Josh Freese has marked his first anniversary within the Foo Fighters by paying tribute to the person he changed, Taylor Hawkins.

On Could 21, 2023, the band introduced their new drummer throughout a livestream occasion dubbed Foo Fighters: Getting ready Music For Live shows. The Dave Grohl-fronted group had enjoyable with the reveal, chatting on display with numerous well-known drummers – together with Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee and Pink Scorching Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith – earlier than confirming Freese as their latest member.

Whereas the announcement itself was lighthearted, it definitely got here beneath tragic circumstances. Hawkins, who had been within the Foo Fighters for 25 years, died immediately on March 25, 2022 because the Foos have been making ready to play a present in Bogota, Colombia. A pair of star-studded tribute concert events would later honor the rocker, with Freese participating in each.

READ MORE: Foo Fighters Lineup Modifications: A Full Information

Josh Freese and Foo Fighters ‘Proceed to Miss Taylor’

In a message posted to Instagram, Freese mirrored upon his first 12 months within the Foo Fighters.

“A 12 months in the past at the moment this aired,” Freese wrote, his caption accompanying clips from the livestreamed particular, “and I acquired to cease retaining quiet about what had been known as ‘the worst stored secret within the music enterprise’ on the time (although I believed we did a reasonably good job on our finish.)”

READ MORE: Taylor Hawkins’ Basic Rock Influences: In His Personal Phrases

“I like the best way it got here out and am pleased with it,” the drummer continued. “I joked that each one we actually wanted was ‘All My Life’ after which transfer on (as a result of it is so goddamn good.) That being stated, I proceed to overlook Taylor as does the band, his household, pals and the remainder of the world. We additionally proceed to try to benefit from the state of affairs by shifting ahead and doing what we love doing… taking part in music, honoring Taylor and staying optimistic.”

Freese has performed practically 70 reveals throughout his first 12 months with the Foo Fighters. The band is scheduled to have a busy summer season, with dates all through the U.Ok. and Europe earlier than returning Stateside for a stretch of performances beginning in July.