Dave Grohl Opens Up About Foo Fighters’ Post-Taylor Hawkins Era and Speaks on Josh Freese Exit

Speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Dave Grohl finally addressed the lineup shifts that have shaped Foo Fighters over the past two years.

After Taylor Hawkins’ passing in 2022, Josh Freese joined the band as touring drummer and remained until May 2025. But as Grohl explained, the decision to part ways came after serious reflection about direction and chemistry.

Freese’s skills were never in question. Grohl acknowledged his talent openly, but stressed that Foo Fighters operates on something deeper than performance alone. “That was awesome, but let’s move on,” Grohl recalled telling him. Freese reportedly shared that he didn’t feel fully connected to the music — a key factor in the decision.

The timing of the interview — Taylor Hawkins’ birthday — made the conversation especially personal. Grohl admitted that continuing without Taylor was “really complicated”, describing the loss as something the band still carries daily. “We want to bring that Taylor energy into everything we do.”

Despite the changes, Foo Fighters are charging forward. Their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy, drops April 24, with the title track already showcasing a heavier, throwback energy reminiscent of their earlier catalog.

The drum throne now belongs to Ilan Rubin, who exits Nine Inch Nails as Freese returns to the industrial giants — a rare swap between two high-profile rock acts.

The next era has officially begun.