Foo Fighters have announced their new drummer, Josh Freese

Foo Fighters have made an official announcement introducing Josh Freese as their new drummer. A seasoned session drummer, Freese recently played with the Offspring and now takes on the role previously held by the band's beloved late percussionist, Taylor Hawkins, who sadly passed away last year.

The news was revealed during the livestream event Foo Fighters: Preparing Music for Concerts, where the band showcased a studio session recorded at their 606 studios in Northridge, California on May 21.

Apart from the iconic frontman Dave Grohl, Josh Freese becomes the third drummer to join Foo Fighters. Prior to Taylor Hawkins, William Goldsmith was the drummer on the band's 1997 album, The Colour and Shape.

The livestream commenced with an extended segment in which Foo Fighters playfully hinted at the inclusion of renowned drummers in their lineup. Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, a close friend of the late Hawkins, made an appearance and humorously mentioned being blocked by another car outside the studio. Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe popped in, delivering takeout for the band. Danny Carey from Tool arrived to drop off some dogs that he had apparently groomed for the group. The camera then shifted its focus to Freese, who expressed his impatience that the rehearsal hadn't begun yet.

Freese is a highly prolific session and touring drummer. In his capacity as a session musician, he recently contributed to the latest albums by M83 and 100 gecs. Over the past decade, he has lent his talents to new releases by artists such as Lana Del Rey, Rob Zombie, Bruce Springsteen, A Perfect Circle, Sting (alongside Shaggy), and numerous others. He has participated in tours and recordings with Danny Elfman, been part of Devo's recent live lineups, and has previously been associated with bands like Guns N' Roses, Nine Inch Nails, the Vandals, Weezer, and Sublime With Rome. His impressive list of credits encompasses hits like Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life," Meredith Brooks' "Bitch," Good Charlotte's "The Anthem," and Puddle of Mudd's "She Hates Me."