Ilan Rubin, the new drummer for Foo Fighters, has spoken out after playing his first show with the band, replacing Josh Freese in the line-up.
The band returned for their first show since 2024 over the weekend (September 14), taking to the stage for an intimate gig at the 900-capacity Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California.
Not only did it mark their first show of the year, it was also their first since enlisting Ilan Rubin in the line-up – with him taking over the role of drummer from Josh Freese.
After keeping a relatively low profile lately, Rubin took to Instagram after the show, and spoke out about what it was like to join Dave Grohl and co. live for the first time and the response he has seen from fans.
Last night with @foofighters could not have been a better time,” he wrote, sharing a carousel of images from the gig. “After keeping my head down for a couple wild months and throwing myself into the material, that first show was such an incredible release of energy.
“I’ve been taken aback by all the positivity and support, and I just wanted to say thanks! Excited for all the volume and sweat that lies ahead.”
Josh Freese – who has previously played for Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Devo and more – stepped in as a touring drummer back in 2023 following the death of Taylor Hawkins, and played with the band for their 2024 tour.
The sticksman later announced that he had departed the Foos after they “decided to go in a different direction with their drummer”, and added that he was caught off-guard by the move and left “shocked”.
Dave Grohl officially confirmed Rubin’s place in the band at the latest show, telling the crowd: “Everybody else has said it, I finally get the opportunity to say, ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome, the most badass motherfucker, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters. It’s official.”
Rubin left Nine Inch Nails to join Foo Fighters, and the two drummers have officially swapped places now – with Freese joining Trent Reznor and co. for the remainder of NIN’s huge ‘Peel It Back’ world tour dates.
Josh Freese later addressed his exit from Foo Fighters, saying the band’s music wasn’t something that he “really resonated with”.
As for Dave Grohl and co., the band have seemingly started rolling out their next era, posting a shot of the members standing together in a circle along with the caption. “Foo Fighters Assemble!!!”
They then hinted at an imminent announcement, writing: “Make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter for info you won’t want to miss… just sayin’…” Sign up here.
The band’s latest album, ‘But Here We Are’, was released in 2023. It marked their first material since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins the previous year. Since then, this July saw the band celebrate their 30th anniversary by sharing a new single called ‘Today’s Song’.
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