Like many top session players, Josh Freese has been somewhat of an unsung hero in the drumming world, often operating behind the scenes as he jumps between gigs. But he’s the drummer behind massive hits like Michael Buble’s “Just Haven’t Met You Yet”, “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks, and “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence. We send our love to Taylors wife and children, to his bandmates and his Foo Fighter family. To his fans around the world, play some Queen or air drum to œTom Sawyer in his honor." Freese has taken lessons with drum giants like Terry Bozzio and Gregg Bissonette, and had Vinnie Colaiuta as a mentor of sorts when he was young. Some of his favorite drummers include Steve Jordan, Jeff Porcaro and Jim Keltner. With all good things coming to an end, Hawkins passed away on March 25, 2022 while the Foo Fighters were on tour in Bogotá, Colombia. Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were — and without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a very different band going forward.”

The band was understandably quiet for some time following Taylor Hawkins’ passing. It’s challenging to move forward after losing a bandmate. Avenged Sevenfold brought in Mike Portnoy after The Rev passed, and Todd Sucherman took the seat for Styx’s John Panozzo.The Foo Fighters have revealed that the drummer taking the throne ahead of their 2023 tour dates is none other than prolific studio legend Josh Freese. And what an incredible choice he is.

Influenced by artists like Frank Zappa and Devo, the prolific drummer has become a well-rounded player sought out by a variety of top acts around the world. He didn’t shy away from the spotlight and continued to become an actor on films such as Music Box, Guitar, Drum and Bass, Foo Fighters, CBGB, as well as Studio 666 of which he was its executive producer. It was discovered that Hawkins was suffering from chest pain in his hotel room. Health personnel found him unresponsive and did what they could to aid him but unfortunately, Hawkins was declared dead at the scene. In 1997, Foo Fighters found themselves in a position where they didn’t have a drummer. Their previous drummer, Dave Grohl ran into some conflicts during some recording sessions and he decided to part ways with them. Being friends with Hawkins, Grohl called him up to see if he knew anyone who would be interested to take over his position. Born on Christmas Day (December 25, 1972) and raised in Orange County, California, Josh Freese comes from a musical family. A drummer since first grade, his first paid gig was drumming for a Top 40 band at Disneyland at the age of 12. It’s been his only job ever since.Hawkins was a confident man who showed himself on the screen multiple times such as when he was a performer on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2010. Being a successful and famous musician, Taylor Hawkins received numerous accolades. One of the most prestigious awards for musicians, The Grammys has nominated him up to 27 times for their ceremonies and he has rightly won 14 of them in his career.

He’s gigged and/or recorded with Weezer, Sting, Paul Westerberg, Meredith Brooks, Paramore, Good Charlotte, Chris Cornell, Puddle of Mudd, Avril Lavigne, 100 gecs, Sublime with Rome, Ween and many more. He’s even worked with Danny Elfman. Foo Fighters albums have featured Dave Grohl’s drumming before (notably Foo Fighters and The Colour And The Shape).In 1982, he saw Queen playing a show and he was immediately inspired to play the drums and make it as big as them. The same year at 10 years old, he started learning to play the drums. Josh is the ultimate sideman, playing on over 300 recordings (up to 500, according to some sources). His resume features countless top bands and artists like The Offspring, Devo, Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses, The Vandals, A Perfect Circle and Billy Gibbons. I scrambled to get Dave’s number and called him. I said, ‘I heard you guys are looking for a drummer,’ and he said, ‘Well, do you know any?’” he said later. “I basically said to Dave, ‘I’ll play drums for you,’ and we jammed a couple of times. I remember I was at home watching [1995 erotic drama] Showgirls with my girlfriend, and Dave called to ask if I wanted to join.” As the tour ended and Alanis began work on a more mellow follow-up, Taylor got wind that Foo Fighters were looking for a new drummer. Things were such that Dave Grohl had actually ended up recording the parts for The Colour And The Shape himself.

Taylor Hawkins died on 25 March 2022 at the age of 50. How long did Taylor Hawkins play the drums for? Despite thoroughly enjoying his time with the Foo Fighters, it still wasn’t enough for him. He would continue to write songs with his other friends and release albums and LP’s including self-titled LP, Taylor Hawkings and the Coattail Riders in 2006, Red Light Fever in 2010 and Get the Money in 2019. Taylor Hawkins started playing the drums in 1982 at the age of 10. When did Taylor Hawkins pass away? The Foos’ previous release, Medicine At Midnight, came out in 2021 while the COVID-19 pandemic was still raging. By his early twenties, he had toured with Paul Westerberg (The Replacements) and joined The Vandals, among other big gigs. By the time he turned thirty, he had over 150 albums under his belt.Taylor Hawkins once told Kerrang!, when asked for any clues on Foo Fighters next move: “I dunno, man. Nobody ever tells me anything. I’m just the drummer.” Scientifically, chemistry is defined as the study of substances. Musically, chemistry is defined as that standout, intangible œthing that brings a band together and draws an audience in. In the Foo Fighters, that was Taylor Hawkins. Inspired and influenced by the Police’s Stewart Copeland, he spent some time honing his skills with the experimental Orange-County band, Sylvia.