When Josh Freese stepped into FOO FIGHTERS in 2023, he had the unenviable task of following the late Taylor Hawkins. Two years later, his time in the band came to a sudden and unexpected end — and he’s still searching for answers.
In the cover story for the latest issue of Modern Drummer, Freese reflected on his abrupt dismissal in May 2025. Asked whether he has any clarity about why he was let go, his response was blunt: “no.”
“The FOO FIGHTERS are such a big, mainstream band that everything I say gets taken out of context, reposted, and blown out of proportion,” he said. “People created headlines from one quick, simple comment I made on a podcast not long ago, it’s crazy. I’ve got to be careful about what I say about it. But I’ve got a lot to say about it and I’ve been just trying to figure out how and when, to go about really articulating it.”
While Freese admitted he has “a couple small theories” about what led to the split, he made it clear he’s not ready to unpack them publicly.
“I have a couple small theories [as to why I was let go], but I can’t really go into them right now. I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys however, and they were good to me… until they weren’t.”
Despite the sting of the exit, Freese spoke warmly about frontman Dave Grohl, emphasizing the admiration he has for him — especially as a drummer.
“I liked playing with them. And I loved having Dave as a bandleader. I truly respect him so much as a drummer first and foremost. To me, he’s a drummer first and everything else is second. I’ve listened to him on all the great records he’s played drums on more than I’ve listened to any FOO FIGHTERS stuff.”
“It really was cool being in a band where the leader is a phenomenal drummer that you respect… That’s really fun… We basically came from the same era too and could relate to one another.”
What continues to puzzle Freese is how quickly things changed.
“I enjoyed being around those guys, they were generous and good to me… and that’s what makes the whole thing even more of a mystery.”
Freese’s stint with FOO FIGHTERS included extensive touring and contributions to the band’s 2023 album, But Here We Are. Following his departure, the band recruited former NINE INCH NAILS drummer Ilan Rubin.
In a twist few could have predicted, Freese ultimately returned to NINE INCH NAILS — effectively swapping spots with Rubin and closing one chapter by reopening another.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.