The Foo Fighters debuted their new drummer during a surprise show in San Luis Obispo, California, after parting way with Josh Freese earlier this year — and he’s already a Hall of Fame rocker.
“Everybody else has said it,” frontman Dave Grohl said during the sold-out show, according to Rolling Stone. “I finally get the opportunity to say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome…’ The most badass motherf—er, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters right now. It’s official. You can stamp the passport.”
Rubin took to his own social media page following the show to share the news.
“Last night with @foofighters could not have been a better time. After keeping my head down for a couple wild months and throwing myself into the material, that first show was such an incredible release of energy,” he wrote. “I’ve been taken aback by all the positivity and support, and I just wanted to say thanks! Excited for all the volume and sweat that lies ahead.”
Who Is Ilan Rubin?
Ilan Rubin is a California native best known for playing the drums for bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Lostprophets, Angels & Airwaves and Danny Elfman, before joining the Foo Fighters in 2025.
During his stint with Nine Inch Nails, Rubin became the youngest living inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s history in 2020.
In 2025, Rubin announced he would be leaving NIN in order to join the Foo Fighters.
What Happened to Josh Freese?
Josh Freese joined Foo Fighters as their lead drummer after the death of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. Freese was ultimately fired from Foo Fighters after two years with the band.
“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided to ‘go in a different direction with the drummer,'” Freese announced via social media in May, adding that “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. In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, so while I’m not angry — just a bit shocked and disappointed,” he continued. “But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine.”
In an ironic twist of events, Freese went on to join Nine Inch Nails, filling the vacant spot left by Ilan Rubin.
