Foo Fighters Rock Their Surprise First Gig with New Drummer Ilan Rubin

The Foo Fighters ignited the stage with their new drummer, Ilan Rubin, marking a fresh era with an electrifying surprise show.

An Unexpected Return to the Stage

After stepping away from the spotlight for a year, the Foo Fighters surprised fans with a low-key, intimate gig on September 14, 2025. The venue? The cozy 900-capacity Fremont Theater nestled in San Luis Obispo, California. The band’s return was announced just a day before the show, with tickets available only at the box office starting the morning of the gig—no advance online sales, no fuss, just pure rock ‘n’ roll magic for the lucky few.

Dave Grohl commanding the stage, photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

A New Beat: Welcome, Ilan Rubin

This show was extra special—the first with their freshly minted drummer, Ilan Rubin, taking over the kit. This change marks the band’s first live outing since drummer Josh Freese announced his departure. Freese, who had been touring with the band since 2023, stepped in following the tragic loss of beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins. As the band shifted gears, Rubin reportedly swapped places with Freese, who returned to his role with Nine Inch Nails.

With palpable energy, frontman Dave Grohl introduced Ilan Rubin to the crowd with his signature charm:

“Everybody else has said it, I finally get the opportunity to say, ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome, the most badass motherfucker, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters. It’s official.”

This declaration sealed the deal, igniting cheers and applause as the band launched into their set. Post-show, the band refreshed their Facebook profile picture to feature Rubin, signaling his official arrival.

Catch the Moment: Live Footage and Fan Reactions

Fans quickly shared clips and photos from the night, capturing the palpable excitement swirling through the Fremont Theater. Although the gig was intimate, the energy was anything but small. Here’s a glimpse of the raw live vibes from the night:

Foo Fighters Instagram post with live performance clips

Another Instagram reel capturing the high-octane energy

Additionally, a fan-shared clip from the Foo Fighters’ Instagram stories announced Ilan Rubin’s new role, spreading the news to the wider community instantly.

A Setlist That Spans The Years

True to form, the Foo Fighters delivered a powerhouse setlist that blended fan favorites, recent tracks, and a surprising cover. Here’s what they played:

• All My Life
• Rope
• Have It All
• Times Like These
• Wattershed
• Stacked Actors
• La Dee Da
• These Days
• The Pretender
• Walk
• My Hero
• Learn to Fly
• Rescued
• Aurora
• This Is a Cal
• No Son of Mine
• Shame Shame
• White Limo
• Winnebago (Late! cover)
• Best of You
• Alone + Easy Target
• Low
• Monkey Wrench
• Exhausted
• Everlong

This set was a powerful reminder of why the Foo Fighters continue to resonate with fans across generations.

The Road Ahead: Teasing a New Era

This intimate gig was more than just a welcome for Ilan Rubin—it was a tantalizing glimpse into what’s next for the band. Earlier this month, the Foo Fighters teased their fans with a cryptic photo of the band members’ legs and feet standing in a circle, captioned “Foo Fighters Assemble!!!” accompanied by a nudge to subscribe to their newsletter for upcoming news.

Their latest album, But Here We Are (2023), was the first released after the devastating loss of Taylor Hawkins, with Josh Freese stepping in as touring drummer. Now, with Rubin in place, fans are buzzing about the fresh energy and potential new music on the horizon.

In celebration of their 30th anniversary this July, Dave Grohl and the band dropped a heartfelt single, Today’s Song, which Grohl introduced by thanking all past band members, including the late Hawkins and Freese for their “thunderous wizardry.” The band’s upcoming tour dates in Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Mexico over the next months only add fuel to the speculation of new material and more surprises.

Foo Fighters: A Legacy of Resilience and Rock

The Foo Fighters’ journey has been one marked by triumph, tragedy, and relentless passion for their craft. From the early days through the heartbreaking loss of Taylor Hawkins, they’ve continually evolved, pushing forward with heart and drive.

Josh Freese, reflecting on his exit, explained that the decision was more about management dynamics than musical differences, and he confessed that the band’s material “wasn’t music that I really resonated with.” Despite that, his time with the Foos remains a vital chapter in their story.

As they move boldly into this new chapter with Ilan Rubin, the band’s spirit remains untouchable, and their music continues to inspire.

Everlong: The Song That Keeps on Giving

If you need a perfect soundtrack for this moment in Foo Fighters history, look no further than their iconic track Everlong. Its timeless energy perfectly encapsulates the band’s enduring appeal.

What’s Next for the Foo Fighters?

Following this surprise gig, the band appears set for an exciting 2025, with international tour dates and possibly new music on the way. While some European dates were canceled last December due to personal reasons involving Dave Grohl, the band’s resilience and connection with fans remain as strong as ever.

FAQ

• How did the Foo Fighters announce their new drummer?
  Dave Grohl publicly welcomed Ilan Rubin during their surprise gig, officially confirming him as the band’s new drummer.
• What was notable about the recent Foo Fighters gig?
  It was an unannounced, intimate show in San Luis Obispo—their first live performance in over a year, featuring their new drummer.
• What is the band’s latest album?
  Their 11th studio album, But Here We Are (2023), was released after the passing of Taylor Hawkins.
• Did Josh Freese comment on his departure?
  Yes, Freese suggested the split was more about band management and admitted the material didn't resonate deeply with him.
• Are there upcoming Foo Fighters tour dates?
  Yes, the band has announced shows in Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and Mexico scheduled through November 2025.

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