Foo Fighters Recruit Ilan Rubin as Drummer Amid Lineup Changes

Foo Fighters have enlisted Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. The move marks another significant lineup shift for the band following the departure of Josh Freese earlier this year.

It remains unclear whether Rubin is joining as a permanent member or in a touring capacity. Rubin, 36, is widely recognized for his long-standing work with Nine Inch Nails, where he has served as touring drummer since 2009. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the band in 2020, becoming the youngest inductee at the time.

According to the report, Rubin had been committed to Nine Inch Nails through the end of 2025 but informed frontman Trent Reznor last week that he had “accepted a job with another band.”

In addition to his tenure with Nine Inch Nails, Rubin also performs as drummer for Angels & Airwaves and has released solo material under the moniker The New Regime.

Rubin’s appointment follows the recent exit of Josh Freese, who joined Foo Fighters in 2023 as the successor to the late Taylor Hawkins. Hawkins died unexpectedly in 2022 while on tour in Colombia.

In a related development, Freese is returning to Nine Inch Nails, a representative for the band confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. The group also acknowledged the news on social media, posting a photo of Freese with the caption, “Let’s f**king go.”

Foo Fighters have not yet commented publicly on Rubin’s role or the future of their lineup.