Why Foo Fighters Fans Are Already Upset With Drummer Josh Freese

It’s solely been about two weeks since Foo Fighters introduced that Josh Freese (Weezer, Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails) is their new drummer. Somewhat unsurprisingly, followers on Reddit are already voicing complaints about how he compares to late drummer Taylor Hawkins (who died unexpectedly on March 25, 2022).

In a thread entitled “Does Freese” began on the band’s official Reddit web page three days in the past (May 31), one consumer posted:

He’s clearly an amazing drummer. But after watching among the current dwell performances with Josh Freese I’ve concluded that in comparison with Taylor he actually rushes the beat. Taylor was a really “in the pocket” drummer so to talk. Freese performs like a machine however you’ll be able to hear the remainder of the band struggling to maintain up with him. ‘Everlong’ was so so quick. It simply makes the lack of Taylor hit dwelling much more. He was the proper drummer from FF. This is simply my opinion and naturally ymmv.

Between then and now, mentioned thread starter has acquired quite a few replies that additionally criticize Freese’s approach. For occasion, another person wrote, “[He’s] rushing. Definitely rushing. There was one track during the live stream that was super fast. Afterwards, Pat [Smear] said ‘That was Shane Hawkins tempo!’”

That mentioned, simply as many Redditors – if no more – got here to Freese’s protection. Specifically, one fan cheered: “I’m actually stoked they are faster. Monkey wrench almost sounds like a hardcore song now. I really hope they let Josh play the way he’s been playing.”

Likewise, one other consumer declared:

It’s actually Josh Freese’s job to play in a approach that satisfies the wants of his employers. It’s how he’s had the profession he’s had for the final 25 years, and it’s why he’s universally thought of among the finest drummers alive. If Dave has any points with what he’s doing, I assure it’s being mentioned, will likely be mentioned after this run, or has already been addressed in rehearsals that I’m prepared to wager went on longer than any of us know.

I’d extremely doubt Dave’s asking him to stick to each particular fill and nuance Taylor ever recorded or carried out dwell. He’s nothing if not one to need music to mirror the people enjoying it, so it’d make sense to suppose they labored collectively to get to a spot the place he’s enjoying with respect to the legacy of the music, but additionally has the liberty to be himself as a musician. Is it bizarre, as a fan, to listen to issues achieved in a different way than they’ve been down for the final 25 years? Of course.

But the one fixed is change, and altering a member will ALWAYS change nuance. It simply will. But JF is fingers down the perfect drummer for this band now, and we should always belief that these guys possibly know what they’re doing in spite of everything these years as a substitute of armchair quarterbacking bpms and time stamps.

Of course, some folks have shared extra impartial, understanding and unemotional responses, reminiscent of one one who expressed: “Give them time to adjust and correct. These are his first few live shows. There’s going to be a learning curve even for the most experienced person.”

You can learn the whole Reddit thread right here.

Obviously, folks had passionate reactions to Freese becoming a member of the Foos as quickly because it was introduced, too.

In addition to the aforementioned world dwell stream, the brand new Foo Fighters lineup has performed a handful of live shows to this point (with their first one going down at New Hampshire’s Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on May 24, 2023). Thus, followers arguably have already got sufficient proof with which to evaluate how Freese is becoming into his new position.

READ MORE: Fans React to New Foo Fighters Album ‘But Here We Are’

In different information, Foo Fighters’ newest studio LP, But Here We Are, got here out yesterday (June 2). Seeing as the way it was recorded previous to Freese formally coming aboard, it finds frontman Dave Grohl enjoying all of the drums (thereby incomes his first drum credit score on a Foo Fighters album since 2005’s In Your Honor).

Naturally, followers are eagerly sharing their love for the brand new assortment; plus, we got here up with 10 issues we love about it, too. If you haven’t but, you’ll be able to seize your copy right here.

Also, you should definitely get your tickets for the group’s corresponding tour.

So, what do you consider Freese becoming a member of Foo Fighters? Any ideas on But Here We Are? Let us know!