It’s been one year since it was announced that Josh Freese would be the man to replace Taylor Hawkins on the sticks for Foo Fighters - and this morning, the drummer released a statement reflecting on it all.
On this day in 2023, Foo Fighters released a ‘global listening event’ livestream, which began by showing the band playing on the rumours of who the new drummer could be.
A bunch of esteemed rock drummers stopped by the studio, sticks in hand to try and integrate themselves as the new Foos drummer, before it was revealed that Josh Freese had been sitting behind the kit, off camera the whole time.
In that moment - the world found out that Freese was the new Foos drummer.
Alongside posting some clips of the livestream to Instagram this morning (May 22), Freese also shared a statement, where he honoured Taylor Hawkins, who tragically passed away in March 2022.
“A year ago today this [livestream] 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 wrote, adding that he “loved the way it came out” and is “proud of it.”
“... That being said, I continue to miss Taylor as does the band, his family, friends and the rest of the world.”
He signed the post off by saying, “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. ❤️”
Fans have flocked to the comment to share their love for Freese while also honouring the late, great Hawkins.
“I'm so glad you are in the band. It feels right after a terrible loss,” one person wrote.
“I never ever thought they could ever get a new drummer…thank you for being that person and Taylor is definitely giving his blessing smiling down on all of us as we miss him so damn much,” another commented.
While a third wrote, “So beautifully said... You are a perfect fit for the band. Taylor will always be there in some way.❤️”
Beautiful stuff, and we couldn't agree more with those comments.
When the global livestream came out a year ago, Foo Fighters forgot to include the part where our very own Bryce Casey tried his luck at becoming the new drummer. Check out that footage here.
