Dave Grohl recently discussed the addition of new drummer Ilan Rubin to Foo Fighters, sharing insights into the decision-making process in an interview with Rockin’On Magazine.
When asked to introduce the new band member, Grohl explained how Ilan came to join the group. He emphasized the importance of personal connection within the band and highlighted Ilan’s multifaceted musical abilities.
“With pleasure! This is our new drummer, Ilan,” Grohl said. “Actually, Ilan has known me for quite some time. The music scene around us is quite small, and bands are particularly connected, so we’re all connected here and there.”
Grohl described the selection process and what drew him to Ilan as a bandmate. He noted that when searching for a new drummer, Ilan’s name emerged naturally. He felt confident in the choice immediately.
“So when we were looking for a drummer, his name happened to come up, and I immediately knew, ‘Ah, I can trust him.’ I knew even before we started working together that he was not only a great drummer, but also a friendly and nice guy,” Grohl explained.
The Foo Fighters frontman stressed that human connection is central to the band’s philosophy. The extensive time members spend together both on and off stage makes this connection particularly meaningful.
“The most important thing for our band is the human connection. Whether you can feel that connection while playing as a band. Even just looking at the time we spend together on stage is quite a long time, but it’s also true that the time we spend together on stage is even more meaningful,” he said.
Grohl also praised Ilan’s broader musical talents beyond drumming. “He’s a really amazing musician. He’s incredibly good at guitar and piano, and his composition skills are also amazing. And of course, his drumming is absolutely amazing! We have similar tastes in music, so I really feel like ‘birds of a feather flock together.’ And more than anything, his courage on stage is very impressive.”
The addition of Ilan Rubin marks a significant transition for Foo Fighters following a period of uncertainty in their rhythm section. Modern Drummer reported that Josh Freese, who had joined Foo Fighters after the death of Taylor Hawkins and played with them for about two years, was informed by the band in May 2025 that they were going in a “different direction with their drummer” with no specific reason given.
The transition created an interesting full-circle moment in the music world. Following his departure from Foo Fighters, Freese returned to Nine Inch Nails, effectively swapping places with Ilan Rubin, who left Nine Inch Nails to join Foo Fighters, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock. This drummer exchange is particularly notable because Rubin had previously replaced Freese in Nine Inch Nails back in 2009, creating a unique career cycle between the two musicians.
Rubin’s official debut with Foo Fighters came on stage, marking a public introduction to fans. Arrow Lords of Metal documented that Ilan Rubin officially played his first concert with Foo Fighters on September 13, 2025. Dave Grohl publicly introduced him as their new drummer.
Beyond his drumming prowess, Rubin brings a wealth of musical versatility to the band. YouTube highlighted that Rubin is known not only for his drumming but also for his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. This makes him a versatile fit for the band and aligns perfectly with Grohl’s earlier comments about Ilan’s abilities on guitar and piano, as well as his composition skills—qualities that extend far beyond traditional drumming duties.
