Foo Fighters Have Found Their New Drummer Ilan Rubin Months After Firing Josh Freese

Foo Fighters will be enlisting Illan Rubin as their touring drummer, months after firing Josh Freese.

2025 continues to be a messy year for the Foo Fighters. Rather than fighting foo, the band has been jumping from one news story to the next.

Today, the Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Foo Fighters have officially hired Ilan Rubin to replace Josh Freese as their touring drummer. Rubin has an impressive list of credits behind him, having been Nine Inch Nails‘ touring drummer since 2009 and played on Paramore‘s self-titled album in 2012.

Currently, it’s unclear whether Rubin’s role will be permanent or just for the Foo Fighters’ upcoming October tour. Freese had joined the band in May 2023, the same month they released their eleventh LP, But Here We Are. Dave Grohl had recorded drums for the album, with no input from Freese.

With a new Foo Fighters LP on the way, it’s possible Rubin will only be a touring member for the next album’s upcoming tour cycle.

Now, who’s filling in for Rubin, given his departure from Nine Inch Nails? Well, you’re not going to believe this.

In a strange series of events, Nine Inch Nails has also announced that Freese will be joining the band as their touring drummer, replacing Rubin. Freese was previously the drummer for the band from 2005 to 2008. Rubin would then fill Freese’s position in the rock band from then on, even joining the band as they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Which, fun fact, made Rubin the youngest member to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame (at the age of 32).

Nine Inch Nails confirmed Freese’s return today via a post on X.

Let’s fucking GO pic.twitter.com/8WDVJ0iPEi

— nine inch nails (@nineinchnails) July 30, 2025

Freese was previously caught off guard by the announcement of his departure, taking to social media to vent his feelings.

“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 wrote. “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. But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine. Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”

It’s good to see him back on his feet and already landing in such an iconic band. You can be sure fans are going to be picking apart what each drummer brings to the table, and as a fellow drummer, I’m eager to watch every breakdown.