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Foo Fighters Part Ways with Drummer Josh Freese After Two Years
In a surprising turn of events for the iconic rock band Foo Fighters, drummer Josh Freese has announced his departure. This development comes roughly eight months after news of personal matters involving frontman Dave Grohl stirred controversy around the group. Freese communicated his exit via an Instagram post, dispelling rumors that he was set to permanently fill the role previously held by the late Taylor Hawkins.
Freese Announces Departure Via Social Media
“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given,” Freese stated in his Instagram announcement.
He added, “Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.”
Addressing his professional experience, Freese remarked, “In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry—just a bit shocked and disappointed.”
Concluding with a touch of humor, he wrote, “But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters‘ list.”
A Brief Tenure with the Foo Fighters
Freese, 52, joined the Foo Fighters in 2023 following the passing of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died at the age of 50 in 2022.
During his time with the band, Freese performed at numerous high-profile concerts, including headlining the 2023 Glastonbury music festival alongside band members Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, and Pat Smear.
Freese’s Extensive Musical Background
Before joining the Foo Fighters, Freese had a long and varied career as a drummer, touring with prominent acts such as:
- Nine Inch Nails
- Devo
- Guns N’ Roses
Remembering Taylor Hawkins
Taylor Hawkins’ death occurred in March 2022, while the Foo Fighters were on tour in Bogota, Colombia.
Hawkins joined the band in 1997, three years after Dave Grohl founded it. He was a constant presence afterward and received fifteen Grammy Awards.
Prior to his death, Hawkins complained of chest pains while at the Four Seasons Casa Medina hotel, and he passed away later that evening.
An autopsy revealed the presence of ten different substances in his system at the time of his death.
Personal Matters Surrounding Dave Grohl
Grohl’s Personal Life Under Scrutiny
The Foo Fighters faced additional turbulence in September 2024 when Dave Grohl acknowledged fathering a child outside of his marriage with Jordyn Blum, with whom he has three daughters.
Jennifer Young, 38, has been identified as the mother.
Public records indicate the child was born on August 1, 2024, with Grohl’s last name listed on the birth certificate.
Efforts to Reconcile
Sources indicated in late 2024 that Grohl was committed to resolving issues with his wife and daughters, with divorce no longer being considered. He’s focused on prioritizing his family, realizing the potential consequences of his actions.
Information came to light that Jordyn Blum had been aware of the situation “for a while” and remains dedicated to their daughters.
Recent Developments in Grohl’s Marriage
Dave and Jordyn were publicly seen together in February, marking their first appearance since news of the controversy broke.
Reports in March suggested the couple is working towards repairing their marriage.
An insider stated, “Jordyn has forgiven Dave and is trying to move on. She is [still] completely devastated by the situation but is standing by his side.”
The source added, “They are going to counseling, and Dave has been doing anything he can to win back Jordyn’s trust. Neither of them wants the family broken.”