The Foo Fighters have made headlines recently by selecting a new drummer to join their iconic rock band lineup. In an intriguing twist, Nine Inch Nails has also undergone a similar transition in their drumming department, creating a buzz in the music world.

Fans of the Foo Fighters need not worry about the departure of longtime drummer Josh Freese, as he is set to reunite with Trent Reznor in Nine Inch Nails. This unexpected switch has essentially created a drummer exchange between the two renowned bands.

According to a report from Deadline, the talented drummer Ilan Rubin, who has been with Nine Inch Nails for years, will be stepping in as the new drummer for the Foo Fighters. Meanwhile, Freese will be returning to his previous role in Reznor’s band, where he performed as a touring member from 2005 to 2008.

The report highlights that Rubin had previously committed to Nine Inch Nails for their upcoming U.S. tour, which kicks off on August 6 in Oakland. However, he recently informed Reznor that he had accepted a position with another band, leading to this transition.

It’s worth noting that Rubin took over for Freese after the latter stepped back from touring to focus on spending quality time with his young children. In 2020, Rubin made history by becoming the youngest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at just 32, following his induction with the rest of NIN.

While the Foo Fighters have yet to officially confirm Deadline’s report, Nine Inch Nails appears to have welcomed Freese back with an enthusiastic post on Instagram. The post featured a captivating photo of the drummer along with the phrase, “Let’s fucking go,” indicating excitement for his return.

Understanding the Reasons Behind Josh Freese’s Departure from the Foo Fighters

In May, it became public knowledge that Josh Freese had been let go from the Foo Fighters after an impactful two-year tenure following the tragic passing of Taylor Hawkins. This decision stirred discussions among fans and industry insiders alike.

In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Freese revealed, “The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer.’ No reason was given.” He expressed gratitude for his time spent with the band, stating, “Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band.”

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The Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform their first concert of 2025 on October 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia. While Dave Grohl has made appearances alongside the remaining members of Nirvana, this performance will mark the band’s first public concert since August 2024, making it a highly anticipated event for fans.