by Josh Freese recently shared an emotional statement following the conclusion of Nine Inch Nails’ “Peel It Back” tour. He expressed his gratitude and reflected on his return to the band in a post shared on Instagram.
The drummer rejoined Nine Inch Nails after being dismissed from Foo Fighters. He used the final show as an opportunity to thank fans and reflect on his experience returning to his former band.
“Tonight’s the last show of the Nine Inch Nails ‘Peel It Back’ tour,” Freese said. “Incredible shows, top tier crew, management, etc. And the band…well, like I’ve said before, this is one of the few situations where I can walk off stage every night feeling confident and satisfied. It’s not always like that, so it’s nice when it happens.”
Freese also acknowledged the support he received from fans during his return to the band.
“Also, thanks to everyone for the love and support I’ve felt while re-entering the NIN world,” he continued. “Even after my departure back in 2009 they always remained an important part of my extended musical family so it’s been a really nice homecoming for me.”
This emotional farewell marks the end of a significant chapter for Freese. His journey with Nine Inch Nails spans nearly two decades with multiple departures and returns.
NIN Wiki reported that Freese first joined Nine Inch Nails in 2005. He initially filled in during the Live: With Teeth tour before becoming the official drummer. His initial tenure with the band lasted until 2008, when he left to focus on family obligations and other musical projects.
The drummer’s return to Nine Inch Nails in 2025 came after a unique situation in the rock world. Modern Drummer noted that Freese rejoined NIN after Ilan Rubin left to join Foo Fighters—the same band that had dismissed Freese earlier in the year. This marked an unusual swap of drummers between two major rock acts.
Freese’s extensive background as a session musician has made him one of the most sought-after drummers in the industry. Wikipedia documented that the 53-year-old musician started playing drums at age five and began performing professionally by age 15. Throughout his career, he has worked with a diverse range of artists including Guns N’ Roses, Devo, A Perfect Circle, and The Vandals.
His versatility across genres and professional reliability have established him as a go-to drummer for both studio work and live performances. This makes his emotional connection to Nine Inch Nails all the more significant in his extensive musical journey.
