Foo Fighters Really Know How To Introduce A New Drummer

Foo Fighters finally introduce their new drummer, Josh Freese, who will join them for their upcoming tour.

The band made the announcement during their May 21 livestream performance on Veeps.com. The show started with the remaining members of the band talking about random things in the rehearsal studio when suddenly famous drummers started knocking on the door.

First, there was Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, followed by Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, then Tool’s Danny Carey. Every time a drummer comes in viewers might think that one of them might be the one to fill up for the role that the late Taylor Hawkins left, until suddenly a voice said “Excuse me” revealing Freese who’s already sitting behind the drums and ready to start playing.

Freese, 50, is a veteran drummer who was an original member of A Perfect Circle, the Vandals, and Devo. He also became the drummer for Guns N’ Roses from mid-1998 to 1999, for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 until late 2008, for Weezer from 2009 to 2011, and for Sublime with Rome from 2011 to 2017. He also joined Paramore on their South American tour in 2010 and also played drums for the Offspring and Sting.

In 2016, Freese told Noisey:

“I always say — half-joking but serious, too — that when little boys are daydreaming of cool-sounding jobs ‘when they grow up,’ that being a drummer is right up there alongside of astronaut, baseball player, fireman.”

Freese started playing drums professionally at the age of 12, he recalled:

“My dad played me the most elementary Rock ‘n’ Roll 101 beat, and I sat down and immediately played it. I fell in love instantly and then spent the next few years playing along to Van Halen, Devo, Police and Queen records before taking formal lessons.

“I’ve paid taxes every year since I was 12 from drumming income. Other than a paper route I had for about six weeks when I was 10, this is the only job I’ve ever had.”

Foo Fighters canceled their remaining 2022 tour dates following the sudden death of Hawkins on March 25. Hawkins played with the band for 25 years and appeared in eight of their studio albums. On New Year’s Eve, they’ve released a statement saying:

“As we say goodbye to the most difficult and tragic year that our band has ever known, we are reminded of how thankful we are for the people that we love and cherish most, and for the loved ones who are no longer with us.

“Foo Fighters were formed 27 years ago to represent the healing power of music and a continuation of life, and for the past 27 years, our fans have built a worldwide community, a devoted support system that has helped us all get through the darkest of times together.”

They noted:

“Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were – and without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward. We also know that you, the fans, meant as much to Taylor as he meant to you. And we know that when we see you again — and we will soon — he’ll be there in spirit with all of us every night.”

Meanwhile, Foo Fighters are set to go back on the road this year, having already been announced as headliners for some festivals, including Boston Calling, Sonic Temple, and Bonnaroo.

Watch the video from the livestream below.