Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 31, 2025 · Entertainment

Foo Fighters' Drummer Shuffle: Ilan Rubin Joins After Hawkins' Death and Freese's Firing

The Foo Fighters reportedly has a new drummer - Ilan Rubin; Dave Grohl and former drummer Josh Freese pictured last June

FOO FIGHTERS DRUMMER SHAKEN UP: Ilan Rubin Joins Band Amid Turmoil and Cheating Scandals

The iconic rock band Foo Fighters is making headlines once again, this time with a bombshell announcement that has left fans and insiders buzzing: Ilan Rubin, a talented drummer with an impressive resume, has reportedly joined the group. But what's behind this sudden shake-up?

According to The Hollywood Reporter (via The Scholarly Note), sources close to the band confirm that Ilan Rubin is indeed the new face behind the kit for Foo Fighters. However, both the band and Ilan have yet to officially confirm the news, leaving fans wondering whether he'll be a full-time addition or just touring with them.

Ilan, pictured performing with Angels and Airwaves in 2012, is said to be the newest drummer for Foo Fighters

This bombshell comes hot on the heels of Josh Freese's abrupt departure from the group after two years in May 2023. In an Instagram post, Freese revealed that Foo Fighters had let him go, citing "a different direction" for their drummer position. The news left many scratching their heads, especially considering Ilan Rubin has been working as a touring drummer for Nine Inch Nails since 2009!

But here's the juicy part: just days ago, sources confirmed to THR that Ilan told Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor he had accepted another job – hinting at his new gig with Foo Fighters. This move comes as a shock to fans, who know that Josh Freese has since joined Nine Inch Nails as their touring drummer!

The story doesn't end there. As we dug deeper into the drama surrounding Foo Fighters, it became clear that this band is going through some serious turmoil. Last September, lead singer Dave Grohl revealed he had fathered a child outside of his marriage to wife Jordyn Blum – sparking rumors of an impending divorce.

Freese announced he had been abruptly sacked from the band in May; pictured performing with The Vandals at Warped Tour last week

Jennifer Young, 38, confirmed to have given birth to Dave's daughter in August 2024, with her baby's last name listed as Grohl on the birth certificate. Sources close to the family claim that Dave is working tirelessly to mend his marriage and prioritize his family after being caught cheating.

But it gets even juicier: insiders reveal that Jordyn has known about the baby for a while now and is "a great mom" dedicated to their daughters, Violet (19), Harper (16), Ophelia (10), and the new addition. And get this – just last month, Dave and Jordyn were spotted together at Wimbledon with their family, sending fans into a frenzy!

Now, sources claim that the couple are trying to salvage their 22-year marriage through counseling and are "giving it another go." Talk about drama! As we await official confirmation on Ilan Rubin's role in Foo Fighters, one thing is certain: this band is never boring.

Freese was tipped to permanently replace the late Taylor Hawkins in the iconic rock band; Taylor pictured 2022

So what do you think? Will Ilan Rubin bring new energy to the band, or will he become the latest casualty of their internal struggles? Share your thoughts with us!

Related Stories:

  • Foo Fighters' drummer Josh Freese leaves band amid rumors of a "different direction"
  • Dave Grohl's secret love child sparks cheating scandal and marriage drama
  • Nine Inch Nails welcomes new touring drummer Josh Freese, who previously left Foo Fighters

Ilan's impressive resume includes a years-long gig touring with Nine Inch Nails and even being inducted into the Rock and Roll Rock Of Fame with the group; pictured 2020

Hawkins passed away at the age of 50 while the group was on tour in Bogota, Colombia, in March 2022

Interestingly, Freese has since joined Nine Inch Nails, the band Ilan has long played for, a rep confirmed to THR; Freese pictured back in 2024

However, Hawkins began experiencing chest pains while staying at the Four Seasons Casa Medina hotel and subsequently passed away on the evening of March 22; Grohl pictured with Hawkins in 2022

Meanwhile, Grohl was recently plunged into controversy after it emerged he had fathered a child outside of his marriage to Jordyn Blum; pictured 2019