Foo Fighters Introduce New Drummer After Former Member Joins Nine Inch Nails
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Ilan Rubin is set to take over drumming duties for Foo Fighters, as Josh Freese moves on to join Nine Inch Nails.
Foo Fighters Welcome Ilan Rubin as New Drummer, Josh Freese Rejoins Nine Inch Nails
Ilan Rubin has been selected to take over drumming duties for the Foo Fighters, replacing Josh Freese. The news, initially reported by The Hollywood Reporter and later confirmed by Variety on July 30, marks a significant lineup change for both Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails.
Freese, who had been drumming with the Foo Fighters since 2023 following the passing of Taylor Hawkins in 2022, is now rejoining Nine Inch Nails for their upcoming Peel It Back Tour. Nine Inch Nails appeared to confirm the switch by sharing a photo of Freese on Instagram with the caption, “let’s f—ing go.”
Freese, 52, had previously announced in May that his time with Foo Fighters had come to an end, explaining the band had “decided to go in a different direction” regarding their drummer. He originally played with Nine Inch Nails between 2005 and 2008, before stepping away to spend more time at home with his family. Reflecting on that decision in a recent Instagram post, Freese said leaving Nine Inch Nails was one of the hardest choices he had ever made, but family came first at the time. Freese and his wife, Nicole, have four children: Hunter, August, Olive, and Lu Lu.
Returning to Nine Inch Nails now, Freese expressed excitement about rejoining Trent Reznor and the band. “Being back on tour with Trent and the crew—helping them do what they do best night after night—is something I’m incredibly excited about,” he wrote.
Rubin, who served as Nine Inch Nails’ touring drummer for 16 years, will now be playing for the Foo Fighters. At age 32, he became the youngest person ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when Nine Inch Nails received the honor in 2020. His résumé also includes performances with Angels & Airwaves, Paramore, and Danny Elfman.
It remains unclear whether Rubin will be a permanent member of Foo Fighters or is joining solely as a touring musician. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a source indicated that Rubin informed Reznor of his departure and will not be participating in Nine Inch Nails’ North American tour, which begins August 6 in Oakland, California.