Josh Freese Reflects on Foo Fighters Departure: 'No One Should Feel Sorry For Me'

Josh Freese has spoken candidly about his departure from Foo Fighters, emphasizing that he's doing just fine and doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for him.

In May of last year, Foo Fighters announced that Freese was out as their drummer, a decision that Freese himself admitted he was "shocked" and "disappointed" by. He had stepped in as their touring drummer in 2023 following the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.

Former Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin replaced him. Freese then rejoined Trent Reznor and company on their North American tour in August.

Since leaving Foo Fighters, he's also reunited with Weezer, with whom he toured from 2007 to 2012, joining them for their South American tour last November.

In a recent interview with Modern Drummer, Freese reflected on his time with the Foos and life since.

Regarding his dismissal from the band, he said, "I have a couple small theories, but I can’t really go into them right now... I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys however, and they were good to me… until they weren’t."

He also expressed his respect for Dave Grohl, saying, "I liked playing with them. And I loved having Dave [Grohl] as a bandleader. I truly respect him so much as a drummer first and foremost... To me, he’s a drummer first and everything else is second. I’ve listened to him on all the great records he’s played drums on more than I’ve listened to any Foo Fighters stuff. It really was cool being in a band where the leader is a phenomenal drummer that you respect."

Freese continued, "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. I think I’m a pretty good read on people, and I did not see that coming. 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."

He recalled finding out about his firing while hanging out with A Perfect Circle and Primus. "Everyone was in shock and asking me what the hell happened. I just remember thinking that I was really grateful to be out there on tour with my friends and with a great crew… playing music I liked with people that I’ve had a long history with."

Freese emphasized his positive outlook: "Someone recently said to me, ‘Man, you’ve had a tough year.’ And I thought, Really? So the Foo Fighters thing is over. Big deal, that was a blip... The fact that I’ve been touring with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle again, playing some shows with Weezer, working in the studio with everyone from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol, I feel like I’m back where I belong. Trust me… no one should feel sorry for me."

He stated in May that “no reason was given” for his departure from Foo Fighters but that he “enjoyed the past two years with them” and that he supports “whatever they feel is best for the band”. He also jokingly shared his "10 possible reasons for being booted from Foo Fighters."

In August, he reflected that the move was “probably more an issue with their management” and also confessed that the band’s music wasn’t something he “resonated with.” Then, in December, he said that still isn’t sure why he was let go by the band.

In other news, Foo Fighters are currently teasing a new album, sharing 11 new song snippets on their website. It comes after the band have been dropping hints about the follow-up to 2023’s ‘But Here We Are‘, in recent months – both declaring that a new album is finished, and subsequently dropping teasers with fans online.

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