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What do you guys think of Josh Freese as the new Foo Fighters drummer?Question (self.drums)

submitted by Rude_Cable_7877

I think that Dave and the guys made the right decision to choose him. Obviously no one can truly match Taylor, and I personally wanted Roger Taylor’s son Rufus as the replacement, but after seeing the stream they did last week, I have full faith that Josh is gonna give the band a new source of energy.

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[–]SlopesCO 230 points231 points  (5 children)

THE perfect choice. Josh is the real deal. Total pro. And a brilliant, genuinely funny dude.

[–]DaveTheDrummer802 49 points50 points  (3 children)

I've followed him since his NIN days. He is tge perfect fit; great touring AND studio drummer. There's a reason he's played in many major bands. His Instagram is pretty funny as well.

[–]garysgotaboner82 12 points13 points  (2 children)

Saw him many many years ago with the Vandals. Still probably the greatest I've ever seen live.

[–]idrumgood 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Warped tour around 2000? That's where I first saw him and it was awesome

[–]garysgotaboner82 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah either 01 or 02. See them 3 times those two summers, one with Josh and twice with Brooks Wackerman. He's also a total badass on drums.

[–]kooksymonster 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Loved him in APC. Great fit. Think he's a great drummer and will wind up a good fit wherever he lands.

[–]UncreativeName6 107 points108 points  (0 children)

Honestly don't think they could've chosen better. Josh feels like the right level of "can bring something new to the table" while also having a background that shows he doesn't need to prove himself, giving them the extra flexibility to continue honouring Taylor's legacy and bring in Shane (for example) for some songs without making the new person feel uncomfortable.

10/10 excited to see the new era of the Foo's post Taylor. Didn't expect to be saying that.

[–]SmashKAB 94 points95 points  (6 children)

Josh Freese could join almost any band and do well. I've lost count of the times I've discovered he was the drummer in a song I liked. 🤘🙂

[–]wizzardofboz 15 points16 points  (0 children)

He's a chameleon. He can sound like Josh, but has the skill to sound like anyone else.

[–]NHRADeuce 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It's probably easier to list the artists he hasn't worked with than those he has worked with. The list is long and distinguished.

[–]DrofRocketSurgery 9 points10 points  (3 children)

He has - name another drummer that could play for NIN, Sting, GnR, Devo, The Offspring and Weezer (amount others). L

And then replace Taylor.

[–]TheRealFuckingYoshi 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Replace is such a sad word, I'd rather say just standing in :(

[–]DrofRocketSurgery 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah fair call - on thinking about it, perhaps “ascend to Taylor’s throne”? Pun intended.

[–]Any_Drive6497 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I saw him play for the Vandals, Devo, and Weezer all in one day at a festival. The dude can literally do it all and then some. He’s done so much for so many acts, that I think the foo’s are a place where he can be himself and find a home. He’s got a punk background from the 80’s-90’s just like the rest of the band. He spent the 90’s and 2000’s playing in bands that are comparable and on the same bills as the foo fighters. He’s someone that has the best at slotting in and understanding the short hand Taylor and Dave have developed over the years, because he’s spent his whole life listening to producers/non drummers telling him what to play and delivering every time. I think Josh can do for Dave what Taylor did for him after Kurt. Help him heal.

[–]mellamosatan 63 points64 points  (1 child)

He's so insanely good, sure. Dude is insane. He was clearly the most skilled guy the night they did the tribute. Great fit, he can do it all in the rock realm.

[–]KilroiSlingerland 33 points34 points  (0 children)

I wasn't super familiar with him until the announcement, so I want and watched some of his playing on various things. You can tell why he is so sought after as a session drummer. His time is fantastic, his feel is fantastic, his ability to play pre-written parts is flawless and his adding of hits is super appropriate to the song.

He is truly an elite drummer. Not to mention, his vibe comes off as perfect for the Foos.

[–]ThreeHourRiverMan 44 points45 points  (3 children)

At the risk of being downvoted, Josh is a massive upgrade from Taylor.

