The Foo Fighters have announced Josh Freese as their new drummer, replacing the late Taylor Hawkins. The news was revealed during a live stream on Sunday, with Freese set to join the band for their upcoming world tour.
Freese, a longtime friend of frontman Dave Grohl, has previously performed with acts such as Devo, Guns N' Roses, Sting, and The Vandals. His first show with the Foo Fighters will be on Wednesday in New Hampshire, marking the start of a global tour that will continue until autumn.
This will be the band's first live performance since two memorial concerts for Hawkins in September 2022. Freese actually played at those concerts, using Hawkins' own drum kit. He stated on Instagram at the time, 'I was asked what drums I'd like to use. Without hesitation I said, Taylor's drums need to be up there and I want to play on his exact set-up.'
Hawkins died in March 2022 at age 50. No cause of death has been announced, but a toxicology report found traces of 10 substances in his body, including opioids, marijuana, and antidepressants. The band previously stated they would continue as a different band without him.
