Following a two-year stint behind the kit with Foo Fighters, veteran drum master Josh Freese (Devo, the Vandals, A Perfect Circle) has revealed that he was let go from the alt-rock icons earlier this week so they could “go in a different direction.”
Freese confirmed his departure from the Foos via a statement uploaded to his Instagram today (May 16th). In it, he reports that he was given the news this past Monday (May 12th), though “no reason was given” outside of them explaining that they wanted “to go in a different direction with their drummer.”
Understandably, the drummer expressed his sadness over this with an 🙁 emoji and added that he was both “shocked and disappointed” over the decision.
“I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band,” he wrote.
“In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry-just a bit shocked and disappointed. But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelanced and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”
As previously reported, Freese had stepped into Foo Fighters’ lineup following the tragic death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Freese’s first show with the band took place in Gilford, New Hampshire, back in May of 2023. They last performed in public together last summer.
Foo Fighters have not yet commented on Freese’s departure, or who their next drummer will be. The band’s next concert is scheduled to be an October 4th appearance at the Singapore Grand Prix.
As for Freese, also today, “death-pop” duo VOWWS announced a new single, “SHUDDER,” featuring the drummer, as well as Korn guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer. That’s due out May 30th.