Josh Freese
The drummer who recorded 'Chinese Democracy' before his parts were scrapped.
Joshua Ryan Freese served as the drummer for Guns N' Roses from 1997 to 1999, replacing Matt Sorum under a specific two-year contract. Initially hesitant about joining the hard rock band, he was persuaded by his friend Paul Westerberg of the Replacements. Westerberg advised him with a unique perspective: "You should do it. Go do it. It sounds totally wrong; go do it." He further challenged Freese's potential career path, asking, "Are you going to join the Foo Fighters or something obvious?" Coincidentally, Freese would later fulfill both of Westerberg's hypothetical scenarios by joining A Perfect Circle and eventually the Foo Fighters.
- Role
- Drummer
- Affiliation
- Guns N' Roses
- Era
- 1997 to 1999
- Status
- Former Member
- Instrument
- Acoustic Drum Kit
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Freese's tenure with Guns N' Roses was defined by intense studio work for the long-awaited album, Chinese Democracy. He drummed on 30 tracks intended for potential inclusion, co-writing the title track "Chinese Democracy" alongside Axl Rose. Beyond that single, he received credit for arrangements on four tracks released on the final 2008 album. Despite his significant contribution to the recording sessions, Freese's drum recordings were ultimately scrapped and re-recorded note-for-note by Bryan Mantia. During this period, Freese also recorded the song "Oh My God" for the End of Days soundtrack with the band.
In Their Own Story
The decision to join was not immediate; it required a nudge from Paul Westerberg who saw the potential in the chaotic project. Once committed, Freese immersed himself in the studio environment, laying down drums for three dozen tracks that formed the backbone of what would become Chinese Democracy. He worked closely with Axl Rose on songwriting, specifically shaping the title track. The sessions were exhaustive, resulting in 30 completed recordings. However, the creative direction shifted, and his performances were replaced by Bryan Mantia who re-recorded every note Freese had played. Freese still secured credits for arrangements on four tracks that made the final cut.
Reader's Guide
Freese's time with Guns N' Roses highlights a specific era of recording and songwriting between 1997 and 1999. He joined as a replacement for Matt Sorum, bringing a two-year contractual agreement to the table. His role involved not just performance but creative collaboration, evidenced by his co-writing credit on "Chinese Democracy" and arrangement credits on four released tracks. Fans of the era should note that while he played 30 tracks, they were re-recorded by Bryan Mantia before release. This period also saw him contribute to the soundtrack for End of Days with "Oh My God." His departure in 1999 paved the way for his next major move into A Perfect Circle.
Did You Know?
- Freese was signed to a two-year contract when he joined Guns N' Roses.
- He drummed on 30 tracks for Chinese Democracy, which were later re-recorded note-for-note by Bryan Mantia.
- Paul Westerberg convinced him to join the band by asking if he would rather be in an alternative band or "something obvious" like Foo Fighters.
- Freese co-wrote the song "Chinese Democracy" with Axl Rose during his tenure.
- He recorded "Oh My God" for the End of Days soundtrack while a member of the band.
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