Josh Freese explains why he's leaving Nine Inch Nails

Drummer Josh Freese announced several months ago his intention to leave Nine Inch Nails, and now he's taken to his blog to explain why he's leaving the group at the end of their current North American tour.

"So, I've been wanting to write something for a while now explaining why I am leaving NINE INCH NAILS at the end of the year. Not that it's THAT big of a deal or important compared to other real shit going on out there in the world, but I figured I'd take a minute out to explain anyhow. I know a few people are aware that I'm having my third child in January and basically... that about SUMS IT UP!"

"Kids need their Dad"

Freese continues: "I've just been gone too damn much lately and if I hadn't spent so much time on the road in recent years...coupled with having three kids (come January) then I'd still be out on the road in the new year. It's just that the rate that NIN has been touring...is something that I can't keep up with right now. My kids need their Dad around and I want to be around for them.

"I am definitely not retiring or 'done touring' by any means though. I just need to be home a bit more next year. I am not leaving because I got a better offer from another band or because I don't enjoy it... It's one of my favorite situations I've ever been involved with and I already miss it (though we still have five more shows to play). You can read the rest of the blog on Josh Freese's MySpace page.

Meanwhile, Trent has his own plans

Josh's decision to quit touring comes at a time when Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor could be pulling the plug on live shows altogether - or something like that.

Writing on the Nine Inch Nails website, Reznor says, "This was an amazing tour and production - certainly the best thing I've ever been involved with and likely the final tour for Nine Inch Nails on this scale.

"The shows we have announced in 2009 and any more that may be announced will be a completely different approach with some different personnel and will likely be the last for the foreseeable future."

Nine Inch Nails wrap up their US tour this Saturday (13 December), which will be the last ones with Freese. There are six shows booked for 2009 in New Zealand and Australia, starting on 17 February 17. Drummer Ilan Rubin from the band Lostprophets will play those dates.