[–]Gmgood89 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nothing wrong with that statement. Taylor's charisma and character are what made him great.

[–]Mulebrawler 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I definitely prefer Josh’s style over Taylor… but Taylor had the heart of the band

[–]ThreeHourRiverMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, personally (not a huge FF fan), their best work had Dave on drums. The Colour and the Shape was a great album.

[–]Entire_Storm5446 34 points35 points  (2 children)

I saw him last night in Columbus. Truly awesome. He has all the attributes: chops, power, time/accuracy, hard rock style, and he is exciting to watch

[–]Rude_Cable_7877[S] 17 points18 points  (1 child)

His chops are amazing

[–]tibbon 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Seriously. Taylor was amazing but he himself admitted that he was often sweating it hard playing for Grohl. I don’t think Josh is sweating at all… just rocking out. Not saying Josh is better, but just has different chops and experiences

[–]Curtains713 39 points40 points  (15 children)

Please, no offense intended at all, but I think JF is better than to Foo fighters? They are lucky to have him? Errrrrrrrrr.........

This is simply 1 man's opinion and in no way is an insult to the great Taylor Hawkins.

[–]Blundell1992 27 points28 points  (0 children)

I agree. I think he'll be a great fit, but he's a bit over-qualified lol.

[–]elSuavador 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Regardless of your opinion if FF, they are the biggest rock band in the world at the moment. This would be a huge pay day and sell out stadiums for the foreseeable future.

[–]The_Dingman 11 points12 points  (3 children)

Musically? Yes. But FF are the last of the great rock bands, that makes them well worth being a part of.

[–]blackbeautybysevenPearl 10 points11 points  (2 children)

The last of the great that made it, By no means the last.

[–]The_Dingman 3 points4 points  (1 child)

What I mean by that, is that they're the last of the great "publicly mainstream purely rock and roll bands who are big enough to play stadiums and large arenas".

There are plenty of fantastic bands that are newer, but FF are the last of the era of rock bands being huge stars. They're in the same category as Zeppelin, Van Halen, Kiss, etc - but I don't think anyone after them will be.

[–]blackbeautybysevenPearl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because the algorithm is out and shite like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi etc will dominate, Far more "non music" music fans than anything else, Rock and roll is dead. I think Biffy Clyro could do it though.

[–]TopCamp 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Definitely.

[–]Rude_Cable_7877[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh not at all. I respect your opinion

[–]Defjanitor 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Think about it from a professional’s perspective, though. This has to be the most successful/lucrative gig he’s locked down. I could be wrong but these guys are likely the most famous group he’ll have been a permanent fixture with. Super happy for him.

[–]290077 1 point2 points  (1 child)

This has to be the most successful/lucrative gig he’s locked down.

Didn't he play with Guns n' Roses for a bit?

[–]Defjanitor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, he’s been with each of these bigger groups for 3 years stints. Sublime, Weezer, gnr, NIN, APC etc. As I believe GNR are one of the greatest I still feel FF would more reliable therefore a better gig.

[–]got_that_itis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I disagree, but if that were true, maybe he's enjoys playing with his longtime friends after losing a mutual friend.

[–]ThrowAwayRBJAccount2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

JF also gets to enjoy a liberal tour schedule that only big name bands like the FF enjoy.

[–]tatorfaceZildjian 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I love Foo and I love Josh and I love that they picked him as the replacement. Couldn't have happened to a better guy.

[–]TheBlackHymn 21 points22 points  (1 child)

It’s the first time the Foos have had a drummer who’s actually better than Dave Grohl. That’s no disrespect to any of the drummers who came before him, but Josh Freese is quietly one of the best the business has ever seen.

[–]imbasicallycoffee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think among the common public he's not well known but in the music and especially the drumming community he's on par with the best there ever was.

[–]Baker198t 12 points13 points  (3 children)

Guy is one of the best studio drummers in the biz. Only way it could have gotten better is if they cloned Grohl

[–]ld20r 1 point2 points  (2 children)

They might have already have in Shane Hawkins.

