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Veteran drummer Josh Freese has finally opened up about being let go from the Foo Fighters earlier this year — and he’s keeping it real about the whole experience.
Freese told The New York Times that stepping into the band after the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins came with massive pressure. “I was coming in as Dave Grohl’s drummer — the guy that’s supposed to save the day,” he said, admitting he felt like he had to be perfect every second. In hindsight, Freese thinks it had more to do with management than his actual playing. “It wasn’t music that I really resonated with,” he added.
Back in May, Freese announced he’d been let go without explanation, calling it “a shock” since he’d never been fired in his 40-year career. Foo Fighters later thanked him for his “thunderous wizardry” when they dropped “Today’s Song” in July.
Of course, Freese didn’t sit still. By summer, he was back behind the kit for Nine Inch Nails, a band he’s toured with before. The shake-up was wild — as Freese rejoined NIN, longtime NIN drummer Ilan Rubin slid over to the Foo Fighters. “I couldn’t believe it,” Freese laughed, but praised Rubin as “a phenomenal musician.”
As for what’s next? With Pearl Jam recently losing Matt Cameron after nearly three decades, fans are already speculating that Freese might be the perfect fit. He’s not holding his breath, but says one thing’s certain: “Whatever happens, I’m going to be out there playing. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”