Josh Freese Talks Foo Fighters Firing, Return to Nine Inch Nails
When Josh Freese sat behind the Foo Fighters’ drum kit last year, the world expected a miracle. After the heartbreaking loss of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, Freese was chosen to step into one of rock’s most beloved roles. But now, for the first time since his surprising exit earlier this year, the veteran drummer is telling his side of the story — and he’s keeping it real.
In a candid new interview with The New York Times, Freese admitted that being let go from Foo Fighters wasn’t exactly what he saw coming. Still, he says the split might have been for the best.
“Looking back, it wasn’t music that I really resonated with,” he shared.
Feeling the Pressure After Taylor Hawkins
Freese, 51, is one of rock’s most in-demand drummers, with a résumé that spans everyone from Guns N’ Roses to Paramore. But even for someone with his chops, filling Hawkins’ shoes was no small task.
“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,” he said. “I felt like I had to be firing on all cylinders all the time.”
That nonstop pressure, he explained, eventually became a heavy weight.
No Hard Feelings Toward Dave Grohl
Despite being blindsided by the decision, Freese isn’t pointing fingers at Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.
“I don’t blame Dave,” he said. “Looking back, it was probably more an issue with their management.”
For longtime Foo Fighters fans, the news of Freese’s firing earlieWhat’s Next for Freeser this year shocked many. But the drummer insists there’s no bad blood — just a realization that it wasn’t the right fit.
The Inevitable Swap with Ilan Rubin
Adding another twist to the story, Freese essentially swapped places with Ilan Rubin. Rubin, best known as the powerhouse drummer for Nine Inch Nails, left that band to join Foo Fighters — just as Freese returned to NIN.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Freese said of the timing. “But Ilan’s a phenomenal drummer, a phenomenal musician. He’ll be perfect for the gig.”
Fans of both bands couldn’t help but notice the irony, with some joking on social media that it felt like a straight-up trade.
What’s Next for Freese?
The good news for fans: Freese is busier than ever. He’s back on the road with Nine Inch Nails, hitting major cities across North America through mid-September.
And while his name has already been floated for another high-profile gig — the now-vacant drum throne in Pearl Jam following Matt Cameron’s departure — Freese says he hasn’t been approached.
“Whatever happens, I’m going to be out there playing,” he said. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
Finding His Groove Again
If there’s one takeaway from Freese’s Foo Fighters chapter, it’s that even the most talented musicians need to find the right musical home. For him, Nine Inch Nails seems to be that place right now.
With his drumming career spanning more than three decades, fans know one thing for sure: Josh Freese isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
What do you think — did Josh Freese make the right move by parting ways with Foo Fighters? And who should take over as Pearl Jam’s next drummer? Share your thoughts with us!
