Just days after his surprise departure from the Foo Fighters, drummer Josh Freese is proving that humor may be the best coping mechanism — especially when you’re one of rock’s most in-demand percussionists.
On Friday, May 16, Freese took to Instagram to announce that his nearly two-year stint with the Dave Grohl-led rock giants had come to an end. The post was short, direct, and characteristically upbeat: “They decided to go in a different direction with their drummer,” Freese wrote. “No reason was given.”
But instead of moping or speculating, Freese did what he’s done throughout his storied career — turned a potential low point into a high note. On the same day, he followed up with a hilariously self-deprecating list titled “Top 10 Possible Reasons Josh Got Booted From the Foo Fighters” — a tongue-in-cheek response that quickly made the rounds among fans and fellow musicians.
Here’s the full list, as shared by Freese:
10) Once whistled “My Hero” for a week solid on tour.
9) Could only name one Fugazi song.
8) Two words: polyrhythms.
7) Metronome-like precision behind the kit deemed “soulless.”
6) Demanded starting every rehearsal with a 20-minute cowbell sound bath.
5) Never even once tried growing a beard.
4) Didn’t show up to studio because Mercury was in retrograde.
3) Promised Noodles [THE OFFSPRING] he could be 4th guitarist.
2) Refused to perform unless he was guaranteed a Ouija board and nunchucks after every show.
1) The whole poodle thing was getting to be a bit much
Freese’s lighthearted take on the situation is classic Josh — a blend of dry wit, self-awareness, and genuine humility that’s earned him respect across genres. With a résumé that includes The Vandals, Devo, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, and Guns N’ Roses, he’s long been considered a drummer’s drummer — adaptable, precise, and always game for a challenge.
Freese joined Foo Fighters in 2023, stepping into the daunting role left vacant by the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins. He brought both skill and stability to the band during a period of healing, contributing to the critically acclaimed album But Here We Are and powering through an extensive run of shows, including major festival appearances.
Though the reason behind his departure remains unclear, Freese’s comedic list offers fans a much-needed laugh — and a reminder of why he’s so beloved in the music world. Whether it was “the whole poodle thing” or a simple shift in band direction, one thing’s certain: Josh Freese knows how to exit with grace, humor, and a beat you’ll never forget.
