Full Breakdown
Foo Fighters Drummer Ilan Rubin Faces Legal Battle Over Q Drum Co.
6/30/2026, 11:57:35 PM
The Dispute Over Q Drum Co. Ownership
A cross-complaint filed in San Bernardino Superior Court accuses Foo Fighters drummer Ilan Rubin of seizing control of the boutique drum manufacturer Q Drum Co. after the death of his business partner Jeremy Berman. The filing, submitted by Brandi Booth, executor and sole beneficiary of Berman’s estate, alleges that Rubin wrongfully took possession of company assets, manipulated financial records, and excluded Booth from management.
Background: Q Drum Co. and the Late Partner
Rubin and Berman co-founded Q Drum Co., a niche drum-making firm. Berman owned a 51 % stake in the company at the time of his death from stomach cancer in January 2023. Following his death, Booth inherited Berman’s ownership interest through the estate.
Key Figures
- Ilan Rubin – Drummer for the Foo Fighters and co-owner of Q Drum Co.
- Brandi Booth – Executor of Jeremy Berman’s estate and claimant to his 51 % ownership share.
- Jeremy Berman – Deceased co-founder of Q Drum Co., whose estate is central to the dispute.
- Roger Ko – Associate of Rubin mentioned in Booth’s complaint concerning a GoFundMe page.
Timeline of Litigation
- January 2023 – Jeremy Berman dies of stomach cancer.
- December 2024 – Initial lawsuit filed by Rubin seeking legal control of Q Drum Co.
- 2024 (recent filing) – Booth submits a cross-complaint in San Bernardino Superior Court outlining multiple allegations against Rubin.
Allegations and Legal Claims
Booth’s complaint lists several specific accusations:
- Sale of Q Drum Co. property without Booth’s consent or accounting.
- Unauthorized control of Berman’s email and financial accounts.
- Withholding of company books, records, and tax filings.
- Allowance of tax obligations and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to lapse.
- Procurement of federal trademark registrations tied to Q Drum assets without Booth’s knowledge.
- Seizure of a GoFundMe page created to support Berman’s family.
Booth seeks compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, and a jury trial, citing claims of “breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraud and civil conspiracy.”
Official Statements & Responses
Rubin has not issued a public comment on the dispute. Booth’s filing serves as the primary official statement from the estate, asserting her legal right to Berman’s 51 % share and detailing the alleged misconduct. Rubin’s earlier lawsuit, filed in December 2024, contended that he held rightful legal control of Q Drum Co., though the filing’s substantive arguments are not disclosed in the available documents.
Criticism & Opposition
Booth frames Rubin’s actions as a scheme to monopolize the company, alleging false and misleading statements about her authority and accusing him of violating fiduciary responsibilities. The complaint positions Booth’s claims as a direct challenge to Rubin’s management of the business.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No public response from Rubin leaves his perspective unverified.
- The court filings do not provide independent evidence confirming the alleged asset sales, trademark registrations, or GoFundMe control.
- Exact filing dates for Booth’s cross-complaint are described only as “recent,” limiting precise chronology.
- Details on the outcome of Rubin’s initial December 2024 lawsuit remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Booth’s cross-complaint requests that the case proceed to trial, with a jury trial specifically demanded. The dispute will continue to be litigated in San Bernardino Superior Court, where both parties must present evidence to substantiate their respective claims over ownership and control of Q Drum Co.
