In a captivating live-stream event titled “Foo Fighters: Gearing Up for Live Performances,” the renowned band Foo Fighters jubilantly introduced Josh Freese, the virtuoso drummer, as the newest member of their touring ensemble. The announcement occurred on a Sunday (May 21), and was punctuated by humorous appearances from notable musicians like Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, and Danny Carey from Tool.
Josh Freese is no newcomer to the drumming scene, known for his recent work with Danny Elfman. He also toured with The Offspring until the previous year. His position was later filled by Brandon Pertzborn, ex-drummer for Suicidal Tendencies. Now, Freese takes up the mantle from Taylor Hawkins, the beloved longtime drummer of Foo Fighters, who unfortunately departed this world at 50 in March 2022.
Freese, a seasoned session drummer, has performed with an impressive roster of bands, including Guns N’ Roses, A Perfect Circle, Puddle Of Mudd, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Paramore, The Replacements, Sting, and The Vandals, to name a few. His wide-ranging discography includes more than 300 recordings spanning various genres, from pop to rock to country.
Upcoming Foo Fighters shows are set to kick off at the end of this month at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on May 24. Other high-profile performances are also slated, such as Boston Calling on May 26, Chicago’s Riot Fest in September, Bonnaroo in June, Festival D’Ete De Quebec in July, Outside Lands and the Ohana Festival in August, among others.
The 11th album from the Foo Fighters, appropriately titled “But Here We Are,” is anticipated to hit the shelves on June 2, under the label of Roswell/RCA.
Hawkins’ unexpected death occurred in a hotel room in Colombia, just before the band was set to play a festival in Bogotá. His cause of death remains undisclosed, despite a toxicology report revealing the presence of several substances, including opioids, marijuana, and anti-depressants. Investigators refrained from commenting on the potential role of the substances.
Hawkins held the position of Foo Fighters’ drummer for an impressive 25-year span, taking over from the initial drummer, William Goldsmith, in 1997. He is survived by his wife Alison and their three children.
In remembrance of Hawkins, Foo Fighters organized two tribute concerts, the first of which was held on September 3, 2022, at Wembley Stadium in London. The second was hosted in Los Angeles on September 27, 2022, raising funds for the charities MusiCares and Music Support, and serving as a heartfelt goodbye to Hawkins’ adopted city.
