Just days after announcing his unexpected departure from the FOO FIGHTERS, drummer Josh Freese is taking the news in stride — and with his signature sense of humor.
On Friday (May 16), Freese revealed via Instagram that he had been let go from the Dave Grohl-led band after nearly two years of service. According to the seasoned drummer, no explanation was given. “They decided to go in a different direction with their drummer,” he wrote, adding, “No reason was given.” But rather than dwell on the mystery, Freese did what he does best: he turned it into a joke.
True to his word, Freese followed up with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post titled “Top 10 Possible Reasons Josh Got Booted From the FOO FIGHTERS”, poking fun at himself and the band in equal measure.
The list reads:
10) Once whistled “My Hero” for a week solid on tour.
9) Could only name one FUGAZI song.
8) Two words: polyrhythms.
7) Metronome-like precision behind the kit deemed “soulless.”
6) Demanded starting every rehearsal with a 20-minute cowbell sound bath.
5) Never even once tried growing a beard.
4) Didn’t show up to studio because Mercury was in retrograde.
3) Promised Noodles [THE OFFSPRING] he could be 4th guitarist.
2) Refused to perform unless he was guaranteed a Ouija board and nunchucks after every show.
1) The whole poodle thing was getting to be a bit much
Freese, a veteran of bands like THE VANDALS, A PERFECT CIRLCE, DEVO, and GUNS N’ ROSES, joined FOO FIGHTERS in 2023 following the passing of beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins. His time with the band included live performances, festival appearances, and contributing to the 2023 album But Here We Are.
While the reason for his departure remains unclear, Freese’s humorous spin on the situation only reinforces his reputation as one of the most respected — and down-to-earth — drummers in the business.
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.