Josh Freese is a veteran session drummer who has played with some of the biggest names in rock music. He is also the new drummer of Foo Fighters, replacing the late Taylor Hawkins who died in 2022.
Who is Josh Freese?
Josh Freese was born on December 25, 1972, in Orlando, Florida. His father, Stan Freese, was a tuba soloist and conductor at Disney World and Disneyland. His mother was a classical pianist. Josh started playing drums at the age of eight and began playing professionally at the age of 12 at Disneyland.
Freese has been a member of the punk rock band The Vandals since 1989 and the new wave band Devo since 1996. He has also played drums for Guns N' Roses, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Sting, Paramore and many others. He has appeared on over 400 records.
Freese is known for his versatility, speed and creativity as a drummer. He can play various styles of music, from hard rock to pop punk to industrial to pop. He is also a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has released several solo albums.
How did he join Foo Fighters?
Foo Fighters announced Josh Freese as their new drummer on May 21, 2023, in a livestream titled "Foo Fighters: Preparing Music for Concerts". The livestream featured several guest appearances by other famous drummers, such as Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tommy Lee of Motley Crue and Danny Carey of Tool.
Freese had previously played with Foo Fighters at two tribute concerts for Taylor Hawkins in September 2022. Hawkins was the drummer of Foo Fighters from 1997 until his death in March 2022. He died at the age of 50 while on tour in Colombia.
Foo Fighters said in a statement that they would continue as a band after Hawkins' death and that they would be a different band going forward. They also praised Freese as a "phenomenal drummer" and a "great friend".
What's next for Josh Freese and Foo Fighters?
Josh Freese's first show with Foo Fighters will take place in New Hampshire on May 24, 2023. This will be the start of a global tour that will last until late 2023. The tour will promote Foo Fighters' upcoming 11th album, "But Here We Are", which will feature new songs written and recorded with Freese.
Foo Fighters fans can expect to hear some of their classic hits as well as some fresh material from their new album. They can also expect to see some amazing drumming from Josh Freese, who will bring his own style and energy to the band.
Josh Freese is the new drummer of Foo Fighters, but he is also much more than that. He is a legend in the rock music scene, a master of his craft and a passionate musician. He is ready to rock the world with Foo Fighters and make Taylor Hawkins proud.