In a surprising yet symbolic move, Foo Fighters have officially named Ilan Rubin—former drummer of Nine Inch Nails—as the Foo Fighters new drummer for their upcoming tour. The announcement came on July 30, 2025, marking a significant chapter in the band’s journey as they gear up for their highly anticipated 30th anniversary world tour this fall.
Rubin, widely respected for his dynamic range and multi-instrumental talents, spent 16 years with Nine Inch Nails and was the youngest musician ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. He replaces Josh Freese, who joined the Foo Fighters in 2023 following the sudden loss of Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Hawkins’ death left an emotional void in the band, one they have slowly and carefully tried to navigate through tribute shows and lineup experimentation.
According to People, Freese was notified of the decision earlier this year. While the drummer expressed disappointment, he acknowledged the nature of freelancing in music: “I’ve been fired before. I’ll be fired again. It’s part of the gig.”
A Rock World “Drummer Swap” – Rubin In, Freese Out
What makes the situation particularly unique is the quasi-exchange between the two iconic bands. As Rubin moves into the Foo Fighters lineup, Josh Freese returns to Nine Inch Nails, where he previously played from 2005 to 2008. The news was confirmed by NIN via an Instagram Story post on July 30 with a photo of Freese and the caption, “Let’s f**ing go.”*
As per Consequence, Rubin had informed Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor of his decision to leave for Foo Fighters, which immediately triggered Freese’s return. The move comes just in time for NIN’s upcoming “Peel It Back” North American Tour, kicking off August 6.
Meanwhile, the Foo Fighters new drummer is set to make his debut with Foo Fighters on October 2 in Jakarta, followed by performances in Singapore, Tokyo, and Osaka, and a major set at Mexico City’s Corona Capital Festival. Though the band has not confirmed whether Rubin is a full-time addition or strictly a touring member, the move positions him at the heart of Foo Fighters’ milestone tour.
Legacy, Emotion, and Fan Reaction
Fans and critics alike have taken to social media to label the reshuffling a “win-win” scenario. Many praised Rubin’s drumming prowess, calling him “one of the most versatile musicians of his generation,” while also welcoming Freese’s return to his NIN roots. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), some fans noted the rare, almost poetic nature of the switch—“a drummer for a drummer, legends in their own right,” one user wrote.
Freese, though candid about his surprise, held no ill will. “I’m proud of what we accomplished together,” he said of his time with the Foo Fighters, adding that his flexibility as a session musician allows him to pivot quickly. The drummer, known for his work with A Perfect Circle, Devo, and Guns N’ Roses, rejoins a band that helped define his mid-2000s musical journey.
Foo Fighters, still bearing the weight of Taylor Hawkins’ untimely passing, continue to evolve with the addition of the Foo Fighters new drummer, while honoring their past. Hawkins’ son Oliver has occasionally joined them onstage—offering a symbolic through-line between loss, legacy, and renewal.
This lineup transformation is more than just a logistical move; it’s a powerful intersection of legacy, timing, and musical kinship—setting the tone for what promises to be an emotionally resonant tour year for both Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails.
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