After Taylor Hawkins’s tragic death in March 2022, which left the Foo Fighters without their beloved longtime drummer, the band navigated an uncertain path forward. For the recording of their 2023 album But Here We Are, frontman Dave Grohl himself handled all drum duties, imprinting the record with both emotional weight and creative resolve.
Shortly after that, Josh Freese was introduced as the band’s drummer during a livestreamed event dubbed “Preparing Music For Concerts.” A veteran session and touring musician, Freese’s resume spans decades—from Devo to Nine Inch Nails to Guns N’ Roses—making him a natural fit. Freese joined the Foo Fighters in May 2023, marking the band’s return to touring post‑Hawkins.
His arrival was welcomed by fans and critics alike. One Redditor notably commented:
“He is doing very well… It is insanely hard to fill Hawkins’ shoes, and yet Freese can stop an audience in its tracks with his drumming.”
Another observer praised his blend of brilliance and humility:
“Honestly don’t think they could’ve chosen better… giving them the extra flexibility to continue honouring Taylor’s legacy.”
However, after two years with the band, Freese announced in May 2025 that he had been let go—told the band was simply “going in a different direction with their drummer.” He expressed surprise and disappointment but reiterated his freelance spirit.
In July 2025, reports confirmed that Ilan Rubin—best known for his 16‑year tenure as drummer for Nine Inch Nails and his work with Angels & Airwaves—would take over drumming duties for the Foo Fighters. Rubin brings a prolific background: he was the youngest inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of Nine Inch Nails.
Officially, he’s listed as a session/touring musician with the band effective 2025, although whether he’ll become a permanent member remains unconfirmed. His inaugural tour with the Foo Fighters is set to begin in October 2025, starting in Jakarta and extending through Asia.
This transition marks not only a seismic shift after Hawkins’s death but also the end of the Freese era and the beginning of a new chapter with Rubin—one that promises renewed energy and a wealth of rhythmic prowess.
