The Foo Fighters have made headlines by officially selecting a new drummer, while in a surprising twist, Nine Inch Nails has also announced their own drummer change. This exciting development marks a notable moment in the rock music scene, with both bands making significant lineup adjustments.

There’s no cause for concern regarding the outgoing drummer Josh Freese from the Foo Fighters. In fact, Freese is making a triumphant return to his previous position with Trent Reznor in Nine Inch Nails, effectively resulting in a drummer exchange between these two iconic groups.

According to a report from Deadline, longtime NIN drummer Ilan Rubin is set to join the Foo Fighters, while Freese will rejoin Reznor’s band, where he previously toured from 2005 to 2008. This transition highlights the dynamic nature of the rock genre and showcases the interconnectedness of these talented musicians.

The article mentions that Rubin had already committed to performing with Nine Inch Nails throughout the year, with their American tour commencing on August 6 in Oakland. However, he recently informed Reznor that he had accepted a new opportunity with another band, causing this shift in the lineup.

Rubin originally joined NIN to replace Freese when the latter stepped away to focus on his young family. In 2020, Rubin achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at just 32, alongside the rest of NIN.

While the Foo Fighters have yet to officially confirm Deadline‘s report, Nine Inch Nails seems to be celebrating Freese’s return with an enthusiastic post on Instagram, showcasing a photo of the drummer accompanied by the phrase “Let’s fucking go.” This excitement reflects the camaraderie and passion present in the rock community.

This drummer exchange is part of a larger trend observed in 2025, where several prominent rock bands, including The Who, Primus, Oasis, and Guns N’ Roses, have made similar lineup changes, showcasing the evolving landscape of rock music.

Understanding the Reasons Behind Foo Fighters’ Decision to Part Ways with Josh Freese

In May, it was disclosed that Josh Freese was let go from the Foo Fighters after two years of collaboration following the passing of Taylor Hawkins. This significant change raised questions among fans and industry insiders alike.

Freese shared his thoughts on this decision through a statement on social media, expressing that the Foo Fighters contacted him on a Monday evening to inform him of their choice to “go in a different direction with their drummer.” No specific reasons were provided, but Freese conveyed his appreciation for the past two years he spent with the band, both onstage and off. He expressed his support for whatever path the band feels is best moving forward.

READ MORE: Underrated Foo Fighters: The Most Overlooked Song From Each Album

As the Foo Fighters gear up for their first show of 2025 scheduled for October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia, it marks a significant moment as it will be the first public concert since August 2024. Although Dave Grohl has performed with other remaining members of Nirvana, this event will be a notable return to the stage for the Foo Fighters.