Veteran percussionist Josh Freese has publicly stated he has "a lot to say" regarding his unexpected dismissal from the Foo Fighters in May 2025, nearly a year after the event. His exit came two years after he officially joined the band in May 2023, following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. During his tenure, Freese served as the drummer for the band's 2023 album, "But Here We Are."

Upon his departure in May 2025, Freese revealed that the Foo Fighters had decided "to go in a different direction with their drummer," adding that "no reason was given" for the decision. In a new interview with Modern Drummer, Freese expressed his hesitation to share his thoughts publicly due to the band's mainstream status, fearing his comments would be taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He cited an instance where a simple comment on a podcast led to exaggerated headlines.

Freese admitted to having "a couple small theories" about why he was let go but felt unable to disclose them at the moment. Despite the abrupt ending, he reflected positively on his two years with the band, describing Dave Grohl as a bandleader he "loved" working with. He noted that the band members were "generous and good" to him, which made the dismissal even more perplexing. Freese, believing himself to be a good judge of character, stated he "did not see that coming."

He vividly recalled the sudden shift: "One day it was nothing but laughs, we’re on stage and Dave’s looking at me every night like, ‘You’re killing it, dude!!!’ And then it was just – over." The news of his firing broke while he was with members of A Perfect Circle and Primus, all of whom were reportedly "in shock" and questioned what had transpired.

Following Freese's departure, the Foo Fighters announced Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, who subsequently appeared on the band’s single “Asking For A Friend.” However, Freese has quickly moved forward from the high-profile exit. He is currently touring and performing again with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle, and has also played shows with Weezer. Furthermore, he has been active in the studio, collaborating with artists such as Danny Elfman and Billy Idol.

Despite a recent comment suggesting he had "a tough year," Freese firmly believes the Foo Fighters situation was merely "a blip." He stated, "The fact that I’ve been touring with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle again, playing some shows with Weezer, working in the studio with everyone from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol. I feel like I’m back where I belong. Trust me… no one should feel sorry for me."