He has his dad’s groove and Grohl’s bashing down to a tee.

[–]KojakMoment 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Dave wasn’t kidding when he said he “hits the drums harder than anyone I’ve ever seen” - I couldn’t believe it when Shane started playing at the first Taylor tribute. Holy crap, he absolutely destroys

[–]maliciousorstupid 3 points4 points  (0 children)

when he came on stage at the tribute I was expecting 'ok, the kid will get on there and probably make it through sounding like a kid playing'.... oh, holy shit. The kid can PLAY. Give him a year or two and he can sit in that seat if he wants to do so.

[–]CR7TheGunnerPro*Mark 8 points9 points  (2 children)

The best choice possible. I was thinking it would most likely be him, with there being a chance of Rufus Taylor being chosen.

Though I’ll be honest, once he’s old enough for touring, I’d like Shane Hawkins to take the throne, not just for the feels but also because he’s a real solid drummer now and he’s only getting better.

[–]wafflepantsblue 11 points12 points  (1 child)

He's just too young I think. He needs to get his own band imo. The food are a bunch of guys in their 50s, shane is still just a kid whichever way you slice it.

[–]CR7TheGunnerPro*Mark 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair point. Either way, they guy’s gotta be in a band one way or another

[–]metalliska 6 points7 points  (2 children)

overqualified

[–]oscooter 3 points4 points  (1 child)

there's not a band on this earth that freese wouldn't be overqualified to play for. dude is a monster

[–]NewWorldMan1123 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Josh is a total pro and I think he’s the right choice. I think Rufus would be better if they wanted a drummer that would play Taylor’s parts more “true-to-note” so to speak. Josh has definitely been playing Rope and some other grooves not even close to the way Taylor used to play them and I feel like some of those things need to be kept consistent as tribute to Taylor, but he’s doing a wonderful job, regardless of that. Rufus is just more Taylor’s style considering he was mentored by Taylor and his father (who was arguably Taylor’s main influence) all in all, I think Freese is the man and the right choice for the job right now. He’s one of the best and most under looked drummers among the casual non-musician audience of music listeners and one of the greatest of his time for sure. Rufus still has a lot of growing to do and Josh has a ton of experience… plus, Rufus has a band and he’s happy there. Why tear him away from that?

[–]thedeadlyrhythm42 2 points3 points  (1 child)

1000%

In a vacuum I would go with Rufus but I don't think it was practical and Josh is definitely the right decision right now.

[–]NewWorldMan1123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed

[–]YomYeYonge 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The best drummer in the Foo Fighters

[–]embiggens-us-all 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Is he a "hired gun" studio and tour guy, or will he be a composer and musical contributor? Not sure his role or desire.

[–]wafflepantsblue 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He's currently only touring, all the drum parts on the new foo fighters album were written and performed by Dave Grohl. We shall see though.

[–]Ash__Williams 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not clear his position, yet.

[–]abreezebby 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I already loved the choice.

And then I finished listening to All My Life, from the live stream, and was like crying laughing because it killed it so well.

V excited to see this live

[–]SimonLoader 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I mean he’s definitely a great drummer and his style fits well with the music but I can’t help but feel the foo fighters are just kind of flogging a dead horse at this point. Their sound really hasn’t developed much over the past few albums and I find it all a bit cringey ‘dad rock’ kinda vibes. Also Dave seems like he’s really struggling when I see him performing live these days. Still a big fan of their early stuff but they just don’t do it for me anymore, and I can’t see a new drummer doing much to change that. Just my opinion though!

[–]Ok-Cup-1691 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not easy to keep up for his age. That style of music is super energetic.

[–]Aggressive_Draw679 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Why do drummers think Taylor is better than freeze… literally blows my mind … all these young kids 😆

[–]pachyderm_house 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Clearly I’m in the minority here.

