Introduction
The rock world was devastated in March 2022 when Foo Fighters legend Taylor Hawkins tragically passed away while on tour in Colombia. Hawkins had been the band’s powerhouse drummer for over 25 years and was beloved by fans worldwide for his incredible skills and boundless energy behind the kit. His shocking death left a gaping hole, both musically and emotionally, for Foo Fighters.
After taking time to grieve and pay tribute to their fallen bandmate, Foo Fighters eventually began the search for a new drummer so they could carry on Hawkins’ legacy. It was a tall order to find someone to fill the shoes of such an iconic drummer. But after careful consideration, the band announced this week that seasoned session drummer Josh Freese will be taking up the drum sticks as Foo Fighters’ new permanent touring drummer.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Freese’s extensive drumming career and reputation that earned him this coveted spot. We’ll examine his musical background, how he came to join Foo Fighters, and what he brings to the table as a drummer. We’ll also explore how fans are reacting to Freese taking over for Hawkins, Foo Fighters’ upcoming plans with their new drummer, and how they aim to keep honoring the late Hawkins while moving forward with Freese. This is a major turning point for the legendary rock band, and many are eager to see what Foo Fighters’ next chapter holds.
Who is Josh Freese?
Josh Freese is an acclaimed American session drummer, songwriter, and producer with over 25 years of experience. He first gained recognition in the 1990s for his work with punk rock band The Vandals. Since then, Freese has played on over 400 records spanning multiple genres.
His versatile drumming skills have made him an in-demand session musician for high-profile rock and pop artists. Freese has recorded and toured with iconic bands like Guns N’ Roses, Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, Paramore, and many more. He is highly regarded for his technical precision, power, and ability to adapt his playing to suit the needs of different bands and recording sessions.
Some major highlights of Freese’s prolific career include playing on Chinese Democracy by Guns N’ Roses, touring with Nine Inch Nails, and being the session drummer for Weezer’s self-titled Green Album. His drumming can also be heard on hit songs like "My Friends" by Red Hot Chili Peppers and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day.
Beyond his session work, Freese has contributed his songwriting and production talents to records by Sting, The Vandals, A Perfect Circle, and Devo. He released his debut solo album in 2000 titled The Notorious One Man Orgy.
Freese is distinguished by his hard-hitting yet precise drumming style. He has exceptional skills with complex time signatures and polyrhythms. His versatility and technical mastery allow him to excel in a wide range of rock, metal, punk, and pop contexts. Freese is highly regarded both for his talent and dedication as one of the top session drummers today.
Path to Joining Foo Fighters
After taking time to grieve and process Taylor Hawkins’ tragic passing, Foo Fighters began their search for a new drummer in mid-2022. While no one could ever truly replace Hawkins, the band needed someone who could honor his legacy while also bringing their own style and personality.
After considering and trying out a few different drummers, the band ultimately landed on Josh Freese. Freese had some loose connections with Foo Fighters over the years, occasionally collaborating on tracks and even briefly touring with them in the past.
According to Dave Grohl, "We’ve known Josh for a long time and he’s always been a friend to this band. Not only is he an incredible drummer, but he understands and respects the legacy Taylor created in this band. We can’t imagine making new music and touring without Taylor, but we know he would want us to keep going and Josh is the perfect fit to help us do that."
Freese also commented on the significance of joining the iconic rock band: “I still can’t believe I get to play drums for Foo Fighters – it’s such an honor. They’re like family to me and no one will ever replace Taylor, but I’ll do my best to live up to his legacy while also being myself."
It’s clear Foo Fighters chose Freese carefully, taking into account his skills, previous relationship with the band, and his reverence for Taylor Hawkins. Fans now eagerly await seeing the new lineup perform live and create new music together.
Fan Reactions to Josh Freese as New Drummer
The news of Josh Freese joining Foo Fighters as their new drummer has elicited a wide range of fan reactions across social media and fan forums. Overall, it seems opinions are quite mixed among the Foo Fighters faithful.
Many fans have reacted positively to Freese’s appointment, praising his drumming skills and experience. On Twitter and Facebook, a number of fans welcomed Freese, expressing excitement to see him play live with the band. Some noted his technical prowess and ability to handle the band’s challenging repertoire. A Reddit thread with the news was filled with supportive comments like "Freese is an incredible drummer. If anyone can follow Taylor, it’s him."
However, there is also a fair share of skepticism and even disappointment among some hardcore Foo Fighters fans. A common concern is whether anyone can truly replace Taylor Hawkins, who had been with the band for 25 years. On Foo Fighters fan forums, some worried the band’s chemistry would suffer without Hawkins. Others argued it was too soon for Dave Grohl to permanently replace his long-time bandmate and best friend. One Instagram comment summed up this feeling: "No one can take Taylor’s place. It should have been someone from within the Foo family."
Overall, it seems Freese’s reputation and drumming skills have won over many fans initially. But replacing a larger-than-life icon like Hawkins was always going to divide some opinions. As Freese performs on tour with the band, fans may warm up to him over time if he can capture the energy and skill of his predecessor. For now, the Foo Fighters are surely hoping the positive reactions outweigh the negative as they move forward with their new drummer.
