A legendary drummer, Josh Freese, opens up about his time with the iconic rock band, Foo Fighters, in a revealing interview. Freese's journey with the band was a rollercoaster, and he's ready to share his side of the story.
In the latest issue of Modern Drummer magazine, Freese reflects on his two-year stint with Foo Fighters, a period that began with excitement and ended abruptly. He reveals, "They were good to me - until they weren't."
Freese's dismissal from the band in May 2025 left many fans and industry insiders curious about the reasons behind it. When asked about the clarity he has gained since then, Freese shares his frustration with the media's tendency to twist his words. He explains, "Everything I say gets taken out of context and blown out of proportion. I've had to be cautious about how I express myself."
Despite the challenges, Freese holds no grudges. He admires Dave Grohl, the frontman of Foo Fighters, for his drumming prowess and leadership. "To me, he's a drummer first and everything else is secondary. I've listened to him on countless great records more than I've listened to Foo Fighters' stuff."
But here's where it gets controversial... Freese hints at some theories about his departure, but he's not ready to share them just yet. He adds, "I enjoyed my time with them, and they were generous. That's what makes it even more mysterious. I didn't see it coming."
And this is the part most people miss... Freese's story takes an intriguing twist when he addresses the drummer swap with Ilan Rubin. Freese, who joined Nine Inch Nails after Rubin's departure, explains that it was all a coincidence. "It wasn't premeditated. It just so happened that Trent [Reznor] needed a drummer, and I was available."
When Freese announced his departure from Foo Fighters, he shared a light-hearted post on Instagram, listing ten possible reasons for his firing, from whistling 'My Hero' to not growing a beard.
In a heartwarming gesture, Dave Grohl thanked Freese for his contributions to the band in a letter celebrating their 30th anniversary. Grohl wrote, "Without the thunderous wizardry of Josh Freese, this story would be incomplete."
Freese's musical journey continues with the release of his new album, "Just A Minute, Vol. 2," showcasing his unique style and versatility.
Freese's story serves as a reminder that the music industry can be unpredictable, but his talent and dedication have earned him a revered place in modern rock music.
What do you think about Freese's experience? Do you agree that the music industry can be a mysterious place? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
