Who is Josh Freese? Foo Fighters announce new drummer after Taylor Hawkins death

Announced via livestream from the band’s studio, Josh Freese has been confirmed as the Foo Fighter’s new drummer, following the death of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.

The livestream saw various red herring drummers appear in cameo appearances, including Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith saying someone was blocking him in the car park, Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee appearing with a food delivery, and Tool’s Danny Carey entering with a pair of poodles.

Freese then cut through the mayhem, asking if they could just play a song, with the band then performing eight songs live on video.

The upcoming tour will mark the first time the band has performed live since the two tribute concerts held in Hawkins’ memory.

Freese’s first show with Foo Fighters will be in New Hampshire on May 24, the first night of the Foo Fighters’ global tour that runs until late 2023. Here’s more about the drummer and his background.

Who is Josh Freese?

Born to a musical family as the son of tuba soloist Stan Freese and the older brother of musician Jason Freese, Freese has more than 400 records under his belt.

He has previously played with bands such as Guns N’ Roses from 1997 to 2000, Paramore for their tour in 2010, A Perfect Circle from 1999 to 2012, Nine Inch Nails from 2005 to 2008, Weezer from 2009 to 2011, and Sublime with Rome from 2011 to 2017.

In 2016, he also toured full-time with Sting, before joining up with the Foo Fighters for the first time to perform at Hawkins’ tribute concerts, playing on the late drummer’s own kit.

Freese has also written and co-written a number of songs, including credits with Queens of the Stone Age, the Vandals, A Perfect Circle, Dwarves, Goon Moon, Devo, and Sting.

The Foo Fighters confirmed in January of this year that they would continue touring after the death of Hawkins, writing in a statement: “Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were. Without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward.”