Rock band Foo Fighters have confirmed they have another new drummer on board after brutally sacking the late Taylor Hawkins’ replacement Josh Freese in May
Foo Fighters have confirmed they now have a drummer again after brutally booting out Josh Freese. The musician had played on stage with the iconic rock band for the last two years and revealed he was “shocked” by the move.
Josh had joined the band following the tragic death of Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died at age 50 in 2022 while the band was touring in Bogota, Colombia. Since Josh’s axe in May, the band have been on the hunt for their perfect replacement.
Dave Grohl and the rest of the band have decided on Nine Inch Nails’ drummer Ilan Rubin. It comes just three weeks after Dave paid a touching tribute to the late Taylor on Foo Fighters’ 30th anniversary.
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Ilan, 37, will be recognisable to rock fans as being Nine Inch Nails’ touring drummer since 2009. He became the youngest-ever entrant to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 and he has been the drummer for Angels & Airwaves since 2005.
Earlier this year, former Foo Fighters drummer Josh claimed he had received a call from the band to say they were “going in a different direction” and that he wouldn’t be needed anymore.
In a lengthy social media statement, Josh wrote: “The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.
“Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.
“In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry – just a bit shocked and disappointed.”
However, it seemed that Josh was trying to see the funny side of the situation as he added: “But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.'”
Josh’s post came after rumours circulated that he was set to permanently replace the late Taylor Hawkins. He had joined the band in 2023 having previously toured with other iconic groups such as Nine Inch Nails, Devo and Guns N’ Roses.
Taylor was found dead at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota in Colombia with traces of 10 substances in his body, including heroin, opioids, and benzodiazepines. At the time, the musician is said to have suffered “chest pains” which sparked a medical emergency.
The drummer is survived by his wife of 17 years, Alison, and their three children. Taylor’s 18-year-old son Shane has also followed in his dad’s drumming footsteps, and performed an emotional tribute at Wembley Stadium for his dad.
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