On the anniversary of his debut with Foo Fighters, drummer Josh Freese has delivered a heartfelt homage to the late Taylor Hawkins, reflecting on the profound impact Hawkins had on the music world.
Freese, who stepped into the Foo Fighters as Hawkins’ successor following his untimely death in March 2022, shared this poignant moment through a series of Instagram posts. These posts included clips from the Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts livestream, an event that marked the beginning of his journey with the band.
“A year ago today this aired and I got to stop keeping quiet about what had been referred to as ‘the worst kept secret in the music business’ at the time,” Freese posted. “I love the way it came out and am proud of it.”
In his tribute, Freese expressed his ongoing sense of loss: “I continue to miss Taylor as does the band, his family, friends and the rest of the world. We also continue to try and make the most of the situation by moving forward and doing what we love doing… playing music, honouring Taylor and staying positive.”
The emotional resonance of his message reflects the broader music community’s mourning for Hawkins, whose life was celebrated by figures from bands like Queen, Rage Against The Machine, and Black Sabbath, among others. Hawkins passed away due to an accidental drug overdose, a loss that reverberated through the industry.
Freese’s entry into Foo Fighters was confirmed in a special livestream session in 2023, following the band’s brief hiatus after Hawkins’ death. This period of transition for the band also saw Freese recall the unexpected moment when Dave Grohl invited him to join. Reflecting on that life-changing call, Freese shared, “I was on a walk with my wife and some of our dogs, and I go, ‘Ah, Dave just tried calling me like 20 minutes ago’… He said, ‘We recorded a bunch of stuff. And I played drums, and I’m really happy with the way it sounds… And we want you to be the guy’.”
As Foo Fighters prepare for their upcoming UK tour this summer, including two anticipated shows at the London Stadium, and their North American tour next month, Freese’s integration into the band signifies a new chapter while honouring the indelible legacy left by Hawkins.
In addition to his commitments with Foo Fighters, Freese has rejoined A Perfect Circle for a segment of their North American headline tour with Puscifer and Primus, marking another notable return to the stage 13 years after he last played with them. This busy schedule underscores Freese’s enduring dedication to his craft and his role in carrying forward the spirit of those who have influenced him profoundly.
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