Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails: A Drummer Trade

The Foo Fighters have reportedly selected a new drummer, and in an interesting twist, Nine Inch Nails has made a similar move. This unexpected exchange has taken the rock world by storm, as the two bands essentially traded drummers.

The Drummer Switch

According to reports from Deadline, Nine Inch Nails’ longtime drummer Ilan Rubin will be joining the Foo Fighters, while Josh Freese, who recently departed from the Foo Fighters, will make his return to Trent Reznor’s band. Freese originally played with Nine Inch Nails as a touring member from 2005 to 2008.

The report further reveals that Rubin had committed to perform with Nine Inch Nails through the end of this year, with their American tour kicking off on August 6 in Oakland. However, he informed Reznor last week that he had accepted a position with another band, leading to this swap.

Background on the Drummers

Ilian Rubin stepped into the role of drummer for Nine Inch Nails after Freese left to spend more time with his young children. Notably, in 2020, Rubin became the youngest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at just 32 years old, following his induction with NIN.

While the Foo Fighters have not officially confirmed the report from Deadline, Nine Inch Nails appeared to celebrate Freese’s return with an Instagram story featuring a photo of him along with the message, “Lets fucking go.”

A Year of Drummer Changes

This drummer swap continues a notable trend in the rock music scene in 2025, as the Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails join a list of bands—including The Who, Primus, Oasis, and Guns N’ Roses—who have switched drummers this year.

Josh Freese’s Departure from Foo Fighters

In May, it was disclosed that Freese was let go from the Foo Fighters after two years of performing with them following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins. In a statement shared on social media, Freese explained, “The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given. Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.”

Looking Ahead

The Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform their first show of 2025 on October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Although Dave Grohl has made appearances with the remaining members of Nirvana, this performance will mark the Foo Fighters’ first public concert since August 2024.

Conclusion

The recent drummer exchange between Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails marks an exciting chapter for both bands as they navigate the evolving landscape of rock music. With each band welcoming a new rhythm, fans are eager to see how these changes will influence their sound and performances in the future.

FAQs

Why did Josh Freese leave Foo Fighters?

Josh Freese was let go from the Foo Fighters after two years, as the band decided to go in a different direction with their drummer.

Who is the new drummer for Foo Fighters?

The new drummer for Foo Fighters is Ilan Rubin, who previously played with Nine Inch Nails.

What happened to Ilan Rubin in Nine Inch Nails?

Ilan Rubin informed Trent Reznor that he had accepted a position with another band, leading to his move to Foo Fighters.

When is Foo Fighters’ first concert of 2025?

Foo Fighters will perform their first concert of 2025 on October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Is this a common trend in rock music?

Yes, the exchange of drummers among bands has been a notable trend in 2025, with several prominent bands making similar changes.