Almost a year after his unexpected departure from Foo Fighters, Josh Freese expresses that he has “a lot to say” about the situation — but is choosing his words carefully.

In a recent interview with Modern Drummer (via Louder Sound), the veteran percussionist discussed his May 2025 exit from the band, which occurred two years after he officially joined as their touring and recording drummer following the death of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.

Freese’s tenure formally began in May 2023, after he appeared with the group at their London and Los Angeles tribute concerts for Hawkins. He subsequently served as drummer for the band’s 2023 album, But Here We Are.

In May 2025, Freese announced that Foo Fighters had decided “to go in a different direction with their drummer,” adding at that time that “no reason was given” for the decision.

Now, he shares that he has his own thoughts about what transpired but is hesitant to express them publicly.

“The Foo Fighters are such a big, mainstream band that everything I say gets taken out of context, reposted, and blown out of proportion,” Freese told Modern Drummer. “People created headlines from one quick, simple comment I made on a podcast not long ago; it’s crazy. I’ve got to be careful about what I say about it. But I’ve got a lot to say about it and I’ve been just trying to figure out how and when to really articulate it.”

“I have a couple small theories [as to why I was let go],” he continued, “but I can’t really go into them right now. I did really enjoy the two years I spent with those guys; however, they were good to me… until they weren’t.”

Freese described his time in the band as largely positive, noting that he “loved” working with Dave Grohl as a bandleader.

“I enjoyed being around those guys,” he said. “They were generous and good to me… and that’s what makes the whole thing even more of a mystery. I think I’m pretty good at reading people, and I did not see that coming.”

“One day it was nothing but laughs; we’re on stage and Dave’s looking at me every night like, ‘You’re killing it, dude!!!’ And then it was just – over.”

Freese also recounted the day he learned of his firing, stating he was spending time with members of A Perfect Circle and Primus when the news broke. “Everyone was in shock and asking me what the hell happened,” he said.

Following his departure, Foo Fighters announced Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, with Rubin appearing on the band’s single “Asking For A Friend.”

Despite the high-profile exit, Freese indicated that he has quickly moved forward. He is currently performing again with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle while also working in the studio with artists including Danny Elfman and Billy Idol.

“Someone recently said to me, ‘Man, you’ve had a tough year.’ And I thought, Really?” Freese remarked. “So the Foo Fighters thing is over. Big deal; that was a blip. The fact that I’ve been touring with Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle again, playing some shows with Weezer, working in the studio with everyone from Danny Elfman to Billy Idol.”

“I feel like I’m back where I belong,” he added. “Trust me… no one should feel sorry for me.”