Josh Freese Opens Up About Foo Fighters Exit: “It Wasn’t Music I Really Resonated With”

Josh Freese shares his honest feelings on leaving Foo Fighters and his musical journey beyond the band.

The Drumroll on Josh Freese’s Foo Fighters Departure

When you hear the name Josh Freese, you think of a powerhouse drummer who's played with some of the biggest acts around. So, his exit from Foo Fighters sent ripples through the music world. In an honest and refreshing interview, Freese revealed that the band’s music wasn’t quite his cup of tea. It’s a rare glimpse behind the curtain of one of rock’s most beloved groups.

Back in May, Foo Fighters announced that Freese was no longer their drummer—a move that left him “shocked” and “disappointed.” He had joined the band in 2023, stepping in as their touring drummer after the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, a tough role to fill.

Reflecting on the Departure: More Than Just Music

Freese recently sat down with the New York Times and opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure. He admitted, “Looking back, it was probably more an issue with their management.” When asked about how he feels about the band nowadays, he didn't mince words: “It wasn’t music that I really resonated with.”

Imagine coming in as the man tasked with following a legend like Taylor Hawkins—no pressure, right? Freese described the experience as a high-wire act. “I’m coming in as Dave Grohl’s drummer, and the guy that’s supposed to save the day after the beloved Taylor Hawkins died,” he said. The pressure to be “firing on all cylinders all the time” was intense, to say the least.

Drummer Drama: Who’s Behind the Kit Now?

Since Freese’s exit, fans have been buzzing with speculations about who would fill those big shoes. For a while, rumors swirled around Taylor Hawkins’ son Shane joining the lineup, and even Soundgarden and Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron was mentioned.

Then in July, it was confirmed: Ilan Rubin, known from Nine Inch Nails, would be the new Foo Fighters drummer. The Nine Inch Nails crew’s social media reaction was pure rock ‘n’ roll camaraderie—sharing an image of Freese with the caption “Let’s fucking GO.” Talk about a warm handoff!

“I couldn’t believe it. But Ilan’s a phenomenal drummer, a phenomenal musician. He’ll be perfect for the gig.” – Josh Freese on Ilan Rubin

The Drum Circle Continues: Freese’s Nine Inch Nails Return

The drumsticks never stay still for Josh Freese. Before Foo Fighters, he was already a familiar face behind the kit for Nine Inch Nails between 2005 and 2008, ironically replaced back then by Ilan Rubin. Now, he’s back with them, and if you’ve ever seen NIN live, you know what a beast of a performance it is.

Freese shared heartfelt thoughts on his return, noting how difficult it was to leave Nine Inch Nails the first time. “My wife and I were expecting our third child, and I knew I needed to step away from life on the road to be home with my family,” he explained. But the magic of NIN’s live shows always stayed with him: “That level of intensity, pride and satisfaction after each show is something I’ve rarely experienced anywhere else.”

Back on tour with Trent Reznor and the crew, Freese expressed excitement about the energy and connection on stage. If you get the chance to catch their shows, expect something unforgettable.

A Look Back and Forward: Foo Fighters’ 2025 Plans and Beyond

Despite the lineup shake-up, Foo Fighters are charging ahead. They’re slated to play their first 2025 show at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix — a global stage worthy of their legendary status. Plus, they’ve been busy in the studio and on the road, lending their talents to new music and special projects.

Recently, Freese even appeared on Ed Sheeran’s new track ‘Drive’ for the F1 soundtrack — a thrilling blend of rock and pop that highlights his versatility.

The band has also dropped a fierce cover of Minor Threat’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Hear It’ and commemorated their 30th anniversary with the single ‘Today’s Song.’ Dave Grohl took a moment to thank every past member, including Freese, for their contributions over the years—a classy nod to their shared history.

Foo Fighters Gigs and Grohl’s Controversy

The upcoming comeback gigs in October will be the Foo Fighters’ first major appearances since Dave Grohl’s candid revelation last September about fathering a daughter outside of his marriage. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and stories, but the music goes on.

The Everlong Soundtrack to the Story

If you need a soundtrack to this tale, why not revisit one of Foo Fighters’ most iconic tracks? Here’s “Everlong” — a hauntingly beautiful anthem that continues to resonate with fans across the globe.

The Drumbeat Goes On

Josh Freese’s journey is a prime example of how even the most talented musicians face challenges and hard decisions. Leaving a band like Foo Fighters isn’t just about the music; it’s about fit, timing, and sometimes the behind-the-scenes politics we rarely get to see.

His return to Nine Inch Nails feels like a full-circle moment, one where he can thrive in the music he truly connects with, away from the relentless pressure that came with filling Hawkins’ shoes. For fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder that the music world is always shifting, but the passion and dedication of artists like Freese is constant.

FAQ

• Why did Josh Freese leave Foo Fighters?
  He mentioned that the band’s music wasn’t something he truly connected with and hinted that management played a role in the decision.
• Who replaced Josh Freese as Foo Fighters’ drummer?
  Ilan Rubin from Nine Inch Nails took over the drumming duties after Freese’s departure.
• Did Josh Freese return to Nine Inch Nails?
  Yes, Freese rejoined Nine Inch Nails, the band he originally played with from 2005 to 2008.
• How did Josh Freese feel about joining Foo Fighters initially?
  He felt immense pressure stepping in after Taylor Hawkins’ death and had to be “firing on all cylinders all the time.”
• What recent projects has Foo Fighters been involved in?
  They’ve planned 2025 tour dates, released a cover of Minor Threat’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Hear It,’ and dropped a new single ‘Today’s Song.’

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