Drum Swap: FOO FIGHTERS Bring In Ilan Rubin, NINE INCH NAILS Reunite With Josh Freese

In an unexpected shakeup, Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails appear to have traded drummers.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ilan Rubin has joined Foo Fighters, though it’s currently unclear whether he’s taking on a permanent role or simply stepping in as a touring member. The move comes just months after Josh Freese was dismissed from Foo Fighters this past May.

Ironically, Nine Inch Nails have now reportedly tapped Freese to return to their lineup in Rubin’s place.

Rubin is said to have informed Trent Reznor last week that he had “accepted a job with another band,” despite previously committing to Nine Inch Nails’ 2025 touring schedule.

The industrial legends recently resumed live performances this summer for the first time since 2022. Freese, who played with Nine Inch Nails from 2005 to 2008, has kept busy in 2025 with stints in A Perfect Circle and his long-running spot in The Vandals.

Neither band has issued a formal statement confirming the long-term status of the lineup changes.

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