### Josh Freese Shares Comical ‘Reasons’ Behind His Foo Fighters Exit
Drummer Josh Freese, best known for his dazzling percussive skills and sharp sense of humour, has provided fans with a tongue-in-cheek explanation following his departure from the Foo Fighters. The 52-year-old musician, who stepped into the band in 2023 after the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins, was recently ousted without explanation—a move that both surprised and disappointed him.
Freese, never one to wallow, addressed the unexpected turn of events in a characteristically playful fashion. On his social media platforms, he posted a satirical “top 10” list, poking fun at the possible reasons he might have been dismissed from the acclaimed rock ensemble. The list quickly gained traction online, reflecting Freese’s enduring popularity amongst fans and fellow musicians alike.
Leading off his faux grievances, Freese joked about his penchant for whistling one of the band’s most iconic tracks: “I once whistled ‘My Hero’ for a week solid on tour,” he quipped. The self-deprecating list continued with other light-hearted breaches, such as only being able to name a single Fugazi song—a sly nod to the culture of musical one-upmanship often present in rock circles.
Among the more technical ‘reasons’ offered, Freese referenced his trademark drumming precision, suggesting that perhaps his “metronome-like” approach had been misinterpreted as “soulless”. He also poked fun at his dedication to musical ritual, once demanding that every rehearsal begin with a 20-minute cowbell sound bath, a detail that highlights his playful attitude towards typical rockstar behaviour.
True to form, Freese did not hesitate to poke fun at band leader Dave Grohl’s signature look. “Never even once tried growing a beard,” appeared on his list, winking at Grohl’s famously hirsute visage. Other playful suggestions included skipping studio sessions due to “Mercury being in retrograde,” and a refusal to go on stage unless guaranteed “a Ouija board and nunchucks after every show”.
The most whimsical and pointed entry was reserved for the top of the list: “The whole poodle thing was getting to be a bit much,” he confessed, leaving followers to decipher whether this was a private joke among band members or yet another example of Freese’s surreal sense of humour.
Despite the comedic approach, Freese also addressed the seriousness of his situation. On Instagram, he clarified that no official reason had been provided for his dismissal. “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. 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,” he noted, offering a glimpse into his professionalism and resilience.
Freese went on to express his surprise at being dropped, noting, “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.” However, he reassured fans that his freelance background means he is well-accustomed to the transient life of a session musician and appeared optimistic about the future.
While the Foo Fighters have yet to release their own statement on the matter, Freese’s upbeat handling of the situation has charmed the music community. It also serves as a reminder that in the face of adversity, humour can be a powerful tool for coping and connecting with others.
As speculation continues about who will take over drumming responsibilities for the Foo Fighters, Freese’s ‘top 10 list’ has added a touch of levity to an otherwise unexpected moment in the band’s history. For his followers, the post reinforces his reputation as a musician who never takes himself too seriously, even during significant career shifts. Fans and the wider public will no doubt be watching to see where his extraordinary talents take him next.