Josh Freese Says His Foo Fighters Firing Still “Doesn’t Make Sense”

Former Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese has spoken candidly about his departure from the band, describing the situation as one that still remains a “mystery” to him.

Freese joined the band in 2023 following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins and remained in the lineup until 2025, when he was dismissed. Since leaving the group, he has resumed touring with Nine Inch Nails and Weezer.

He first addressed his exit publicly last year, explaining that the music “wasn’t music that I really resonated with” and that the role required him to be “firing on all cylinders all the time,” a level of intensity he found difficult to sustain.

Silence, Speculation, and Unanswered Questions

In a new interview with Modern Drummer, via Consequence, Freese remained guarded when asked about the specifics of his dismissal. He explained that he has grown cautious about speaking too openly, noting that “everything I say gets taken out of context, reposted, and blown out of proportion.”

While avoiding details, Freese acknowledged that he has his own thoughts on what may have led to the decision. “I have a couple small theories, but I can’t really go into them right now,” he said. Still, he emphasized that his overall experience with the band was largely positive, adding, “I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys however, and they were good to me… until they weren’t.”

Respect for Dave Grohl and a Sudden Ending

Looking back on his time in the band, Freese spoke warmly about performing with Foo Fighters and singled out frontman Dave Grohl as a standout leader. “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,” he said, adding that “it really was cool being in a band where the leader is a phenomenal drummer that you respect.”

Freese also noted the camaraderie within the group, saying, “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.”

Describing the abrupt nature of his exit, he admitted it caught him completely off guard. “I have a pretty good read on people,” Freese explained. “One day it was nothing but laughs, we’re on stage and Dave’s looking at me every night like, ‘You’re killing it dude!!!’ And then it was just… over.”

Foo Fighters are currently preparing for their return, with a major stadium tour across the UK, Europe, and North America scheduled for this summer. The band released the single “Asking For a Friend” in October and have since teased another new track. A recently launched website has further fueled speculation that a new album announcement may be imminent.