid benefit concert. Together with St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett, and Grohl’s daughter Violet Grohl, the trio raised funds for victims of wildfires in the LA area. They were also featured in a performance for SNL50: The Homecoming Concert on February 22, including a rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” alongside Post Malone. Most recently, Grohl performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, showcasing orchestral versions of his hits, including “Everlong.”
Drummer Josh Freese Was Allegedly “Let Go” From the Foo Fighters
The latest blow comes with the recent alleged firing of Freese, who stepped in following Hawkins’ death in 2023. Freese’s visibly frustrated social media posts suggest that the split may not have been mutual. He took the opportunity to jokingly share “10 possible reasons” for his departure (inspired by a segment the band did on the Late Show with David Letterman). With a humorously sarcastic tone, some of these reasons included, “Once whistled ‘My Hero’ for a week solid on tour,” and “Didn’t make it to the studio because Mercury was in retrograde.”
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This isn’t the first instance of the Foo Fighters changing drummers. In 1995, Grohl brought in drummer William Goldsmith from Sunny Day Real Estate. However, after Grohl expressed dissatisfaction with Goldsmith’s contributions to the 1997 album The Colour and the Shape, Goldsmith left, and Hawkins, who was touring with Alanis Morissette, joined the Foo Fighters in March 1997. Over a year after Hawkins’ passing, the Foo Fighters announced in May 2023 that Freese would be taking over drumming duties. Freese, originally with the Vandals since 1989, is known as a go-to drummer for various artists. He has played alongside Guns N’ Roses, Weezer, and Nine Inch Nails, indicating that he won’t struggle to find work.
The Foo Fighters Will Hit the Road This Fall
However, Freese’s exit doesn’t signify the end for the Foo Fighters. Just three days after the news of his departure, the band announced an upcoming tour in October 2025. Instead of a traditional North American outing, they will launch a four-stop Asia tour, including one performance at the prestigious Singapore Grand Prix. This marks their first visit to Asia since 2017, aiming to reconnect with devoted fans in less frequently visited areas, particularly given the recent controversies in their home country.
Provided there are no further complications (fingers crossed for no canceled tours), it seems the band isn’t planning to cease their music endeavors anytime soon. As of now, the Foo Fighters have yet to reveal the identity of their new drummer. One thing is clear: despite Grohl’s incredible talent, he can’t effectively sing, play guitar, and drum simultaneously. Although if he could, that would undoubtedly be quite impressive.
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