His take on Everlong in New Hampshire was an absolute dud. It felt like a middle of the pack YouTube drum cover. Not off the bands pace or anything but those were some odd choices in there. For as “overqualified” as he is, I’m not sold just yet.

[–]ld20r 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I also noticed he was flying through that song tempo wise.

Maybe it was a band decision, but felt it could have been better.

[–]parchment12 2 points3 points  (0 children)

yea man I thought his tempos would be much more locked in, seems to be slowing down verses and speeding up choruses, and flying through some songs. granted I only watched the live stream and then some random vids of the first show.

[–]metalliska 0 points1 point  (1 child)

understandably. That's a hard song to keep even and soft for minutes.

[–]pachyderm_house 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Should it be hard for Josh Freese though? Especially based on almost every comment in this thread?

[–]Skeptikmo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s hard to ever be upset at Freese’s inclusion

[–]ld20r 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He is a super drummer.

But it’s absolutely Sacrilege that he’s not playing the latin ride bell beat on Rope or the ascending tom drum fills on Everlong.

[–]sensi_sensei 1 point2 points  (0 children)

one of the best people they could hope for. josh is incredible. a lot of the drummers i hold in high regard consider him one of the best around as well.

[–]Valfish 1 point2 points  (5 children)

What music of dave grohl DO you like if your not into nirvana or foo fighters?

[–]raviolli_ninja 13 points14 points  (2 children)

Queens of the Stone Age and specially Them Crooked Vultures pops to mind.

[–]trouty 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Probot is also a hell of an album :')

[–]Independent-Ad2200Zildjian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good stuff.

[–]thedeadlyrhythm42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

With Teeth by NIN is pretty severely underrated imo

Also, the If You Have Ghost EP by Ghost

[–]EmEsTwenny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Play, sound city: reel to reel soundtrack (mantra is a great song) Idk

[–]Phiction2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was pleasantly surprised. He’s got the chops, dynamics, speed, and wit to keep up with the rest of the team. It should be a fun ride for Foo inc.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I cant believe how happy i am about it. I think it is great, and he is a powerhouse AND respectful. Its awesome.

[–]drumrhyno 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a huge fan of both Freese and the Foos, I think he’s a good choice for this tour but I somehow don’t see Josh as a continually contributing member beyond that. I think Rufus Taylor would be a better choice as an ongoing member.

[–]dcistoodamnhot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He’s a perfect choice, but I have to admit I was hoping it would be Brad Wilk.

[–]sonar_y_luz 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Josh is obviously an amazing drummer but I think this is a really boring choice and that they are playing it safe tbh

[–]YoloSwaggedBased 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which is, of course, entirely on brand for the Foo Fighters.

[–]Skinsbeater007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The man's resume speaks for him

[–]WhenVioletsTurnGrey 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Being in a band is more than just hitting the notes. It’s a family. These are people you are going to have to share bathrooms & kitchens with. If they made the decision, it was all encompassing. No way for any of us to know why, or to theorize if someone else would have been better. They wouldn’t have been. These guys know what it takes to be a successful band with some semblance of harmony.

[–]brandos1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally.......Josh is better than anything Foo Fighters have done. They definitely got a much better drummer. And in my opinion.....he downgraded. But hey, he's gonna get paid!! To be clear....Taylor was a beast!!! I think Josh is so much better.

[–]Biff1996 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The loss of Taylor will always hurt.

That said, Josh absolutely rocks.

[–]Soft-Lanky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Taylor was great, no disrespect. But to me, Grohl and Freese are my two favorites besides Bonham. Theres something really distinct in their styles i can't put my finger on. Hes one of those drummers where his fills standout in a song.

[–]cachedrive 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not too excited to be honest. It's like when Ray joined Korn. They've done nothing note worthy which isn't entirely due to the drummer but when bands pick a popular session or studio guy, it's hard for me to be excited. It's like renting a sports car.
Unpopular opinion so downvote away boys.

[–]Intrepid_Serve612 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He’s awesome and Taylor would approve

[–]Ash__Williams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perfect fit for the gig.

