Young drummer Nandi Bushell, known for her viral cover videos on social media, has shared a performance video on YouTube expressing her desire to join Foo Fighters as their drummer following the band’s recent parting with Josh Freese.
In the video, Bushell performs Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender” and makes her intentions clear about potentially joining the band.
“I would have said YES in a heartbeat,” Bushell wrote in the caption of her video. “Drumming with Foo Fighters was the best moment in my life.”
This reference stems from a memorable moment in 2011 when Bushell took the stage during a Foo Fighters concert in Los Angeles and performed drums on their hit song “Everlong.”
Bushell’s connection with Foo Fighters runs deeper than that single performance, establishing her as a recognized talent in the rock music community over the years.
Consequence reported that she was just 11 years old when she first performed with the band and has since become a widely recognized drumming talent. Her rise to fame accelerated during the pandemic when she engaged in a highly publicized drum battle with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl in 2020, which she ultimately won.
The timing of Bushell’s audition video coincides with significant changes in Foo Fighters’ lineup. Modern Drummer noted that while no official announcement has been made about the band’s permanent drummer situation, reports suggest that Ilan Rubin—who left Nine Inch Nails for the Foo Fighters gig—has taken over the drum throne. Meanwhile, Freese returned to NIN as their new drummer.
Bushell has been actively showcasing her versatility through her recent social media presence. Consequence revealed that in recent weeks, she has posted numerous YouTube shorts featuring drum covers of iconic bands such as Misfits, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden, alongside her powerful rendition of “The Pretender.”
Her consistent output and technical skill demonstrate why she remains a compelling candidate for major rock bands. The young musician’s public audition comes at a time when Foo Fighters are navigating drummer changes, potentially opening opportunities for new talent to join the legendary rock band.
You can watch Nandi Bushell’s video playing Foo Fighters’ ‘The Pretender’ via YouTube below.
