New Drummer for Foo Fighters Announced Following Band Member’s Dismissal

Another new era is set to begin in Foo Fighters’ rhythm section

Foo Fighters have welcomed a new drummer following the unexpected departure of Josh Freese. This change signals an exciting new chapter in the band’s ongoing journey. The new member steps in after Freese, who joined the iconic group in 2023, following the passing of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022.

Freese’s quiet exit in May left fans curious about who would take up the mantle alongside band members Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, and Rami Jaffee. Sources reveal that Ilan Rubin, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails and Angels & Airwaves, will now take the seat behind the kit for the legendary rock band.

Having joined Nine Inch Nails as their touring drummer in 2009 at just 21, Rubin made history as the youngest inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when the band was honored in 2020. He continues to collaborate with film composer Danny Elfman and is currently anticipating the arrival of his second child.

Ilan Rubin is joining Foo Fighters

While it’s not yet clear if Rubin will join Foo Fighters as a permanent member or for touring, sources indicate that he had commitments to Nine Inch Nails through the end of 2025. Recently, he informed Trent Reznor of his new opportunity with another band.

Meanwhile, Freese is returning to familiar territory, as Nine Inch Nails confirmed his return as their live drummer, a role he held from 2005 to 2008. The band celebrated this news with a story featuring Freese, captioned: ‘let’s go!’

Nine Inch Nails is gearing up for the North American leg of its Peel It Back arena tour, starting on August 6 in Oakland, California. Following a sold-out European run earlier this summer, they have also been entrusted with composing the score for Tron: Ares – marking the first time the band itself will be credited on a film soundtrack.

For Freese, parting ways with Foo Fighters was unexpected. In a May Instagram post, he mentioned that the band chose to take a different direction with their drummer, adding that he felt a mix of surprise and disappointment. He later humorously listed reasons for his departure, including quirky imagined offenses that brought lightness to the situation.

Foo Fighters are set to go on tour in October 2025

The anticipated international tour will kick off with Rubin making his debut on October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Further dates include stops in Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, and a performance in Mexico City on November 14.

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