Foo Fighters announced that Josh Freese, a musician from the United States, will replace Taylor Hawkins as the new drummer of the band after his death in March 2022.
Freese played with Dave Grohl’s frontman, Nate Mendel on bass, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, and Rami Jaffee on keyboard during the group’s streaming event, which confirmed his joining the rock band.
The Grammy-winning band shared a clip from the livestream to their Instagram. Freese displays his drumming skills as Grohl sings “Under You,” a new song by the band.
The news that the 50-year old drummer will be joining the group comes only a few short weeks before Foo Fighters release , their first album after Hawkins’ death last year.
In a press release, “But Here We Were,” a 10-track album that drops on June 2, is described as “brutally real and emotionally raw” in response to “staggering loss.” It will “be a testament to music’s healing power and the bonding of family and friends.”
The Foo Fighters released their first single, “Rescued” on April 19.
Grohl sings in the chorus about recovering from a tragic event.
He sings: “We’re free to a certain degree / To be able to dance under the light / I just need to be rescued / bring me back to live.”
Foo Fighters from left: Chris Shiflett, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Taylor Hawkins and Nate Mendel attend the Grammys in Los Angeles in 2016.
Lester Cohen / WireImage file
Hawkins, 50, was found dead in Bogota (Colombia) on March 25, 2022 while on tour with his band. Before they heard the sad news, the group had planned to play at the Festival Estereo Picnic. Later, they announced that all future tour dates had been cancelled.
Freese will join the rock band on its latest tour which begins Wednesday at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Gilford, New Hampshire.
Freese is one of many stars that helped honor Hawkins legacy by performing at the tribute concerts to the late drummer in London and Los Angeles, September 2022.
Shane , Hawkins’ son of 17 years, also paid tribute to Hawkins and performed “My Hero” in London. Hawkins was also honored by other musicians, including Paul McCartney and Liam Gallagher of Queen, Roger Taylor, and Queen’s Brian May.
Variety reports that Freese has known Hawkins for many years and is friends with Grohl. He has previously performed with Guns N’ Roses and Nine Inch Nails.
