Josh Freese
The drummer who joined Foo Fighters after Taylor Hawkins' death, played tribute shows, and was dismissed in 2025.
Josh Freese is an American drummer who joined the Foo Fighters as their full-time drummer in May 2023, following the death of Taylor Hawkins. He was introduced during a streaming event titled "Preparing Music For Concerts." Freese had previously appeared as one of several guest drummers for the Foo Fighters during tribute concerts for Hawkins in London and Los Angeles in September 2022. His tenure with the band ended on May 16, 2025, when he announced on social media that he was dismissed without explanation. He later told The New York Times in August 2025 that the band's music did not "really resonate" with him. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl stated in 2026 that the decision did not "happen overnight" and that the band collectively called Freese to say they were moving on.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 25 December 1972
- Birth name
- Joshua Ryan Freese
- Birthplace
- Orlando, Florida, U.S.
- Occupation
- Musician; songwriter
- Years active
- 1988–present
- Father
- Stan Freese
- Relatives
- Jason Freese (brother)
- Spouse
- Nicole Freese, October 11, 2009
Lore & Background
Freese's connection to Foo Fighters began when he was one of several guest drummers for a pair of tribute concerts honoring Taylor Hawkins, who died on March 25, 2022. These concerts took place in London and Los Angeles in September 2022. In May 2023, the Foo Fighters introduced Freese as their full-time drummer during a streaming event titled "Preparing Music For Concerts." Freese's tenure lasted until May 16, 2025, when he announced on social media that he was dismissed from the band without explanation.
He told The New York Times in August 2025 that the band's music did not "really resonate" with him. Dave Grohl later stated in 2026 that the decision did not "happen overnight" and that the band collectively called Freese to inform him they were moving on. Freese also expressed overwhelm regarding the purported high expectations associated with being "Dave Grohl's drummer" and "the guy that's supposed to save the day after the beloved Taylor Hawkins died."
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