Foo Fighters Navigate Life After Taylor Hawkins, Reflect on New Album and Drummer Changes
The Foo Fighters are continuing to forge ahead following the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, with frontman Dave Grohl recently opening up about the “complicated” process of moving forward and the band’s evolving lineup. Grohl’s reflections come as the band prepares to release their twelfth studio album, Your Favorite Toy, on April 24, and embark on a stadium tour.
The Weight of Loss and Continuing On
Dave Grohl described the experience of continuing the Foo Fighters without Hawkins, who was with the band for 25 years, as “really complicated.” He emphasized Hawkins’ importance not just as a musician, but as a close friend and integral part of the band’s dynamic. “He was this incredible human being and he was our brother. He was our best friend,” Grohl shared with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. The interview took place on what would have been Hawkins’ 54th birthday, adding to the emotional weight of the conversation.
Grohl explained that the band consistently remembers Hawkins. “We wake up in the morning and everybody just texts about how much we miss him and how the world’s not the same without him, but we still feel him highly much,” he said. “We always talk about him every f***ing day. In everything we do we want to have that energy – we want to have that energy for Taylor.”
Navigating Drummer Changes
Following Hawkins’ death, Josh Freese joined the Foo Fighters as a touring drummer. However, Freese departed in May 2025, a decision Grohl addressed in the interview. The band personally informed Freese of their decision to move forward with a new drummer. Grohl explained that Freese felt the band’s music didn’t fully resonate with him, a sentiment the band respected.
Ilan Rubin has since taken on the role of drummer, having previously been a member of Nine Inch Nails. This move saw a reciprocal shift, with Rubin joining the Foo Fighters and Freese returning to work with Trent Reznor.
Your Favorite Toy and the Future of the Foo Fighters
The upcoming album, Your Favorite Toy, is set for release on April 24. Grohl described the new material as filled with “noisy, loud bangers” reminiscent of the band’s earlier work. The album follows their 2023 release, But Here We Are. The Foo Fighters will also be embarking on a stadium tour throughout the UK and Europe, with plans for American dates to follow.
Taylor Hawkins’ Death
Taylor Hawkins was found dead in his hotel room at the Four Seasons Casa Medina in Bogotá, Colombia, in March 2022, just hours before a scheduled festival performance. He was 50 years ancient. A toxicology report revealed the presence of 10 different substances in his system, including THC, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, and benzodiazepines.