Yet, they have to make clear which is Josh place in the band or fans and news will rip off the eyes to each other.

[–]bobbyvision9000 -1 points0 points  (4 children)

I feel like they should have picked someone unknown that was a big foos fan, maybe even Brandon from Drumeo he was a huge Taylor fan and did that tribute of all the good songs. I like Josh freese but just thought it was too much of an obvious insider choice if you know what I mean

[–]AptYes 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Touring and spending so much time together means that a lot of older, established artists like to pair with others that are in the same boat. They know Josh is easy to get along with, plays extremely well, can handle long tours, and is around the same age, so they should be compatible. A young member joining could cause some friction with the unknowns; Will this person have the right mental/emotional maturity to be away from friends and family for months at a time, deal with running low on sleep, staying away from drugs, not getting into compromising situations with groupies that are too distracting? All of that stuff can derail a newly famous, younger band member.

[–]bobbyvision9000 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

True, I get it he was definitely a “safe” choice but he’s such an accomplished studio drummer who’s played with so many bands it feels like he won’t have the same heart someone else might.

[–]AptYes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you, there’s definitely something to be said for youthful/new blood energy. However having lost their last drummer to drug abuse (correct me if I’m wrong), I think the safe bet was probably a high priority. Losing someone in that way can make you reconsider what you’re looking for in a band mate.

[–]FreakyChicken 1 point2 points  (0 children)

that would have been really funny "new foo fighter drummer: Brandon from dumeo" lmao

[–]almostaccepted 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This might sound like a non-answer, but I think the foo fighters have well more than earned the agency to do whatever the fuck they wanna do. Josh Freese is a dope drummer and seems like a good mesh for the band, but they just as easily could’ve picked someone I thought was a stupid choice and I would still support them 100%. They are the tallest giants of rock that are still standing and still touring. As far as I’m concerned, anything they from 10 years ago on is icing on the cake :D

[–]SnooSquirrels9023 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He was DEVO’s drummer and was one of his favorite bands.

Not really a fan of Dave Grohl at all but Im happy to see Josh get the opportunity to play with the Foo Fighters.

Josh cut his teeth playing punk and his energy will help the band.

[–]taylordouglas86 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's no-one better for the job who's alive.

Watching the video it was clear he's pushing them and it's bringing a new vibe to FF.

I'm excited to see them live again.

[–]TheTaCo88 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If he can play the songs who gives a f

[–]singleguyhappiness 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He nailed all the fills(and maybe even changed them a bit?) in Everlong.

[–]Curtains713 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Whoa whoa whoa, what's your angle here, pal?

This is reddit...that is far too kind and level headed...what're you after here?

[–]Blundell1992 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think they could have picked much better. I think he'll be a perfect fit, and his resume speaks for itself. Josh Freese is a badass, I've been a fan of his since The Vandals.

[–]PHOTO500 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saw them Friday night… the drumming definitely felt/sounded different, but it still worked. Feel like JF will still need to find his way a bit within the band, but based on what I saw/heard I’m confident he will.

[–]ParaplegicPete 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perfect fit, dude is a legend and has been in that scene forever. Makes perfect sense.

[–]heavywashcycle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely the best drummer the band has ever seen. No disrespect to Taylor (RIP) or Dave (both great drummers).

[–]Generatesomething 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Been listening to him since the 90s in The Vandals. Always been a fan. He even did a solo record way back in the day and remember it was really good.

[–]TheMustacheBandit 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I remember seeing him play Misfits songs during a lunch recess performance in high school. He was great even back then as a teenager.

[–]NHRADeuce 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Omg are you an EDHS alum???

[–]TheMustacheBandit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

P-Town represent!

[–]JRclarity123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The issue is always going to be, can the drummer deal with Dave’s need to control everything. It took years for Taylor to have the confidence to overrule Dave on a drum part in the recording studio.

[–]DrumMajorThrawn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love his playing on Art of Rebellion. It's an underrated record imho. I'd love to hear him write with these guys.

