Foo Fighters enlist new drummer Ilan Rubin to replace Josh Freese

The Foo Fighters have announced Nine Inch Nails’ touring member Ilan Rubin as their next drummer, following their parting with Josh Freese back in May, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In an unusual twist, Freese will be joining Nine Inch Nails on their Peel It Back Tour, as confirmed by THR and Variety. The band shared a picture of Freese in social media writing “let’s fucking GO.”

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

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

Rubin has served as Nine Inch Nails’ touring drummer since 2009, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2020, becoming the youngest-ever inductee at the time at 32 years old.

As per THR, Rubin had committed to Nine Inch Nails’ Peel It Back tour for the rest of the year, and informed frontman Trent Reznor that he had “accepted a job with another band.”

It is unclear whether his role will be permanent or just for touring, as the Foo Fighters will be playing in Jakarta, Singapore and Mexico City in October.

Freese announced that he had been fired from Foo Fighters back in May, after filling in for Taylor Hawkins following his death for the past few years.

Earlier this month, the Foo Fighters celebrated their 30th anniversary and released ‘Today’s Song’, their first new music in two years.

Dave Grohl had also shared an audio statement where he acknowledged Freese’s exit for the first time.

“Over the years, we’ve had moments of unbridled joy and moments of devastating heartbreak,” Grohl said. “It should go without saying that without the boundless energy of William Goldsmith, the seasoned wisdom of Franz Stahl, and the thunderous wizardry of Josh Freese, this story would be incomplete, so we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the time, music, and memories that we shared with each of them over the years. Thank you, gentlemen.”