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Foo Fighters fans were left stunned this week after it was revealed that drummer Josh Freese had been relieved of his dutie, but the legendary sticksman isn’t going quietly.
Taking the news in his stride, Frees, widely regarded as one of the best living rock drummers, took to Instagram to address his shock departure with a tongue-in-cheek list of 10 reasons why he might have been given the boot. The post, dripping with trademark humour and good-natured sass, is already being hailed as a masterclass in graceful exits.
Among the faux-reasons he shared:
He whistled "My Hero" non-stop on tour
He could only name one song by punk legends Fugazi
His drumming was “too good”
He promised The Offspring's Noodles he could join the band as a fourth guitarist
And, perhaps most outrageously, his inability to grow a beard
Credit: Instagram
The playful post has since gone viral, with fans and fellow musicians flooding the comments with praise for his humour and humility.
One wrote:
“So much respect for you and the way you’ve shared this news. The humour is always spot on!”
Another added:
“This is why you’re the GOAT. Classy, hilarious, and endlessly talented.”
Freese, who joined the Foos following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, played a pivotal role in the band’s healing process. He was front and centre on their critically acclaimed 10th album But Here We Are and took to the road with them on their emotionally charged world tour.
While no official reason has been given for his exit, the Foo Fighters, led by frontman Dave Grohl, have so far remained tight-lipped, offering no statement or explanation.
Freese’s fans, however, are already mourning the loss of his powerhouse presence behind the kit, and many are calling for him to return to one of the countless other iconic bands he’s played with, from Nine Inch Nails to A Perfect Circle.
Whether his departure was down to beard envy, excessive whistling, or just the next chapter in his storied career, one thing is clear: Josh Freese is bowing out with humour, heart, and his drumsticks held high.