William Goldsmith Addresses Rumors of Going Back To Foo Fighters

William Goldsmith, the original drummer for Foo Fighters, has responded to recent fan speculation about a possible return to the band. The rumors followed reports that current drummer Josh Freese had departed, prompting fans to wonder if Goldsmith might rejoin the lineup he left decades ago.

One fan commented on a vintage video Goldsmith posted to Instagram, asking, “Are you the new drummer of Foo Fighters??” Goldsmith replied clearly: “Negative old one – this was a couple lifetimes ago.”

The post featured archival concert footage with the caption: “Foo Fighters – London ‘I’M OK, EUR OK’ from the VHS Archives of Skitty Goldsmith (My Mom) audio rescued by Curtis Haight.”

A Complicated History with the Band

Goldsmith’s time with Foo Fighters stretches back to the band’s early days in the mid-1990s. According to Wikipedia, he was a founding drummer when Dave Grohl transitioned the group from a solo project into a full-fledged band.

However, tensions emerged during the production of their second album, The Colour and the Shape (1997). Goldsmith ultimately quit after Grohl chose to re-record most of the drum tracks himself, effectively replacing Goldsmith’s contributions. This creative dispute led to Goldsmith’s departure during a key moment in the band’s rise.

Roots in Seattle and Beyond

Before Foo Fighters, Goldsmith was already a fixture in Seattle’s music scene. He co-founded the influential emo band Sunny Day Real Estate in 1992 and had been active in local music circles since his high school years. Influenced by drummers like Keith Moon of The Who, Goldsmith helped define the drumming style of the era.

Following his exit from Foo Fighters, he returned to Sunny Day Real Estate and later collaborated with artists such as Mike Watt and IQU. His ongoing work with a range of musicians showcases his versatility and enduring presence in the alternative rock world.