Dave Grohl Shares the Reasons Behind Foo Fighters’ Decision to Move On from Josh Freese

Dave Grohl Addresses Josh Freese’s Departure from Foo Fighters

In a recent interview with Zane Lowe, Dave Grohl shared insights into Josh Freese’s departure from the Foo Fighters, emphasizing that the decision was made collectively and "didn’t happen overnight." This marks Grohl’s first public comments regarding the situation since Freese’s exit.

Freese joined the band as a drummer in 2023 following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins. In May, he announced on Instagram that he had been released from the band, mentioning that they had chosen "to go in a different direction with their drummer" without providing further details.

Grohl explained that the band spent several months deliberating their next steps after Freese’s departure. "In those six or seven months, as a band, we talked about what to do next, a new direction," he shared. During this period, the band decided on a course of action, which included informing Freese of their plans.

"The conversation was direct and appreciative," Grohl noted. "We called Josh, and were like, ‘Hey man, that was awesome. That was such a blast, thank you so much, but we are going to move on and find another drummer.’" He emphasized that the communication was a collective effort, involving all band members.

After the call, the band opted to remain silent publicly about Freese’s departure. “We didn’t make a press release, tweet anything or do interviews. We didn’t say anything,” Grohl said. Reflecting on the situation, he added, "I think Josh said it best when he said that he didn’t feel our music really resonated with him, and that’s really important."

Freese has since rejoined Nine Inch Nails and recently performed with Weezer during their Australian run for the Good Things Festival.

Grohl’s comments come as Foo Fighters prepare for the release of their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy, scheduled for April 24. The band recently released the title track, which Grohl described as pivotal in establishing the album’s energetic direction. "‘Your Favorite Toy’ really was the key that unlocked the tone and energetic direction of the new album," he said.

Additionally, the album announcement coincides with Foo Fighters’ upcoming stadium tour in Australia and New Zealand, slated for November 2026 to January 2027.

Freese’s brief tenure with the band represented a significant chapter following Hawkins’ sudden passing in 2022, as they navigated their musical evolution during this transitional period. With a new album on the horizon and international tour dates ahead, Grohl’s revelations shed light on the band’s decision to undergo yet another lineup change.