Rock band Foo Fighters have recently made a significant decision regarding their drummer, Josh Freese, following months of careful deliberation. Freese had joined the band after the tragic death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, but last summer he was removed from the line-up. Frontman Dave Grohl emphasised that this was not a sudden decision, but rather a collaborative choice made by the entire band.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Grohl explained, “For six to seven months, we were discussing what the next step should be, and the new direction we wanted to take. Eventually, we called Josh to tell him that we were moving forward with another drummer. This wasn’t a unilateral decision; it was made collectively by the band.”
Grohl further elaborated, “Our conversation with Josh was very positive. We told him, ‘Friend, it’s been amazing, we’ve had so much fun, thank you. But we’re moving ahead with a different drummer now.’ We didn’t issue any press releases or post anything on social media. Josh explained it himself in the best way. He said that our music hadn’t fully connected with him, which was very important to him.”
Following Freese’s departure, Ilan Rubin was brought in as the band’s new drummer. Since leaving Foo Fighters, Freese has continued to perform with acts such as Nine Inch Nails and Weezer, and has worked in the studio with Danny Elfman and Billy Idol.
In a recent interview with Modern Drummer, Freese reflected on the change, stating, “Someone said, ‘It’s been a rough year for you.’ I thought, really? The Foo Fighters thing is over, it’s not a big deal. I’ve returned to where I need to be.” However, he admitted that being let go from the band was entirely unexpected. “On that day, I was spending time with A Perfect Circle and Primus. Everyone was shocked. It felt like they had avoided me. Still, I was grateful to share the stage with friends.”
Foo Fighters Recent Drummer History
| No. | Drummer Name | Joined | Departure / Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Hawkins | 1997 | 2022 – Deceased |
| 2 | Josh Freese | 2022 | 2025 – Resigned |
| 3 | Ilan Rubin | 2025 | Present – Current Drummer |
This decision highlights the importance of internal discussion and collaborative decision-making within Foo Fighters, illustrating how personal relationships and professional commitments can be carefully balanced in a high-profile band.