Ilan Rubin Debuts as Foo Fighters' New Drummer

Ilan Rubin made his live debut as the new drummer for the Foo Fighters on September 13, 2025, during a surprise show at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California. This performance marked the band's first live gig in over a year and came after the departure of Josh Freese, who had filled the role for two years following the death of Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Freese announced his exit from the band in May 2025, stating that the Foo Fighters had decided to "go in a different direction" with their drummer.

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Following the concert, Rubin expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating, “Last night with @foofighters could not have been a better time. 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.” He also thanked fans for their "positivity and support," indicating his eagerness for future performances.

New Foo Fighters Drummer Ilan Rubin Shares His Excitement After First Show With Band

The Foo Fighters played a 25-song set that included classic hits and deep cuts, such as "Have It All," which had not been performed live since 2015. The show was characterized by its intimate setting, with a capacity of just 900 attendees, contrasting with the larger venues the band typically plays. Frontman Dave Grohl officially welcomed Rubin to the band during the performance, calling him “the most badass motherf**ker” and confirming his new role.

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Josh Freese, who had previously drummed for bands like Guns N' Roses and Nine Inch Nails, reflected on his time with the Foo Fighters after his dismissal. He noted that the decision to part ways was unexpected and attributed it to management issues rather than personal performance. Freese has since returned to Nine Inch Nails, where he had previously played from 2005 to 2008.

NME | New Musical Express

Following the San Luis Obispo concert, the Foo Fighters announced another surprise show at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, on September 15, 2025. The band is set to embark on a tour beginning October 2, 2025, with dates in Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and Mexico City. Their latest album, "But Here We Are," released in 2023, marked their first material since Hawkins' death and was celebrated during their 30th anniversary earlier this year.

BillboardNew Foo Fighters Drummer Ilan Rubin Shares His Excitement After First Show With BandPopCrushNME | New Musical ExpressNew Foo Fighters drummer Ilan Rubin speaks out after first show replacing Josh Freese

Dave Grohl's introduction of Rubin during the concert highlighted the band's enthusiasm for their new lineup. Grohl's statement emphasized the excitement surrounding Rubin's addition, while Rubin's social media posts reflected gratitude for the support he received from fans and the band.

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While the transition has been met with enthusiasm from fans and the band, Freese's comments suggest some underlying tensions regarding management decisions. He expressed that the music of the Foo Fighters did not resonate with him personally, indicating a potential disconnect that may have influenced his departure.

New Foo Fighters’ Drummer Ilan Rubin Speaks Out After First Show with Band—and He’s Thrilled

The Foo Fighters are poised to continue their tour and possibly unveil new material in the near future, as hinted by their social media activity. The band appears to be entering a new era with Rubin, who is expected to contribute significantly to their upcoming performances and recordings.

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