Measuring Josh Freese's Opportunity to Replace Taylor Hawkins in Foo Fighters

Josh Freese (Instagram @joshfreese)

JAKARTA - Earlier this month, Foo Fighters announced their first show since the death of Taylor Hawkins. Dave Grohl et al will appear as headliners in Boston Calling 2023.

The question that many people have asked about this news is: who will be sitting behind the drum set?

For a time, fans played a guessing game by naming names. Starting from Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Travis Barker (Blink-182), Nandi Bushell, and Shane Hawkins (son of Taylor Hawkins).

Then, there are the names Earl Hudson (Bad Brains), Chuck Biscuits (DOA, Black Flag, Social Distortion), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Brad Wilk (RATM), Cindy Blackman, and there's even speculation that Dave Grohl might have to take on that role.

However, in recent months, the name Josh Freese has become a byword. Whoever that person is, to become a Foo Fighters drummer, he or she has to meet the criteria Dave Grohl set for this particular job.

First, have experience with big rock bands, big tours, and big festivals. Second, a lot of experience in the studio. Third, serious and fast learning. Fourth, have an intense work ethic. Fifth, a mature team player who is healthy and clean. And most importantly, his personality blends in perfectly with the Foo Fighters and the band's organization.

Well, Freese is a monster drummer, a friend to so many rock stars, and a man with an astounding streak.

The drummer has experience playing with Guns N' Roses, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, The Offspring, Bruce Springsteen, Paramore, Sublime, and Rome, among many others. He has also co-written songs with Queens of the Stone Age, Devo, and even Sting.

Not only that, but Freese also took part in the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert which was held last September. With Foo Fighters, he performed the songs Times Like These and All My Life.

This is certainly an excellent CV. But, does Freese deserve to fill the position left by Hawkins permanently? So worth it! However, the decision still rests with Dave Grohl.