In an unexpected twist, the Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails are swapping their touring drummers. Josh Freese, who was previously with the Foo Fighters, will be rejoining Nine Inch Nails, while Ilan Rubin will make the transition from working on Tron: Ares to touring for the Foo Fighters’ 30th Anniversary.
This surprising drummer exchange traces back to May, when the Foo Fighters parted ways with Freese. Coincidentally, that same month, Zak Starkey, known as Ringo’s son, was also let go from The Who—marking a peculiar time for drummers. Freese took to Instagram to share his feelings about the situation, stating, “In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band, 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.” His experience of band-hopping has now become a reality.
The Hollywood Reporter first revealed that Rubin would be replacing Freese while Freese is set to take over for Rubin. Rubin has been with Nine Inch Nails since 2009 and was part of the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Freese also has a history with Nine Inch Nails, playing with them from 2005 to 2008 before departing to focus on family. NIN confirmed Freese’s return with a spirited Instagram Story that encouraged, “let’s fucking go.”
Nine Inch Nails is gearing up to kick off their North American leg of the Peel it Back tour on August 6. Meanwhile, the Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform next on October 2 in Jakarta. During this transition period, the Foo Fighters celebrated their 30th anniversary by releasing a new song, featuring Grohl stepping in as drummer.
