Dave Grohl has finally broken his silence regarding Josh Freese’s exit from Foo Fighters, clarifying that the transition was a deliberate, group-wide choice rather than an impulsive move. Grohl emphasized that the decision to part ways with the veteran drummer evolved through extensive internal discussions and “didn’t happen overnight.”
In a candid conversation with Zane Lowe, the frontman revisited the internal deliberations that followed Freese’s departure last year. Freese, who stepped behind the kit in 2023 following the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins, had previously shared on social media that the group decided to pursue a “different direction” with their percussionist, noting at the time that no specific reason was provided for the change.
According to Grohl, the band spent over half a year weighing their future before reaching a consensus. “Throughout those six or seven months, we deliberated as a unit about our next steps and a fresh creative path,” Grohl noted. “Eventually, we realized it was time to move forward with a different drummer and reached out to Josh to let him know.”
He emphasized that the notification was a unified effort rather than a top-down mandate. “We all made that call together; it wasn’t just a solo decision on my part,” he explained.
The exchange was described as professional and cordial. Grohl recounted telling Freese how much they enjoyed their time together while explaining the necessity of the change. “Basically, we told him, ‘Hey man, that was an incredible blast, and we’re so grateful, but we are going to move on and find another drummer.’”
The band opted for a quiet transition, avoiding immediate media blasts or public announcements. “We didn’t issue a press release or tweet about it at the time,” Grohl added. “Since then, there has been plenty of speculation, but I think Josh hit the nail on the head when he mentioned that our musical style didn’t quite resonate with him. That connection is vital.”
Since his tenure with the band ended, Freese has returned to the lineup of Nine Inch Nails and recently supported Weezer during their festival run across Australia.
These revelations coincide with the announcement of the Foo Fighters’ 12th studio effort, Your Favorite Toy, set for release on April 24. The band recently unveiled the lead single and title track, which Grohl identifies as the catalyst for the album’s overall sonic identity.
“‘Your Favorite Toy’ was the breakthrough that defined the tone and energy of the record,” Grohl explained, noting that the song emerged from a year of experimentation with various sounds. “The moment it took shape, I knew we had to follow its lead. It acted as the fuse for the entire collection of songs we recorded. It feels like a fresh start.”
The upcoming album arrives ahead of a massive stadium tour across Australia and New Zealand, slated to run from November 2026 through January 2027.
Freese’s stint with the band served as a crucial bridge during a period of mourning and rebuilding following the 2022 passing of Taylor Hawkins. His contributions marked a significant chapter in the group’s history as they navigated their first steps back toward the stage and the studio.
With a new record on the horizon and international dates locked in, Grohl’s recent comments provide the most definitive explanation to date regarding the band’s latest evolution in personnel.
