Foo Fighters have announced that musician Josh Freese will be the new drummer for the band following the death of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.
Freese jammed with frontman Dave Grohl, bassist Nate Mendel, guitarists Pat Smear and Chris Shiflett and keyboardist Rami Jaffee during the group’s broadcast event on Sunday, confirming that he has joined the rock band.
The Grammy-winning group shared a snippet of the live broadcast on their instagram page. In the clip, Freese shows off his drumming skills while Grohl sings the lyrics to «Under You,» one of the band’s new songs.
The news about the 50-year-old drummer joining the group comes just weeks before the release of Foo Fighters. their first album since Hawkins died last year.
«But Here We Are,» which opens June 2, was described in a press release as a «brutally honest and emotionally raw response» to a year of «staggering losses.» The 10-track album will be «a testament to the healing powers of music, friendship and family.»
On April 19, Foo Fighters released the first single from the record, «Rescued».
During the chorus, Grohl sings about recovering after a tragedy.
«We’re all free to some degree / To dance under the lights / I’m just waiting to be rescued / Bring me back to life,» she sings.
Hawkins was found dead at age 50 on March 25, 2022 in Bogotá, Colombia while on tour with the band. The group planned to perform at the Picnic Stereo Festival before learning the tragic news. They later announced that all upcoming tour dates were cancelled.
Freese will take the stage with the rock band as they embark on their final tour, which kicks off Wednesday at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, New Hampshire.
Freese was one of many stars who helped honor Hawkins’ legacy when he performed at the late drummer’s tribute concerts in September 2022 in London and Los Angeles.
hawkins’ 17-year-old son, Shane, he also paid tribute to his father and delivered a roaring performance of «My Hero» on drums in London. Other musicians including Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor and Kesha also honored Hawkins.
Freese knew Hawkins and has been friends with Grohl for years, according to Variety. He previously performed and toured with Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer and Paramore.