Foo Fighters have reportedly found their new drummer, while ex-sticksman Josh Freese has landed a new gig – find out more below.
In May, the Foos announced that Josh Freese had been let go as their drummer, with Freese saying he was “shocked” and “disappointed” by the booting. He had joined the Foos as their touring drummer in 2023 following the sudden passing of their drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.
Since then, fans have been speculating who would be joining Dave Grohl and co. behind the kit, including shortly-lived talks of Taylor Hawkins’ son Shane, and Soundgarden/ex-Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Foo Fighters have locked in their new drummer, in the form of Nine Inch Nails‘ Ilan Rubin. This comes according to anonymous sources, though it is worth noting that neither the Foos nor Ilan have confirmed the news themselves.
Besides his work with Nine Inch Nails, Ilan Rubin had also recorded the drums for Paramore‘s 2013 self-titled album, and performed with Danny Elfman and more.
Meanwhile, Nine Inch Nails have seemingly confirmed Ilan Rubin’s departure from their line-up, and have shared an image of ex-Foos drummer Josh Freese with the caption “Let’s fucking GO”. This seemingly confirms that Freese will now step in as Nine Inch Nails’ new drummer.
Let’s fucking GO pic.twitter.com/8WDVJ0iPEi
— nine inch nails (@nineinchnails) July 30, 2025
Freese has yet to comment on his addition to Nine Inch Nails’ ranks. This will mark Freese’s second stint with Nine Inch Nails, as he had previously served as the band’s drummer between 2005 and 2008 – before he was ironically replaced by Ilan Rubin.
Following his shock firing from the Foos in May, Freese wrote that “the Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer’. No reason was given. Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.”
He later jokingly shared 10 possible reasons why he was “booted” from the band, including whistling “‘My Hero’ for a week solid on tour” and “starting every rehearsal with a 20 minute cowbell sound bath”.
In May, it was announced that the Foo Fighters will play their first show of 2025 at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. He also recently appeared on a new Ed Sheeran track titled ‘Drive‘ for the F1 soundtrack. The band also recently unveiled 2025 world tour dates in Indonesia and Japan, which you can find tickets for here.
Since then, they’ve shared a nifty cover of Minor Threat’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Hear It’, and in early July marked their 30th anniversary with a new single, ‘Today’s Song’. Grohl also thanked every former member of the band for their contributions throughout the years.
The comeback gigs in October will also mark the band’s first appearances together since Dave Grohl courted controversy last September when he revealed that he had fathered a daughter outside of his marriage.
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