Art often reflects life, and this year, the rock music scene seems to be echoing that sentiment as numerous drummers exit their bands, reminiscent of the iconic film Spinal Tap. The industry is experiencing a significant turnover, with an alarming number of musicians leaving their posts.

In 2025 alone, over a dozen prominent rock and metal bands have replaced their drummers. This situation includes long-serving members who have devoted decades to their bands, as well as those who had much shorter tenures. The transitions have varied widely, with some changes executed smoothly behind the scenes, while others have devolved into public disputes and controversy.

Stay tuned as we explore 11 notable rock bands that have parted ways with their drummers in 2025.

Foo Fighters Experience Drummer Transition

In May, Josh Freese publicly announced his departure from the Foo Fighters, almost precisely two years after he joined the iconic rock band. Despite expressing feelings of being “shocked and disappointed” by his dismissal, Freese quickly rebounded and revealed in late July that he had rejoined Nine Inch Nails, with whom he had toured from 2005 to 2008. This swift transition highlights the dynamic nature of the music industry and the adaptability of talented musicians.

Nine Inch Nails Welcomes Back a Familiar Face

The drummer changes at Nine Inch Nails and Foo Fighters turned out to be fortuitous for both parties. As Josh Freese returned to Trent Reznor’s ensemble, longtime Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin also announced that he had “accepted a job with another band,” which turned out to be the Foo Fighters. This swap not only reinvigorated both bands but also demonstrated the interconnected nature of the rock music community.

Guns N’ Roses Makes a Major Drummer Change

In March, Guns N’ Roses bid farewell to Frank Ferrer, who had been their drummer for an impressive 19 years, making him the longest-serving drummer in the band’s history. The iconic rock group expressed their gratitude, saying, “The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity, and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and they wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey.” Shortly after, GN’R announced their new drummer: Isaac Carpenter, who previously played with Duff McKagan’s band Loaded from 2009 to 2011 and has spent the last decade performing with the alternative rock band Awolnation.

READ MORE: Guns N’ Roses Launch 2025 World Tour: Set List and Video

The Who Faces Drummer Dilemmas

Poor Zak Starkey, the long-serving drummer for The Who and son of the legendary Ringo Starr, experienced an unusual turn of events when he was fired not once, but twice within a month. Initially, in April, The Who announced Starkey’s dismissal after an impressive 29-year tenure. However, they retracted that statement three days later, citing “communication issues.” Ultimately, in mid-May, Pete Townshend confirmed that Starkey had indeed been let go and that the band had enlisted Scott Devours, the drummer from Roger Daltrey’s solo project, to perform during what are anticipated to be the rock legends’ final shows.

Iron Maiden Welcomes New Talent

Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain made the difficult decision to retire from touring in December 2024, attributing his choice to ongoing challenges following a stroke he suffered in January 2023. Almost immediately, the heavy metal giants announced Simon Dawson as McBrain’s successor. Dawson previously played for 12 years in Steve Harris’ other band, British Lion. He is currently touring the world with Iron Maiden, while McBrain remains committed to the band, working on various projects and continuing to be involved with the Iron Maiden family.

READ MORE: Iron Maiden Plays First Show With New Drummer: Set List, Video

Oasis Selects New Drummer Amid Reunion Tour

Following the controversial ousting of Zak Starkey from The Who, fans speculated about a possible return for him to Oasis, where he had toured from 2004 to 2008. However, when the Gallagher brothers kicked off their reunion tour in July 2025, Starkey was absent from the drum kit, as was their previous touring drummer, Chris Sharrock, who has also played in Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and was part of Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye. Instead, the drumming duties for Oasis fell to Joey Waronker, whose impressive resume features collaborations with artists like Beck, R.E.M., Roger Waters, and a notable collaborative album in 2024 with Liam Gallagher and John Squire.

Bob Dylan Shifts Drummers for 2025 Tour

As Bob Dylan launched the 2025 leg of his critically acclaimed Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, he introduced a notable change in his band’s lineup. Veteran session drummer and longtime collaborator Jim Keltner was replaced by Anton Fig, who had previously performed on two of Dylan’s albums during the 1980s, namely Empire Burlesque and Knocked Out Loaded. Fig also boasts an extensive background, having supported renowned artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Joe Cocker, Kiss, Peter Frampton, and Mick Jagger. Additionally, he spent nearly 30 years performing with Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band, known for their role as the house band for David Letterman.

READ MORE: Bob Dylan Launches 2025 Tour in Tulsa: Set List

Primus Hosts Open Auditions for New Drummer

In a surprising turn of events, longtime Primus drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander announced his sudden departure from the band in October 2024, leaving fans in “complete shock.” In response to this unexpected change, Les Claypool and Larry “Ler” LaLonde seized the moment to host an open audition process to find their next drummer. Ultimately, this honor went to John “Hoffer” Hoffman, who hails from the Shreveport, Louisiana-based band Dirtfoot, known for their unique blend of “Gypsy Punk Country Grumble Boogie.” Hoffman made his live debut at the Tool in the Sand festival in March 2025, and by July, he shared with Pitch that there’s a “strong probability” of a new Primus album on the horizon.

Godsmack Announces Drummer Departure

In April 2025, former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin revealed that both he and guitarist Tony Rombola had exited the band the previous year due to their decision to “not tour anymore.” The band expressed their appreciation for both members’ “unique talents, creativity, and passion,” highlighting the “countless, unforgettable moments and heartfelt interactions with fans” they experienced throughout their time together. Meanwhile, Godsmack launched a European tour featuring fill-in drummer Will Hunt (of Evanescence) and Sam Bam Koltun (known for his work with Dorothy and Faster Pussycat) on guitar.

The New Pornographers Fire Drummer Following Arrest

In April, the acclaimed Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers made headlines when they terminated drummer Joe Seiders, who had been with the band since 2014, following his arrest for possession of child sexual abuse material. The band expressed their shock and devastation in a statement: “Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified, and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders. We have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.” The New Pornographers have yet to announce a replacement for Seiders, leaving fans eager for updates.

Black Flag Introduces Fresh Lineup for New Era

In an unexpected move, Black Flag’s founding guitarist and sole original member Greg Ginn unveiled a new lineup this year, featuring musicians born long after the legendary punk band made its debut in the ‘70s. Ginn is now joined by vocalist Max Zanelly, bassist David Rodriguez, and drummer Bryce Weston. In a press release, the band stated, “With a fresh lineup and renewed creative energy, Black Flag is gearing up for an exciting season of live shows and new music production.” The group has already commenced writing and rehearsing together, aiming to build on their signature sound while also embracing new influences brought in by their latest members.