Foo Fighters officially introduce their new drummer

Foo Fighters officially introduce Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, following Josh Freese's recent departure.

The Foo Fighters have officially named Ilan Rubin as their new drummer, unveiling him during a surprise concert at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California, on Sunday, September 14. The performance marked the band’s first live show of 2025 and Rubin’s official debut as part of the lineup.

Rubin, 37, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, joins frontman Dave Grohl and bandmates Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, and Rami Jaffee. During the show, Grohl formally introduced Rubin to fans, calling him “the most badass motherf---er” and declaring, “It’s official. You can stamp the passport.”

According to a press release, the intimate 900-seat venue saw fans camping out overnight for tickets, after the show was announced just one day in advance. The band treated attendees to a career-spanning setlist that included classics like “Everlong,” “Learn to Fly,” “Times Like These,” and “Monkey Wrench,” all featuring Rubin behind the drums.

The reveal followed a cryptic teaser from the band earlier this month. On September 4, the Foo Fighters posted on Instagram, urging fans to subscribe to their newsletter for “info you won’t want to miss,” which turned out to be tied to the surprise show and Rubin’s debut.

Rubin steps in following the departure of Josh Freese, who had joined the band in 2023 after the tragic death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. Freese, 52, shared in May 2025 that the band had decided to “go in a different direction,” and expressed gratitude for his two years with them.

Hawkins, who joined the Foo Fighters in 1997, was a beloved figure in the band until his sudden death at age 50. While the official cause was never disclosed, his passing left a profound impact on the band and fans worldwide.

Following the San Luis Obispo concert, the Foo Fighters are set to perform in Santa Ana, California, before heading overseas to Singapore, Japan, and Mexico for a series of international shows this fall.