Former Nine Inch Nails drummer and current Foo Fighters drummer Ilan Rubin recently discussed his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Nine Inch Nails. He explained his perspective on the honor in an interview with Go with Elmo Lovano.
Rubin addressed his feelings about the prestigious recognition. He emphasized his gratitude while acknowledging the different levels of pride between himself and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor.
When asked about processing his 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction while being in the middle of his career, Rubin provided a thoughtful response.
“My honest answer is it’s an honor to have it. I’m thankful and grateful to have it because I know that Trent made the decision to have a few of the guys inducted alongside him,” Rubin said.
The drummer went on to explain his perspective on his role in Nine Inch Nails’ success.
“But I don’t have I can’t have the same level of pride that he would have because Nine Nails is him. That’s his baby. He started it. He sustained it. He grew it to the point to where he is in the Hall of Fame. I was just um lucky to be a part of it for as long as I was to be given that opportunity and to stretch it out for so long. And it is an honor,” he continued.
Rubin described his relationship with the physical trophy and what it represents to him personally.
“You know, when I see that trophy at home, that’s really nice. But I don’t look at it and think, ‘Yeah, I did that.’ Because I didn’t, you know, I played drums alongside or behind the guy who did that and I’m happy about it. But he must have a different level of pride where he’s like, I am being awarded for my life’s work in a way, his creation, you know,” he explained.
“So I look at it and I go I look at it as more like thank you very much, not as in look what I did because that’s cool. Yeah, that’s my honest uh emotion attached to it,” Rubin concluded.
Rubin’s humble perspective on the honor reflects his significant but supporting role in Nine Inch Nails’ journey to rock music’s most prestigious recognition.
Nine Inch Nails’ official website revealed that Rubin joined the band as a touring and recording member starting around 2008. He contributed to albums including Hesitation Marks (2013) and performed on major tours such as the Live: With Teeth (2008–2009) and Tension 2013 tours. His involvement marked what he described as “the turning point in my life” when he received the invitation to play with Nine Inch Nails.
The historic induction ceremony took place on November 7, 2020, though it looked different from previous years. nin.wiki reported that Nine Inch Nails was inducted in a virtual ceremony broadcast on HBO Max due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trent Reznor accepted the award after an introduction by Iggy Pop. Alongside Reznor, the inducted members included Alessandro Cortini, Robin Finck, Danny Lohner, Atticus Ross, Ilan Rubin, and Chris Vrenna.
Rubin’s induction also earned him a unique distinction in rock history. Stereogum noted that at 32 years old, Rubin became the youngest person ever to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Nine Inch Nails’ recognition.
Since his time with Nine Inch Nails, Rubin has continued his musical journey as the current touring drummer for Foo Fighters. He participates in their ongoing performances and projects. His career trajectory from Nine Inch Nails to Foo Fighters demonstrates his versatility and skill as a drummer across different rock genres and musical styles.
