Foo Fighters hire Ilan Rubin as new drummer after firing Josh Freese

Foo Fighters hire Ilan Rubin as new drummer after firing Josh Freese

The Foo Fighters have reportedly found a new drummer.

Two months after parting ways with Josh Freese, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the “My Hero” rockers have tapped Ilan Rubin, 37, to take over on drums.

Rubin has worked as the touring drummer for Nine Inch Nails since 2009, and he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band back in 2020.

Ilan Rubin was reportedly hired by Foo Fighters as Josh Freese’s replacement. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
The rock band, with frontman Dave Grohl, fired Josh Freese in May. Boston Globe via Getty Images

He is also the drummer for Angels & Airwaves and Paramore, as well as previously working with famed composer, singer, and songwriter Danny Elfman.

Meanwhile, Freese – who was booted from the Foo Fighters in May after two years with the band – is reportedly joining Nine Inch Nails as their new drummer.

It is currently unclear if Rubin will serve as a full-time member of the Foo Fighters or just work as the “Everlong” group’s touring drummer.

Ilan Rubin reportedly told Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor he recently accepted a new job. Getty Images
IIan Rubin has been the touring drummer for Nine Inch Nails since 2009, and he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band back in 2020. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

However, he reportedly told Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor that he recently “accepted a job with another band,” per THR.

As for Nine Inch Nails, they posted a picture of Freese, 52, to their Instagram Story on Wednesday with the caption: “Let’s f—ing go.”

Fans of both rock bands rushed to Instagram following the surprising Rubin and Freese swap.

Meanwhile, Josh Freese is allegedly rejoining Nine Inch Nails as its drummer. Samir Hussein/WireImage
He previously drummed for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 through 2008. WireImage

“And Josh Freese back with NIN,” one person commented. “A win-win situation.”

“Swap,” wrote another. “Wonder if there’s any bad blood.”

“He’s a great drummer!” a third fan wrote about Rubin joining the Foo Fighters.

In May, Freese revealed the Foo Fighters decided “to go in a different direction with their drummer.” Getty Images for Harley-Davidson

Freese took to social media back in May to reveal that he and the Foo Fighters parted ways.

“The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer,’” Freese, who joined the band in 2023 after the sudden death of Taylor Hawkins, began. “No reason was given.”

“Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage,” he continued. “I support whatever they feel is best for the band.”

Ilan Rubin was indicted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Nine Inch Nails back in 2020. Getty Images for KROQ
Josh Freese joined the Foo Fighters in 2023 after the sudden death of Taylor Hawkins. Getty Images

Despite being shocked by Grohl and the “Big Me” band’s decision, Freese said that he wasn’t worried about finding work elsewhere.

“In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band,” he said. “So while I’m not angry – just a bit shocked and disappointed.”

“But as most of you know I’ve always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I’m fine,” Freese concluded. “Stay tuned for my ‘Top 10 reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters’ list.”

Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters performs at Roskilde Festival 2024. WireImage
The Foo Fighters’ beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins died unexpectedly in 2022. Getty Images for ABA

Freese previously drummed for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 through 2008, so his return will mark a reunion for “Hurt” rockers.

He also drummed for Guns N’ Roses and A Perfect Circle, and has been a member of the Vandals since 1989 and Devo since 1996.

Hawkins, the Foo Fighters’ longtime drummer and Grohl’s closest friend, was found dead in a Colombian hotel in March 2022 while touring with the band.

The band canceled their tour after Taylor Hawkins’ death. Getty Images
Sixteen-year-old Oliver Shane Hawkins performed “My Hero” at the London concert in memory of his father. Youtube

Despite it first being reported that he had overdosed, the late musician’s cause of death was cardiovascular collapse.

He was 50 years old.

Following his passing, the band canceled their tour to heal.

“It is with great sadness that Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates in light of the staggering loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins,” the Foo Fighters’ statement read. “We’re sorry for and share in the disappointment that we won’t be seeing one another as planned. Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, to heal, to pull our loved ones close, and to appreciate all the music and memories we’ve made together. With Love, Foo Fighters.”

The rock band held several tribute shows in honor of Hawkins’ life, including one where his son, Oliver Shane, who was 16 at the time, replaced his late dad on the drums to play with the iconic group.

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