Foo Fighters Welcome Ilan Rubin as New Drummer After Josh Freese Exit Ahead of Global Tour

The Foo Fighters have officially tapped Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. Known for his powerhouse work with Nine Inch Nails, Rubin brings major rock cred and fresh energy to the legendary band as they prepare to launch a new global tour.

A Rock Prodigy Joins the Fold

Rubin, 36, first gained fame as Nine Inch Nails’ touring drummer back in 2009 and made history in 2020 when he became the youngest-ever inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at just 32. He also drums for Angels & Airwaves and has collaborated with film composer Danny Elfman.

It’s not yet clear if Rubin is joining the Foo Fighters as a permanent member or strictly as a touring drummer, but one source said he had informed NIN frontman Trent Reznor last week that he had “accepted a job with another band.”

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A Major Lineup Shake-Up

This lineup change follows the band’s recent parting with drummer Josh Freese, who joined in 2023 after the tragic passing of longtime member Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Freese confirmed his departure in May, saying he was “a bit shocked and disappointed,” though he harbored no anger toward the band.

In a heartfelt note to fans earlier this month, frontman Dave Grohl acknowledged Freese’s impact:

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“Without the thunderous wizardry of Josh Freese, this story would be incomplete.”

Freese, meanwhile, will return to Nine Inch Nails, where he previously served as the band’s live drummer from 2005 to 2008. The band shared the news with a celebratory Instagram post, tagging Freese and writing:

“Let’s f***ing go.”

What’s Next for Both Bands

Rubin’s switch comes just as Nine Inch Nails gears up for the North American leg of their Peel It Back tour, starting August 6 in Oakland, California. That tour follows a successful European leg and is expected to be one of the year’s biggest arena rock events.

Meanwhile, the Foo Fighters are preparing to hit the stage again for the first time in a year, kicking off an international tour on October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia, with stops in Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, and Mexico City.

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They also just released “Today’s Song” to mark their 30th anniversary, accompanied by a letter from Grohl reflecting on the band’s journey filled with “moments of unbridled joy” and “devastating heartbreak.”

A Symbolic Passing of the Sticks

Interestingly, Rubin originally replaced Josh Freese in Nine Inch Nails after Freese stepped away in 2008 to focus on family. Now, the two drummers seem to be swapping roles again more than a decade later — a full-circle moment in the rock world.

Rubin is also juggling fatherhood, with one child already and another on the way, adding a personal layer to his career transition.

As for fans, anticipation is building to see how Rubin meshes with the Foo Fighters’ signature sound. With major shows just months away, the next chapter of the Foos is officially in motion — and it’s drumming to a new beat.