5 Shocking Facts About Ilan Rubin: The New Drummer Who Replaced Josh Freese In Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters’ drum throne has seen an unprecedented amount of change and speculation since the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins, and as of late 2025, the band has made another seismic shift. The veteran rock act, led by Dave Grohl, has officially welcomed a new powerhouse behind the kit: the multi-talented Ilan Rubin. This announcement comes after a surprising and much-discussed parting of ways with previous drummer, the legendary session musician Josh Freese, making Rubin the band’s third drummer since 2022. This deep dive uncovers the full story, the stunning "drummer swap," and the incredible career of the man tasked with driving one of the world's biggest rock bands into its next era.

The news, which became official in mid-2025, saw the Foo Fighters bring in one of the most respected and youngest veterans in the industry. Rubin’s arrival marks a fresh chapter, bringing a new energy and a staggering musical pedigree that spans two decades, all before the age of 40. His first performances with the band have already cemented his place, proving that the Foo Fighters’ relentless rhythm section is in more than capable hands.

Ilan Rubin: Complete Biography and Musical Profile

Ilan Samuel Rubin is not just a drummer; he is a complete musical entity—a multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and composer. His career trajectory is unique, marked by an early start and a rapid ascent to the top tier of rock music.

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• Full Name: Ilan Samuel Rubin
• Born: July 7, 1988 (Age 37 as of December 2025)
• Hometown: San Diego, California, USA
• Primary Instruments: Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Vocals
• Notable Bands/Projects: Foo Fighters (2025–Present), Nine Inch Nails (2009–2025), Angels & Airwaves, Lostprophets, Paramore, The New Regime (Solo Project)
• Major Career Milestone: Youngest person ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (at age 32, with Nine Inch Nails in 2020).
• Early Career: Began touring and recording at the age of nine, playing drums for the San Diego band F.o.N., and later performing on the Warped Tour.

Rubin's ability to seamlessly transition between instruments and genres is what truly sets him apart. His solo project, The New Regime, is a testament to his comprehensive musicianship, where he writes, records, and performs every instrument himself. This deep understanding of songwriting and arrangement offers a different dimension to the Foo Fighters’ sound compared to his predecessors.

The Shocking May 2025 Departure of Josh Freese

For two years, the rock world had celebrated the addition of Josh Freese to the Foo Fighters lineup. Freese, a legendary session drummer who had played with everyone from A Perfect Circle and Guns N’ Roses to The Vandals, was seen as the perfect choice to honor the legacy of Taylor Hawkins. He officially debuted with the band in May 2023 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH, and his tenure was widely praised by fans and critics alike.

However, in a surprising turn of events in May 2025, the band and Freese parted ways. Multiple reports indicated that Freese was "fired" or had abruptly left the band, a move that sent shockwaves through the rock community.

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While the exact reasons for the split remain a subject of intense speculation—with Freese himself commenting that he had "a couple of theories"—the timing was immediate and led directly to the announcement of his replacement.

This rapid change underscores the immense pressure and unique demands of the Foo Fighters’ drum role, a position that requires not just technical skill, but a deep personal chemistry with Dave Grohl, the band's founder and original drummer, and the rest of the core members: Nate Mendel (bass), Chris Shiflett (guitar), and Pat Smear (guitar).

The Unprecedented "Drummer Swap" with Nine Inch Nails

The most fascinating element of this lineup change is the nature of the transition, which has been widely described as a "drummer swap" between the Foo Fighters and fellow rock titans, Nine Inch Nails (NIN).

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Here is how the exchange unfolded:

1. Ilan Rubin had been the long-time drummer for Nine Inch Nails, a position he held from 2009 to 2025, working closely with Trent Reznor.
2. Following his departure from the Foo Fighters in May 2025, Josh Freese returned to the Nine Inch Nails camp to fill the drumming role for their upcoming tour dates.
3. Almost simultaneously, Ilan Rubin officially joined the Foo Fighters, making it a direct, albeit unofficial, exchange of two world-class drummers between two of the most influential rock bands of the last three decades.

This highly unusual trade highlights the tight-knit community of elite rock musicians and the mutual respect among the bands. The move ensures that both the Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails maintain a high caliber of live performance, even while navigating major personnel changes.

From Prodigy to Rock Hall: Ilan Rubin’s Stellar Career Entities

Rubin’s resume is arguably one of the most impressive in modern rock, giving him the topical authority needed to step into this high-pressure role. His career is a masterclass in versatility and sustained excellence:

• Nine Inch Nails (NIN): Rubin’s work with Trent Reznor is legendary. He was the primary drummer for NIN for over 15 years, contributing to albums and tours that solidified his reputation as a dynamic and technically proficient percussionist.
• Angels & Airwaves (AVA): He was a key member of Tom DeLonge's post-Blink-182 project, Angels & Airwaves, joining in 2011 and showcasing his skills not just on drums, but also contributing to the band's ambitious sound.
• The New Regime: This is Rubin's solo vehicle, where he demonstrates his full range as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, bass, and piano in addition to drums.
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: His 2020 induction with Nine Inch Nails made him the youngest inductee in the history of the Hall, a monumental achievement that speaks to his enduring impact on music.
• Session Work: Beyond his main bands, Rubin has contributed his drumming talents to a diverse array of artists, including Paramore, Lostprophets, and the film score work of composer Danny Elfman.

His deep background and proven ability to handle complex, high-energy rock drumming make him a natural fit for the Foo Fighters’ stadium-shaking sound, reassuring fans that the band's current 2025 tour dates and future music are in excellent hands.

The Future of Foo Fighters: A New Era of Rhythm

Ilan Rubin’s arrival signifies more than just a personnel change; it represents the beginning of a new creative era for the Foo Fighters. The band has had to navigate the immense emotional and musical void left by Taylor Hawkins, and the decision to move on from Josh Freese suggests a commitment to finding a long-term, permanent musical partner.

Rubin, being a younger musician with a producer’s ear and multi-instrumental capabilities, may influence the band’s songwriting process in ways that Freese, primarily a session drummer, did not. His first public statements expressed excitement and gratitude, acknowledging the gravity of the role while looking forward to the future.

As the Foo Fighters continue their extensive global touring schedule in late 2025 and beyond, all eyes will be on Rubin’s dynamic performance. The transition has been swift and surprising, but the band’s choice of a drummer with such a profound and diverse musical history ensures that the Foo Fighters will maintain their status as a premier live rock act for years to come.