Josh Freese opened up about his time with the Foo Fighters in a candid and reflective cover story for *Modern Drummer*, offering fans a deeper look into what it meant to step behind the drum kit for one of rock’s most beloved bands during a profoundly emotional chapter in their history.
Freese, a veteran drummer known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, The Vandals, A Perfect Circle, and countless studio sessions, joined Foo Fighters following the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins in 2022. In the interview, he described the opportunity not as a simple career move, but as a responsibility — one that carried both musical and emotional weight.
“It was never about replacing Taylor,” Freese explained. “No one could. It was about honoring what he built with the band and helping them continue forward.” He spoke about the pressure that naturally came with the role, acknowledging the deep bond Hawkins shared with Dave Grohl and the rest of the group. Stepping into that space required sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the band’s chemistry.
Freese revealed that his first rehearsals with the band were both intense and uplifting. The Foo Fighters’ catalog demands power, stamina, and precision, but it also thrives on feel and connection. Songs like “Everlong,” “The Pretender,” and “All My Life” require not just technical skill, but emotional drive. Freese noted that Grohl was deeply involved in shaping the live arrangements, often offering subtle direction while also giving him room to bring his own style.
He also shared how meaningful it was to be welcomed by the Foo Fighters’ fanbase. “The fans care so much,” he said. “You can feel it from the stage. There’s history there, and you don’t take that lightly.” According to Freese, the band’s return to touring was both cathartic and healing, transforming grief into celebration through music.
In the cover story, Freese emphasized that his approach has always been rooted in adaptability. Having built a career on versatility, he understood that joining Foo Fighters required balancing respect for Hawkins’ legacy with authenticity. “If I tried to imitate Taylor exactly, it wouldn’t feel real,” he admitted. “The best way to honor him is to play with heart.”
Ultimately, Freese’s time with Foo Fighters, as he described it, has been about unity — musicians coming together in the face of loss, choosing to keep moving forward. His reflections in *Modern Drummer* paint a portrait of a drummer who sees his role not just as a gig, but as part of rock history still being written.