[–]macofbowen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very good fit, and simultaneously I think it’s sweet how the Foo Fighters have naturally become the ultimate dad rock band

[–]liveslowgofast 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reeaaalllyy good drummer. I think the best choice they could have made

[–]longduxkdong 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh freese kicks ass

[–]ForYourConsiderati0n 0 points1 point  (0 children)

His sound is much more in the vein of grohl than Taylor was honestly. A perfect fit.

[–]shortstack2k123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it was what most folks were thinking in whom was going to drum with the FF going forward.

Josh is an excellent drummer with an awesome resume and a nice dude!

My old punk band from the 90's went to Santa Barbara to do a show with The Vandals. This was my introduction to Josh. He had forgotten or misplaced his hi hat clutch and his manager asked to borrow mine. No problem and it opened the door for a chance to talk drums with him. And what did we talk about? Frank Zappas drummers.....

[–]mei740 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad he’s able to move on agin. They made an amazing choice.

[–]jescrow99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m curious if he’s just a hold over until Shane Hawkins gets a bit older. Hell of an interim drummer though if that’s the case.

[–]HirtLocker128 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a fan of his for 20 years I was sold when he was rumored, then I was sold after the stream, and then I was sold three times over after seeing them Friday night in Boston. I hope he’s a permanent member

[–]nik15 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I half expected Dave Lombardo to be the replacement.

[–]6doo6bins6 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Knew that was gonna be the guy since I heard they were going to keep ripping. Besides myself, can’t think of anyone else, jk

[–]pac_pac 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are only a few that can adequately fill the mantle of a rock drummer of Taylor’s caliber. Not just with skill, but with presence. Josh Freese happens to fit that bill, and he seems like a super genuine and awesome dude too. I hope it works out for everyone involved.

[–]WormsGarrett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe he played with Devo for a few years.

[–]SissorX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh is a great choice. He has so much experience and he’s played for many people. The genre is right up his alley as well. I never got to see them with Taylor and I’m ashamed of that, but I will see them at Riot Fest this year.

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh is a pro among pros. I don’t think the Foos want anyone TOO different and Josh can replicate those parts perfectly. I’d love to hear a new FF record with a fresh, younger drummer but I don’t think that’ll happen

[–]drumrD 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He's the best drummer the food have ever had. Let that sink in.

[–]iObama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad he’s there. Wish it would’ve been Rufus.

It seems to be the edgy thing to shit on Taylor now that Josh is there, which is annoying. The band doesn’t sound the same and never will. Taylor was the best drummer the Foo Fighters will ever have.

Excited for what’s to come.

[–]blackbeautybysevenPearl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly never heard of the man before the announcement. I watched a few videos though and he seems like a proper rock drummer which is exactly what they needed.

[–]braedizzle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh is great. I didn’t particularly like his drum tones in the reveal video (sounded too different to Taylor and Dave’s tones) but it seems to have been addressed for their actual shows

[–]evenpimpscry 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a win-win. Josh gets paid, Foo Fighters get the best guy for the job, and the world gets to experience what they do next. Josh is a fantastic drummer and capable of taking them to a whole different level. It seemed pretty clear he was their first pick. The guy put in more work than any other drummer at the tribute shows. I’m stoked to see what happens.

[–]nkn3390 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the discussion here. Some of the comments prove why Josh was the right choice. Rufus would have been great and all, but I don’t think it was about “replacing” Taylor. Josh has the experience to comfortably sit in, bring some of his own style while not trying to fill the void left by Taylor’s absence. Sure, on a trading card stat list Josh is a “better drummer” than Dave or Taylor but both Dave and Taylor would be the first to tell you that. Their bond can’t be replicated and their clear love for each other was evident with everything the foos did. This is a way forward, while allowing some attention to be directed towards the drums but not making it THE focus. Josh doesn’t give a shit what we all think of his drumming - his resume is very accomplished and he knows as long as Dave & co are happy with his playing, he’s done his job. If they aren’t happy, he can adapt and make any changes requested without getting offended. Rock on guys.

