Foo Fighters Hire Ilan Rubin as Drummer Ahead of Asia Tour

The Foo Fighters have enlisted Ilan Rubin as their new touring drummer, replacing Josh Freese who was fired in May 2025. Rubin, known for his long tenure with Nine Inch Nails since 2009 and his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with NIN in 2020, is joining Foo Fighters ahead of their October tour in Asia. In a unique swap, Freese, who had joined the Foo Fighters after Taylor Hawkins' death, is now taking Rubin's place as Nine Inch Nails' touring drummer. The Foo Fighters have not yet clarified if Rubin's role is permanent or solely for touring. Both bands have upcoming tours, with Foo Fighters playing in Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, while Nine Inch Nails continues their Peel It Back tour in the U.S. Fans and critics alike note the unusual drummer exchange between these iconic rock bands, highlighting the interconnected nature of their lineups.