Foo Fighters' axed drummer takes huge swipe at the band as he lists 10 reasons he might have been fired

The Irish Sun

20-05-2025

FOO Fighters' axed drummer Josh Freese has taken a swipe at the band by listing 10 tongue in cheek reasons he could have been fired from the band.
Widely-considered one of the best living rock drummers, musician for hire Freese, 52, was left stunned this week when
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Josh Freese, second from left, has taken a swipe at Foo Fighters following his exit from the band
Credit: Getty
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He poked fun at the move with a list of 10 possible reasons behind his exit
Credit: Instagram
The drummer played on their critically-acclaimed 10th album, But Here We Are, and subsequent world tour after being named as the successor to the late
Yesterday, Freese took to Instagram to share his list of reasons behind his departure.
Among them was that he whistled Foos anthem My Hero non-stop on tour; he could only name one song by the hardcore band Fugazi; his drumming skills were too good; he promised The Offspring axeman Noodles he could join the band as fourth guitarist, and cited his inability to grow a beard.
Followers appreciated the humorous swipe at the situation, with one writing: " so much respect for you and the way you've shared this news and the humor is always spot on!"
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Another wrote: "I love this so much, you are a class act Freese."
A third said: "Friggin awesome."
The Foo Fighters, who are led by frontman Dave Grohl, have yet to publicly comment on the personnel change.
Though they have since shared three new 2025 tour dates in Asia.
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Freese, whose other prominent gigs included drumming for Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle and Devo, broke the news by writing: "Well, there it is.
'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.
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'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.
'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.
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'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.'
Fans of the band are speculating that Shane Hawkins, 18, will be named as Freese's replacement.
Like Freese, Hawkins played with the band at the huge commemorative show at Wembley Stadium in honour of his dad Taylor.
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The band's former drummer Taylor Hawkins, centre right, died in 2022
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Shane Hawkins is heavily-tipped to replace Freese
Credit: MTV
He is currently playing with Chevy Metal, the covers band his dad founded, and revealed his excitement for a short US tour.
Meanwhile the latest Foos-related drama follows Grohl's revelation last September that
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The 55-year-old shares three daughters with his wife, Jordyn Blum, with their first child, Violet Maye, being welcomed in 2006.
Grohl wrote at the time: "I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage.
"I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her. I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness," he continued.
"We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together."
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It has since been revealed the baby's mom is
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Freese said he'd never been fired from a band before
Credit: Getty
Foo Fighters' current line-up
Dave Grohl (vocals and guitar)
: Former drummer for Nirvana, Grohl is the founder and frontman of the Foo Fighters. He is considered the 'nice guy of rock' and has played with everyone from Queens of the Stone Age to Jimmy Page and Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister.
Nate Mendel (bass)
: Mendel previously played with Sunny Day Real Estate. His solid, melodic basslines are a key component of the band's sound.
Chris Shiflett (guitar)
: Joining the Foos in 1999, Chris brought a punk rock edge to the band with his experience from No Use for a Name and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. He also has a solo career in country rock.
Pat Smear (guitar)
: A legendary guitarist who started with the punk band Germs, Pat was also a touring guitarist for Nirvana. He brings a raw, grittiness to the band's playing style
Rami Jaffee (keyboards)
: Officially joining the band in 2017, Jaffee previously played with The Wallflowers.