Foo Fighters have described their decision to part ways with drummer Josh Freese as best for all parties. In a Guardian interview, band members also addressed William Goldsmith's 1997 departure. They expressed regret over how Goldsmith's exit was handled.
Foo Fighters opened up in an interview with The Guardian about past lineup changes, including the sacking of touring drummer Josh Freese and the exit of original drummer William Goldsmith in 1997. Bassist Nate Mendel stated regarding Freese, “We made a decision that it was best for all parties. To get into the personal details [with Freese] of why that didn’t necessarily sync up, just didn’t seem like it was going to benefit anybody.” Mendel added that some situations call for recognizing what is best for the band and moving in a different direction, while expressing gratitude for Freese's contributions after Taylor Hawkins' death in March 2022. Freese had joined for tours in 2023 and 2024 before being let go in May 2025; he described himself as shocked and disappointed. Ilan Rubin has since taken over drumming duties, swapping places with Freese who returned to Nine Inch Nails. Separately, frontman Dave Grohl told Zane Lowe that the band collectively decided to move on after a great time with Freese, noting it did not happen overnight and that Freese had said the music did not resonate with him. On Goldsmith, who drummed from 1995 to 1997, guitarist Pat Smear said, “Dave was just learning to be a bandleader; we could have handled the whole thing better. It left a bad taste.” Goldsmith had re-recorded drums secretly by Grohl for the album The Colour and the Shape, leading to his departure. In 2017, Goldsmith criticized Grohl, feeling “creatively raped” and likening him to a “mean” high school bully; Hawkins defended Grohl. Last year, Grohl thanked past members including Goldsmith and Freese. The interview also touched on the band's dynamic under Grohl's vision and their new album Your Favorite Toy, set for release on April 24 via Roswell Records/Columbia Records.