A Year Since Being Fired from Foo Fighters, Josh Freese Feels Back in His Original Habitat

Josh Freese (Instagram @joshfreese)

JAKARTA - The world of rock music was shocked by the decision of Foo Fighters who suddenly announced the dismissal of Josh Freese in May last year.

The veteran drummer, who joined to fill the vacancy after the death of Taylor Hawkins, admitted that he was shocked and disappointed, but now he chose to move forward with his head held high without needing to be pitied by anyone.

Even though it's been a year, the mystery behind Freese's departure still leaves a big question mark, given that their professional relationship seemed solid before the dismissal decision was announced.

"I have some little theories, but I can't discuss them now. I really enjoyed the two years I spent with those people and they were very kind to me, until they were no longer like that," Freese said in a recent interview with Modern Drummer.

Freese's ignorance of the specific reasons behind his dismissal was the point that fans highlighted the most.

He recounted how the atmosphere in the band felt very harmonious until the last moments.

"I think I'm pretty good at reading people, and I didn't see that happening at all. One day it was all full of laughter, we were on stage and Dave (Grohl) looked at me every night as if to say, 'You're great, man!' And then it just ended like that," he added.

Interestingly, Freese's position in Foo Fighters is now replaced by former Nine Inch Nails drummer, Ilan Rubin.

As if exchanging positions, Freese actually rejoined Trent Reznor at Nine Inch Nails for a North American tour, as well as a reunion with Weezer on a South American tour.

Despite losing his position in one of the world's great rock bands, Freese insists that his career is far from over.

He actually felt like he was back in his original habitat by collaborating with other top musicians, such as Danny Elfman and Billy Idol.

"Someone recently said to me, 'You've had a tough year.' And I thought, Really? So the Foo Fighters thing is over. It's just a normal thing, just a little flash. The fact that I've been touring again with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle, playing some shows with Weezer, working in the studio with everyone from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol makes me feel back where I should be. Trust me, no one needs to feel sorry for me," he said.

On the other hand, until now the Foo Fighters have not given an official statement regarding the reason behind the drummer change.

Speculation has surfaced that management issues were a major trigger, but it remains a band's kitchen secret.

Meanwhile, Foo Fighters are preparing to release a new album as a follow-up to the album "But Here We Are" (2023) by sharing a number of new song samples on their official website.