Josh Freese has responded to rumors about his status with Nine Inch Nails after announcing his upcoming performances with Weezer. Posting his message on Instagram, Freese clarified how his schedule with both bands aligns.
He explained that he will be joining Weezer for their Mexico City show on November 16 and for dates in Australia during the first week of December, while noting that Pat Smear remains Weezer’s main drummer and guitarist. “So I went down to South America with Weezer and I’ll be playing with them this Sunday in Mexico City and then the first week of December in Australia,” Freese said. “Just to be clear, Pat is still the drummer in Weezer…. always has been and always will be.”
Freese added that this setup echoes what took place in 2009, when Smear temporarily stepped away from drumming to focus on guitar. “But he also just happens to be a ripping guitarist. He also just happens to be one of my closest friends. In 2009, he wanted to step away from the drums for a little while and play some guitar so I handled the drum duties with them for almost 3 years,” Freese explained. “We had a great time and here we are 13 years later doing it again.”
He also reaffirmed his continued role with Nine Inch Nails, ensuring fans that his place in the band remains secure. “And I will absolutely be playing with NIN Feb/March continuing on the Peel It Back tour. Can’t wait!” he added.
This update arrives during a busy period in Freese’s career throughout 2025, as he balances commitments across several major rock acts. According to Modern Drummer, Freese rejoined Nine Inch Nails’ touring lineup in July 2025 following his departure from Foo Fighters earlier in the year.
His return came after NIN’s former drummer, Ilan Rubin, left to join Foo Fighters—creating what many viewed as an unexpected drummer exchange between the two bands. His connection with Weezer also runs deep; 98 Online noted he previously toured with them from 2007 to 2012 when Pat Wilson took a temporary shift to guitar, making Freese a logical choice for their latest South American dates.
The “Peel It Back” tour from Nine Inch Nails is set to kick off in February 2026, marking another chapter in Freese’s renewed involvement with the band. Alternative Nation pointed out that his clarification comes at a time when fans were speculating about changes in the NIN lineup due to his recent Weezer appearances.
As he navigates overlapping roles with different bands, Freese continues to reinforce his reputation as one of rock’s most adaptable and highly sought-after drummers, having worked with acts ranging from Guns N’ Roses to The Vandals over his long career.
