The Foo Fighters have a new drummer! Ilan Rubin, former drummer for Nine Inch Nails, will be replacing Josh Freese, who has decided to return to Nine Inch Nails.
This change was announced on July 30, 2025, after a few months of speculation. Rubin, who has also worked with bands like Angels & Airwaves, Paramore, and Danny Elfman, is taking over for Freese, who had been with the Foo Fighters for two years.
What Happened to Josh Freese?
Josh Freese, 52, had joined the Foo Fighters after the tragic death of their original drummer, Taylor Hawkins, in 2022. Freese performed with the band for two years but confirmed in May that he was stepping down from his role. He explained that the band wanted to go in a “different direction” with their drummer.
Now, Freese is rejoining Nine Inch Nails, where he had previously drummed from 2005 to 2008. He’s excited to be back on tour with Trent Reznor and the band, calling it “one of the hardest decisions” of his life when he left the band in 2008.
Ilan Rubin Takes Over
Ilan Rubin, 32, will be stepping in to drum for the Foo Fighters. Rubin was part of Nine Inch Nails as their tour drummer for 16 years and was even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as the youngest-ever inductee at that time.
Although Rubin will be leaving Nine Inch Nails to tour with the Foo Fighters, it’s not clear yet if he will join the band full-time or just for their upcoming shows.
What’s Next for the Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails?
Ilan Rubin will join the Foo Fighters for their upcoming 2025 tour, starting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 2. The Foo Fighters will also perform in Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, and Mexico City at the Corona Capital festival.
Meanwhile, Josh Freese will be touring with Nine Inch Nails for their Peel It Back Tour, which kicks off on August 6 in Oakland, California.
The Foo Fighters are moving forward with Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, and Josh Freese is back with Nine Inch Nails. Fans of both bands can look forward to exciting tours ahead in 2025.
