Josh Freese admits he never “resonated” with Foo Fighters’ music and addresses his exit
Josh Freese has discussed his surprise exit from Foo Fighters earlier this year and admitted he never truly “resonated” with their music.
Freese was in Foo Fighters from 2023 following Taylor Hawkins’ death until his dismissal earlier this year. The musician previously drummed for Nine Inch Nails from 2005 to 2008, before rejoining last month. He has since been replaced in Foo Fighters by Ilan Rubin, who quit Nine Inch Nails for the job.
Reflecting on his time in the band, Freese said in a new interview with the New York Times: “I’m coming in as Dave Grohl’s drummer, and the guy that’s supposed to save the day after the beloved Taylor Hawkins died.”
Due to being tasked with filling the irreplacable void left in the band by Hawkins, Freese said it was “like I had to be firing on all cylinders all the time”.
While the drummer was tight-lipped on his exit, he did say, “Looking back, it was probably more an issue with their management.” He also said of Foo Fighters as a band, “It wasn’t music that I really resonated with.”
Freese then addressed returning to Nine Inch Nails for their current tour after their longstanding drummer, Ilan Rubin, joined Foo Fighters, stating, “I couldn’t believe it. But Ilan’s a phenomenal drummer, a phenomenal musician. He’ll be perfect for the gig.”
In the same interview, Freese looked ahead to the future beyond the Nine Inch Nails tour, sharing, “But whatever happens, I’m going to be out there playing. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
Last month, Grohl addressed Freese’s departure from the group for the first time. In a letter sent to fans in celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary alongside their new single ‘Today’s Song‘, he paid tribute to “the thunderous wizardry of Josh Freese” as well as thanking other former members for their contributions.
Upon discovering his fate, Freese initially explained that he was “a bit shocked and disappointed” to be informed that Foo Fighters were planning “to go in a different direction with their drummer”.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.