[–]GreedoInASpeedo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not only is he maybe in the top 5 contemporary drummers today he also has a tendency to make the people around him better both musically and in life. I've heard he was almost singlehandedly responsible for cleaning up and drying out(as much as possible) the Replacements. Brought NIN back on the rails. I'm sure if we sat with those he worked with his contributions to music go beyond just his playing.

[–]Greedy-Interview-481 0 points1 point  (0 children)

JF is one of the hardest working drummers in Rock and Metal. He's perfect for the Foo's.. I know I'm going to get flack saying this so if you're feeling butt hurt then sucks to be you.. but IMO, he's better than Taylor.. and for the record, I love Taylor's playing too

[–]skeetinJ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perfect!

[–]jxee996Zildjian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

By far the best choice for a replacement drummer I think I've ever seen across any band

Its always going to be a bit different having someone else playing drums, taylor had such a unique sound and style its basically impossible to recreate.

[–]flanger001DW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh Freese fucking rules and has always fucking ruled. Plus he has some serious double kick chops and I’ve always felt like hats something FF could use.

[–]Temporary_Quote9788 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh Freese could play with anyone and I’d back it. I’ve been following this dude since maybe 2002? He’s just the best all around. Taylor was monumental in the band no doubt but he and Josh have been friends a long time and it couldn’t be a better fit. Until maybe Shane Hawkins takes over?!

[–]10fingers6strings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Having Freese join your band would be like having Carol Kaye come play bass for you. Not known among the general music listeners, but musicians have massive respect for JF and there’s a pretty good chance you have heard him before and just didn’t know it. He has the chops and he’s played with nearly everybody during his career. If there’s a better all-around drummer playing these days, I can’t think of who it would be. I have seen him play with Sting, Devo, and APC and he was awesome with all of them.

His work filling in for Claude Coleman of Ween on the Quebec album is a fantastic display of his wide ranging chops and variety of styles he can play—double bass work, brush work, country, arena rock (like the Foos), industrial, weird ween freak outs(if you know, you know) and jazz drumming skills are all on full display on that record. Dude really has the big time drummer boxes checked, too—feel, power, swing, groove, dexterity and taste. The Foos are gonna be just fine.

[–]WreckingBall-O-Flava 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dad rock going to dad rock.

[–]TheGeneralMeow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saw them Sunday night at Sonic Temple.

Josh is a different type of player. Where Taylor was more of an energy drummer Josh is a technician that plays with a lot of finesse and precision.

That said, the difference makes it easier to move on because it's new and different. This has allowed them to add and expand their persona and not extend/replicate it.

IMO, Josh matches Dave's music mind and as a result they're able to do some pretty unique things together. They've known each other since Josh was 17 and it shows on stage.

[–]HermeticLove 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was super excited when I heard, mostly because I've been an APC fan for a while now, but also a Foo fan forever. Then I heard All or Nothing on YouTube and was totally sold. Status and skill aside, I really like the sound he brings to the music they make and I think he fits in well with the band. In my most humble opinion, I'd say it's a really great fit.

[–]radiobrat78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just watch him go OFF after playing with the band in the announcement video. Perfect choice.

[–]liarlyre 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Freese is one of the guys Trent Reznor trusts to tour with him.... cant ask for a better recomendation imo. Reznor is a known perfectionist and control freak.

[–]ElectricalDingo348 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m terms of bands that changed drummers, Josh feels more like slipknot swapping Joey for jay than DT swapping portnoy for mangini. Josh is a monster and I think he’s definitely gonna bring a faithful yet original energy to the band. He knows he can’t replace Taylor and doesn’t want to. Dave wouldn’t have picked someone that didn’t feel right.

[–]Derek-Vautrinot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No better fit for the gig

[–]Chronverge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Been praising Joshs' capabilities since 1996. Saw him with the Vandals and was very impressed, even then. I spectulated long before the tribute show who would take the helm, and was not disappointed to hear the news last week.