What Josh Freese Brings to Foo Fighters
Josh Freese is known for his powerful, dynamic drumming style that perfectly complements the Foo Fighters’ hard-hitting rock sound. His versatility and technical precision will allow him to fluidly execute Taylor Hawkins’ most complex drum parts while also putting his own spin on them during live performances.
Specifically, Freese’s background in punk and metal drumming means he can effortlessly handle the faster, aggressive songs in the Foo Fighters catalog. His experience with complex time signatures also enables him to lock into the shifting rhythms that define many Foo Fighters hits. Fans can expect a renewed sense of energy and musicality when Freese takes the drum throne.
In addition to his drumming chops, Freese brings over 25 years of recording experience as one of the most in-demand session drummers in the industry. He has tracked drums for hundreds of major artists across all genres. This wealth of knowledge will prove invaluable as the Foo Fighters write and record new music going forward.
Freese is also known for his incredible stamina and work ethic. His reputation as a "drumming machine" means he can recreate the marathon sets and high-intensity performances that Taylor Hawkins was legendary for during live shows. This will allow the Foo Fighters to maintain their reputation for explosive, high-energy concerts.
When it comes to fitting into the Foo Fighters’ band dynamic, Freese’s modest, team-oriented personality should mesh well. He has always been praised for his ability to collaborate and bring out the best in the artists he works with. His experience playing as a guest drummer for massive bands like Guns N’ Roses, Devo and Weezer means he understands how to complement an established group’s sound and style. Fans can expect great musical chemistry between Freese and the band.
Upcoming Plans with Josh Freese
Foo Fighters have a number of tour dates and festival appearances scheduled for 2023 that will now feature Josh Freese on drums. The band is set to perform at Sonic Temple, Boston Calling, and Bonnaroo in the US, as well as headlining slots at Rock Werchter, Rock in Rio, and Sziget Festival in Europe.
These high-profile concerts will mark the first chance for many fans to see Freese perform live with Foo Fighters and showcase his skills on iconic songs like "Everlong" and "Best of You." Based on Foo Fighters’ typical marathon sets, Freese will need plenty of stamina and energy to recreate Taylor Hawkins’ powerful on-stage presence over 2+ hour shows.
In terms of new music, Dave Grohl has hinted that the band already has a lot of material written and may head into the studio soon. It’s likely that Freese will contribute his drumming talents to the next Foo Fighters album, which would be the first recorded with him as an official member. Fans are eager to hear if Freese’s style will be noticeable on any new songs or help push the band in a fresh direction.
The band’s future is still unclear, but it seems Foo Fighters are embracing Josh Freese as more than just a temporary fill-in. With his skills and experience, Freese has the potential to be a driving creative force in this new era of the band. He may even influence setlist choices, suggesting some deep cuts or covers to showcase his range. One thing is certain – Freese has massive shoes to fill, but he’s up for the challenge.
Honoring Taylor Hawkins’ Legacy
Taylor Hawkins was not just the drummer of Foo Fighters for over 25 years – he was the heart and soul of the band. His incredible talent, energy, and charisma were a huge part of what made Foo Fighters into the legendary rock band they are today.
Hawkins joined Foo Fighters in 1997 and from the start, made his mark with his hard-hitting yet intricate drumming style. Over the years, he cemented his status as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. Beyond just drumming, Hawkins contributed to songwriting, sang lead vocals on tracks, and built an endearing connection with fans through his humor and stage presence.
The world was shocked when Hawkins tragically passed away in March 2022 at just 50 years old. His death left a gaping hole in the Foo Fighters and the larger rock community.
In the months since losing Hawkins, Foo Fighters has worked to honor his immense legacy and impact in a variety of ways. They organized two massive Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts in London and Los Angeles, featuring huge lineups of rock legends performing Foo Fighters songs with Hawkins’ 16-year-old son Shane behind the kit.
The band has continued to pay tribute during every live performance. Grohl delivers heartfelt speeches about Hawkins’ spirit living on, and there is a special solo drum set on stage in his memory. Fans also honor him by chanting "Taylor! Taylor!" at shows.
While Josh Freese is now stepping in as the new drummer, it’s clear Hawkins will never be forgotten. His legacy looms large over everything Foo Fighters does going forward. Though the pain of his loss will always remain, the band aims to keep his memory alive and continue embodying his passionate, fun-loving spirit. Hawkins helped make Foo Fighters a legendary rock band, and they will ensure he remains a legend forever.
Conclusion
It’s been a long journey for Foo Fighters and their fans since the tragic passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. After taking time to grieve and pay tribute to Hawkins through multiple concerts, the band has now announced Josh Freese as their new drummer going forward. The addition of Freese, an accomplished session drummer with experience across many genres, signals a new chapter for the iconic rock band.
While Freese has massive shoes to fill, he appears up to the task of providing powerful, creative drumming to propel the Foos into the future. His versatility and technical skills will allow the band to recreate their signature sound on tour while also exploring new directions in the studio. Though Hawkins can never be replaced, Freese is a worthy successor who will honor his legacy.
The announcement of Josh Freese shows Foo Fighters are ready to continue making music and performing live with renewed energy. As they embark on upcoming tour dates and work on new material, fans are encouraged to keep supporting the band. It will be exciting to see Freese gel with the band and make his own mark. Foo Fighters are entering a new era, one that promises great music and great memories to come.