🎸 Josh Freese: The Foo Fighters Drummer’s Journey, Career Highlights & Departure in 2025
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🥁 Who Is Josh Freese? – Introduction to a Drumming Legend
Josh Freese is an American drummer known for his incredible range, technical proficiency, and wide-ranging collaborations across the rock, punk, and pop genres. Born on December 25, 1972, Freese has played with more than 400 artists over the course of his career, from Nine Inch Nails and Devo to Weezer and Paramore. In 2023, he was officially introduced as the new drummer for the Foo Fighters, following the untimely passing of Taylor Hawkins.
Freese’s journey from a child prodigy to one of the most respected drummers in the world is both inspiring and impressive.
🧒 Early Life and Musical Roots of Josh Freese
Josh was born into a musical family in Orlando, Florida. His father, Stan Freese, was the musical director at Disneyland and a respected tuba player, while his mother was a classical pianist. This nurturing environment helped shape Josh’s musical journey early on.
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Started playing drums at age 8
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Began playing professionally by age 12
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At 15, he was already recording with Dweezil Zappa
These early experiences gave him a head start in the competitive music industry, setting the stage for a career that would take him across the globe.
🎶 Josh Freese's Massive Career: Bands and Collaborations
One of the most unique aspects of Josh Freese’s career is his incredible versatility. He’s not just a rock drummer—he’s a session legend.
Major Bands Josh Freese Has Played With:
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Nine Inch Nails
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The Vandals
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A Perfect Circle
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Devo
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Guns N’ Roses (session work)
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Paramore
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Weezer
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The Offspring
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Sting
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Danny Elfman’s band
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Evanescence
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Foo Fighters (2023–2025)
Freese’s ability to jump from punk to industrial rock to pop without missing a beat made him the go-to session drummer for decades.
🥁 Joining the Foo Fighters in 2023: Honoring Taylor Hawkins
After the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, Foo Fighters held two major tribute concerts—one in London and one in Los Angeles. Josh Freese was one of the drummers who stepped in during those emotional performances. Fans quickly noticed how naturally he fit into the band’s style.
Official Announcement
On May 21, 2023, in a pre-tour livestream titled "Foo Fighters: Preparing Music for Concerts", the band revealed Josh Freese as their new full-time drummer. The event cleverly featured appearances from famous drummers like Tommy Lee and Chad Smith before ending with Freese behind the kit.
Fan Reaction
Freese’s joining was met with overwhelming support due to:
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His personal friendship with Hawkins
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His immense experience
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His emotional performance during the tribute concerts
🌍 Touring and Performing with Foo Fighters (2023–2024)
During his tenure, Josh toured globally with Foo Fighters, performing at massive festivals, stadiums, and late-night shows. His chemistry with the band was natural, and he contributed to bringing the band back to life after an incredibly difficult period.
Live Shows and Reviews
Music critics praised Freese for his ability to honor Taylor Hawkins’ legacy while still bringing his own energetic flair. He never tried to replace Hawkins but filled the seat respectfully and powerfully.
🛑 Josh Freese Leaves Foo Fighters in 2025
In May 2025, Josh Freese revealed via Instagram that he would no longer be playing with Foo Fighters. He stated that the band had decided to “go in a different direction with their drummer.”
Key Highlights from His Statement:
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He expressed disappointment and surprise at the decision
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He clarified that he harbors no anger or resentment
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It was the first time in his career that he had been let go from a band
Despite his departure, Freese thanked Foo Fighters for the experience and fans for their love and support during his time with the group.
🎵 What’s Next for Josh Freese?
Josh Freese’s departure from Foo Fighters certainly isn’t the end of his career. If anything, it frees him up to pursue even more creative collaborations and touring opportunities.
Potential Future Projects:
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Returning to session drumming with top-tier artists
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Rejoining bands like The Vandals and Devo
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Composing or producing his own solo projects (he’s released several already)
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Joining movie or gaming soundtrack teams
Fans are excited to see what direction his music takes next.
🌟 Josh Freese’s Influence and Legacy in Modern Music
Josh Freese isn’t just a drummer—he’s a musical chameleon. His ability to blend into any band and make the drums feel like a natural extension of the sound is what makes him a legend among drummers.
His Impact:
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Over 400 albums contributed to
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Respected by legends like Dave Grohl, Trent Reznor, and Axl Rose
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Known for his humility, work ethic, and technical mastery
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Inspired a new generation of drummers with his precise yet soulful style
📝 Conclusion: Josh Freese – A Drummer’s Drummer
From his early Disney gigs to his time with Foo Fighters, Josh Freese has crafted a career most musicians only dream of. His departure from Foo Fighters in 2025 may have come as a surprise, but it’s unlikely to slow him down.
He remains a pillar in the world of drumming, an example of professionalism, adaptability, and sheer talent. Whether he's on stage, in a studio, or working behind the scenes, Josh Freese will continue to leave his mark on the music industry for years to come.
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