All hail Josh Freese!

[–]PonchoBeano 0 points1 point  (0 children)

was gonna chime in but it looks like we all agree.

[–]Bite-Unique 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe Josh is the perfect replacement but I can’t listen to foo fighters the same without Taylor. His energy and stage appearance is so unique to him. Dave grohl knew he had a star when he met Taylor and it’s impossible to replace the essence that Taylor brought

[–]Old-Orchid-3554 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sure he’ll be fine

Don’t know why they’re still touring as the Foo Fighters apart from marketing/money purposes. There’s hours of video of Dave saying he’s the best drummer in the world and couldn’t be replaced. Now there’s a replacement.

I’d just tour as another group, or do what Queen did and tour as “Queen + _________ insert singer here”

[–]andytdesigns1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope this means the Foos will make an album that sounds different than every other album in the last 20 years

[–]Stedankel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man.. I'm probably gonna get massively downvoted for this, but...

I actually don't know Josh Freese as a drummer. Never heard of him until the announcement. I've read that he's "the best rock drummer on the planet right now" but I wasn't impressed by the live show. I felt he kind of overplayed to try to make things look difficult? His tempos were all over the place too.

I also really disliked how he changed a lot of fills and even whole beats! Like, what was going on in Pretender?? The best part of that song is the bridge section and he just didn't play it at all. I believe if you're going to replace a drummer and play songs that already exist and that people know well, you should play them how they were written out of respect for the composer.

I still prefer Taylor, but Freese might give the band a new energy, so I guess we'll wait and see.

[–]Ok-Cup-1691 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was hoping it would be Matt Chamberlain, who's also incredibly versatile.

[–]Mulebrawler 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Could someone please explain the PF Chang’s in-joke? It’s mentioned all over his Instagram and I feel really dumb

[–]Rude_Cable_7877[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So Tommy Lee was wearing a Vandals shirt, which Josh Freese is the drummer for. That was a hint to who was gonna be the actual new drummer for the Foo Fighters

[–]Wirralgir1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh is an amazing drummer - no-one better at the moment. However he's the same age as Taylor and probably has similar road-miles. I'm just wondering how long he would want to stay ? Filling in for T on the older songs, and for Dave on BHWA songs - not easy. Then I realised that The Darkness have a tour booked, finishing in March, and we know there will be UK gigs next year 👍

[–]Warm-Morning1117 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Josh Freese is perfect. Dropping the singers and getting back to the basics has breathed new life into the Foos. It is evident that Pat and Dave are having great fun with him and do not have to take care of a "fragile" personality any more. Dave sounds gruffer, Chris has greatly improved his signing, and it is surprising to see Nate singing. I only wish they could get Pat to sing again or better yet, perform one of his solo compositions. Dave promised a new group with a new sound and the Foos have delivered. I saw them in Milwaukee at the Harley Davidson 120th Anniversary celebration and loved their new sound. The new album may be their best yet. The more I listen, the more I appreciate it. For those wanting a tribute band that sounded as they did, time to move on and realize things change, but change is often not only different but better. I am a mental health professional and watched Taylor closely since his first OD and comatose period in 2001. I loved him, but could see his fragility. I do not see him as an addict, but as someone who had a mental illness and self-medicated. I know from experience that for some, mental illness is a terminal condition. I wear my Taylor Hawkins shirts proudly and will always feel warm and fuzzy seeing the love for him at the LA Tribute, which I was fortunate enough to see live. Dave looks less stressed, because he does not need to constantly stroke the ego of Josh. He is more of an equal and I expect great things from the Foos. For those who want Shane to join them some day, you can not return to the past. Shane needs to find his own direction in life, and with his talent will do well. I am looking forward to seeing the at Asbury Park at See.Hear.Now, and in Phoenix at talking stick arena. I was going to see them close to home at Outside Lands this weekend, but getting to the Golden Gate Park and more so, getting home, was an exhausting thought.