Josh Freese Celebrates Milestone with Foo Fighters’ Tribute to Taylor Hawkins
via CLTV - Cristiano Lucidi TV / YouTube
On the anniversary of Josh Freese’s start with the Foo Fighters, the drummer took a moment to honor his predecessor, the late Taylor Hawkins, in a heartfelt message that both celebrates his tenure and memorializes the irreplaceable musician he replaced. The occasion marks not just a personal milestone for Freese but also a poignant reminder of Hawkins’ lasting impact on the band and its community.
A New Chapter Unveiled
The announcement of Josh Freese joining the Foo Fighters was made on May 21, 2023, during a whimsical livestream event titled ‘Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts.’ This unique reveal featured the Foo Fighters engaging in casual conversations with several iconic drummers, including Tommy Lee from Motley Crue and Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, before finally unveiling Freese as their latest addition. Despite the light-hearted nature of the announcement, it arose from a backdrop of profound loss, as Taylor Hawkins had unexpectedly passed away on March 25, 2022. Hawkins’s death occurred just as the band was set to perform in Bogota, Colombia. His passing led to a series of tribute concerts celebrating his life and contributions, with Freese participating in these emotional events.
Reflecting on his journey with the band a year following the announcement, Freese took to Instagram to share his thoughts. He posted, “A year ago today this aired, and I got to stop keeping quiet about what had been referred to as ‘the worst kept secret in the music business’ at the time (though I thought we did a pretty good job on our end.)” This statement was accompanied by clips from the very broadcast that marked the beginning of his tenure.
Continuing in his social media reflection, Freese expressed his appreciation for how the broadcast was conducted and how it resonated with him personally, “I love the way it came out and am proud of it,” he remarked. The drummer also humorously mused that they just needed to perform ‘All My Life’ and then could have moved on because the song is just that impactful.
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Honoring Taylor Hawkins
Yet, despite the passage of time and his assimilation into the band’s dynamic, Freese openly acknowledged the void left by Hawkins, “I continue to miss Taylor as does the band, his family, friends and the rest of the world.” His statement not only underscored the personal loss felt by those close to Hawkins but also highlighted the widespread effect of his passing on the global music community.
In facing this immense loss, Freese pointed out the steps the band has taken to forge a positive path forward, “We also continue to try and make the most of the situation by moving forward and doing what we love doing… playing music, honoring Taylor and staying positive.”
Since taking on the role of drummer for the Foo Fighters, Freese has actively contributed to the band’s global reach and musical evolution by performing in nearly 70 shows over the past year. The band is gearing up for a busy summer ahead, with scheduled tours across the U.K. and Europe before heading back for several dates in the United States beginning in July.
