Josh Freese Posts Hilarious “Top 10” After Foo Fighters Exit

Rock drummer responds to surprise departure with signature humor

Josh Freese, known for crushing it behind the kit with Nine Inch Nails, Devo, A Perfect Circle, and most recently, the Foo Fighters has broken his silence after being let go from the band. Rather than vent frustration, he did what any sarcastic, world-class drummer might do: posted a Top 10 list on Instagram.

Freese said the band told him they were “going in a different direction,” but offered no further explanation. So, in true Josh fashion, he gave us his best guesses as to why he got booted.

Here’s the full list he posted:

10. Once whistled "My Hero" for a week solid on tour.

9. Could only name one Fugazi song.

8. Two words: polyrhythms

7. Metronome-like precision behind the kit deemed "soulless."

6. Demanded starting every rehearsal with a 20-minute cowbell sound bath.

5. Never even once tried growing a beard.

4. Didn't show up to studio because Mercury was in retrograde.

3. Promised Noodles he could be 4th guitarist.

2. Refused to perform unless he was guaranteed a Ouija board and nunchucks after every show.

1. The whole poodle thing was getting to be a bit much.

Fans flooded his post with love and laughter, many saying they were shocked by the news and disappointed by the decision. Freese, who joined Foo Fighters in 2023 following the passing of Taylor Hawkins, was widely seen as a perfect fit bringing both technical brilliance and lighthearted charisma to the group’s live shows.

While there’s no official word from the Foo Fighters on who will replace him or what the “different direction” looks like, Freese reassured fans that he’s not slowing down. In fact, with his long list of collaborations and projects, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing and hearing plenty more from him soon.

You can follow Josh on Instagram at @joshfreese to keep up with his latest moves and memes.

Josh Freese may be out of the Foo Fighters, but he's still at the top of his game. And if this list proves anything, it's that rock & roll could use more personalities like his.