Global Courant 2023-05-22 16:21:41
Foo Fighters has announced that musician Josh Freese will be the band’s new drummer following the passing 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 at the group’s streaming event on Sunday, confirming he has joined the rock band.
The Grammy-winning group shared an excerpt from the livestream on their Instagram page. In the clip, Freese shows off his skills on the drums as Grohl sang the lyrics to “Under You,” one of the band’s new songs.
News of the 50-year-old drummer’s addition to the group comes just weeks before Foo Fighters release their first album since Hawkins’ passing last year.
“But Here We Are”, due out 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, the Foo Fighters released the record’s lead single, “Rescued”.
During the chorus, Grohl sings about recovery from tragedy.
“We’re all free to some degree / To dance under the light / I’m just waiting to be saved / Bring me back to life,” he sings.
Foo Fighters from left: Chris Shiflett, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Taylor Hawkins and Nate Mendel attend the 2016 Los Angeles Grammys. Lester Cohen / WireImage file
Hawkins was found dead in Bogotá, Colombia on March 25, 2022 at the age of 50 while on tour with the band. The group planned to perform at the Festival Estéreo Picnic before learning the tragic news. They later announced all upcoming tour dates cancelled.
Freese will take the stage with the rock band as they embark on their latest tour, kicking off Wednesday at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, New Hampshire.
Freese was one of several stars who helped honor Hawkins’ legacy as he performed at the late drummer’s September 2022 tribute concerts in London and Los Angeles.
Hawkins’ 17-year-old son, Shane, also paid tribute to his father, delivering a roaring performance of “My Hero” on drums in London. Other musicians such as 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.
