Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails Pull Off Surprise Drummer Swap: Josh Freese Out, Ilan Rubin In

In a rare and unexpected move that has the rock world buzzing, two of the genre’s most iconic bands—Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails—have essentially traded drummers. Multiple outlets report that Ilan Rubin, longtime touring member of Nine Inch Nails and the youngest-ever Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has been tapped to join Foo Fighters as their new drummer. This marks a major shift for the band just months before their October tour dates across Jakarta, Singapore, and Mexico City.

The shake-up comes following Foo Fighters’ quiet departure from Josh Freese, who had been filling in for the late Taylor Hawkins since 2023. In May, Josh Freese revealed via social media that he had been let go from the band without explanation.

“In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band,” Josh Freese shared. “So while I’m not angry — I’m shocked and disappointed.” Despite the sudden move, he expressed support for Foo Fighters’ decision and humorously teased fans with a list of “Top 10 reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters.”

But the story didn’t end there.

In a rock-and-roll plot twist, Nine Inch Nails swiftly announced Josh Freese would be rejoining their ranks for the upcoming “Peel It Back” tour, effectively taking Ilan Rubin’s vacated seat. The band confirmed the lineup change on social media with a pumped-up post reading, “Let’s f—ing go,” alongside Josh Freese’s photo.

For fans, the switch is both nostalgic and poetic. Josh Freese previously drummed for Nine Inch Nails from 2005 to 2008 before leaving to pursue other opportunities. Now, 17 years later, he returns in a full-circle moment as Ilan Rubin embarks on his next chapter with Foo Fighters.

Ilan Rubin’s career has been equally prolific. Aside from his 15-year tenure with Nine Inch Nails, the versatile drummer has played with Angels & Airwaves, Paramore, and contributed to a number of major rock projects. His work earned him the historic title of the youngest musician ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

Though Foo Fighters have not clarified whether Ilan Rubin’s role is permanent or for touring only, the move hints at a significant lineup evolution following the band’s efforts to heal and move forward after Taylor Hawkins’ tragic passing.

Josh Freese, meanwhile, is showing no signs of slowing down. With a resume that includes Devo, Guns N’ Roses, Sting, Weezer, and even 100 gecs, the drummer remains one of the most in-demand musicians in the industry.

Fans on both sides of the swap are buzzing over what this means for upcoming tours and future recordings. One thing’s for sure—this high-profile drummer switch has cemented 2025 as one of the most unpredictable years in modern rock history.