In a move that feels scripted for rock‑history books, Ilan Rubin has officially taken over as the Foo Fighters’ new drummer, replacing longtime fill‑in Josh Freese, who is now rejoining Nine Inch Nails. This marks a nearly perfect reversal of roles—Rubin had originally replaced Freese in NIN back in 2009.
Why the Swap?
- Josh Freese joined the Foo Fighters in 2023 to replace the late Taylor Hawkins but was let go in May 2025. The band told him they were “going in a different direction with their drummer,” without elaborating. While Freese admitted to feeling “a bit shocked and disappointed,” he also expressed gratitude for his Foos experience and maintained support for the band’s decision.
- Ilan Rubin, whose résumé includes a 16‑year stint as Nine Inch Nails’ touring drummer since 2009, is widely acknowledged as one of modern rock’s most technically gifted drummers. He made history in 2020 as the youngest person ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of NIN.
Rubin’s entry into Foo Fighters injects fresh intensity at a pivotal moment: the band is launching its highly anticipated 30th‑anniversary global tour in October 2025, starting in Jakarta and continuing in Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, and Mexico City.
Meanwhile, Freese heads back to NIN in time for their “Peel It Back” North American tour beginning August 6 in Oakland. NIN’s Instagram—featuring Freese tagged alongside a simple but potent caption, “Let’s fucking go”—effectively confirmed his return.
Credentials & Fan Response
- Ilan Rubin’s multi‑band experience—Paramore, Angels & Airwaves, Danny Elfman—paired with his long tenure and live virtuosity with NIN, positions him as one of the most versatile drummers in contemporary rock.
- Josh Freese, known for his powerhouse, high‑impact style, earned praise from Foos fans and Reddit communities for transforming the Fiighters’ live energy since his 2023 entry. Described as “insanely hard,” his drumming was often compared to an earthquake in intensity.
This swap feels like the rock‑world version of an epic sports trade—a true full‑circle moment. Fans have likened it to a draft pick reversal: Rubin stepping into Freese’s old NIN gig in 2009, and now Freese doing the same in reverse.
What Comes Next?
- It’s not yet confirmed whether Rubin will become a full-time Foos member or remain a touring drummer. Similarly, Freese’s status within Nine Inch Nails—permanent or tour‑only—isn’t fully clarified.
- The Foo Fighters’ October tour, featuring Rubin behind the kit, marks a new chapter. It gives the band renewed momentum after their recent single “Today’s Song,” which was also released amid their 30-year milestone.
This swap underscores the flexible, interconnected nature of high-level rock careers: Rubin and Freese have essentially traded roles across two iconic bands. At stake is nothing less than the redefinition of Foo Fighters’ rhythm section as they move forward without Hawkins, and NIN’s live pulse as they welcome back a familiar face.
Whatever the official titles, fans are excited: Ilan Rubin’s precision and musical versatility may usher in a new era for Foo Fighters, while Josh Freese’s return to NIN promises to reignite a chemistry that’s been waiting 16 years to be revisited.
