Foo Fighters begins new era with Ilan Rubin behind the drums

Foo Fighters performed for the very first time with new drummer Ilan Rubin after parting ways with Josh Freese.

On Saturday night, September 13, Foos took the stage in the 900-capacity Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California.

Rubin, who has previously performed with Nine Inch Nails, joined the band this summer after Freese’s exit, who stepped in following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022.

During the group's first show of 2025, Dave Grohl introduced the new member.

"I finally get the opportunity to say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome…’ The most bada** motherf*****, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters right now," the frontman shouted into the mic. "It’s official. You can stamp the passport."

Over the weekend, Foo Fighter treated the crowd with a rendition of 25 songs, including hits like Everlong and Learn to Fly, and a handful of tracks that haven’t been played live in several years.

The band announced their surprise Saturday performance just one day in advance before lighting up the stage. Additionally, The band announced that they will be playing a second show with Rubin on Sunday, September 15, at the Observatory in Santa Ana, California.

The band has moved on with a new prolific drummer after firing Josh Freese.

Robin boasts an impressive resume with credentials like playing drums for Angels & Airwaves and working with film composer and singer/songwriter Danny Elfman.