Two iconic rock bands have left fans shockedafter essentially swapping key musicians. Both are talented in their craft and have built incredible careers, but they will now begin a new chapter. Although this move was surprising, this is something that has been seen in the past bysome of the biggest classic rock bands.

Truly, when musicians make decisions like this, it often catches people off guard, asit’s easy to become accustomed to a specific lineup.Some artists will play in multiple bands at oncejust to try and maintain order. Whatever the decision may be, they all have to do what’s best for their careers as they continue moving forward.

The background is a burnt red. The left side has a blue Foo Fighters album with a white glow around it. Inside is the word Foo Fights and these metal balls connected by lines. Next to is another album with a white outline. The background of it is a white, faded into a black. The letter N I N are in the center in black, with a black rectangle around them. With Teeth is written below in small white lettering.

Making a historical change of this magnitude is a risk, buteach of these two bands has a different reason for it. One is still trying to overcome the ultimate tragedy, butit’s not as swift as it was for an act like AC/DC. The other is trying to continue building their legacy, which already includes many major highlights.

The Foo Fighters And Nine Inch Nails Have Swapped Drummers

In March 2022, the Foo Fighters faced a devastating tragedy with the untimely death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. He had been with the band since 1997 and had contributed to many projects, lending his iconic sound. Following this,it was unclear how the band would continue, given the impact that Hawkins had as a member.

They ultimately decided to bring in Josh Freese, who had an extensive career prior to joining them. It seemed that Freese was the right addition, given his respected history. However,it wasn’t meant to be, as his tenure with them ended in 2025, marking a short run with the band. This decision left people shocked, with more questions than answers.

The poster is yellow and blends into an orange near the bottom. At the top in red it says Foo Fighters and the Hawkins family present. Below that says Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in black. There is a black bird below this. The Foo Fighters are the first name under the bird in black it then gives the date of the first show in yellow saying Sat. Sep. 3, London UK, Wembley Stadium. There are many names all in black underneath. Below that is Tues Sept. 27, Los Angeles, CA, Kia Forum, in yellow. B

What they have ultimately decided isto bring in drummer Ilan Rubin. Of course, Rubin was a member of Nine Inch Nails, which made this very surprising. This effectively ended his long tenure with them and now places him in the Foo Fighters. That solved things for one band, but Nine Inch Nails were now the ones left scrambling.

To make things easier, Nine Inch Nails took a drummer who was looking for a new gig: Josh Freese. Essentially, the two legendary rock bands have now switched drummers in a shocking move. There has been so much speculation as of late, but it finally looks like things have been answered with one of the biggest drumming swaps in history.

IIan Rubin Leaves A Lasting Legacy Behind

As Ilan Rubin exits Nine Inch Nails, he does so while leaving a lasting legacy. He joined the band after an announcement late in 2008. Throughout his time as a live performer for the band, he played many different instruments during their performances,showcasing a range of skills that he brought to them beyond just drumming.

Perhaps the biggest highlight for Rubin as a member of Nine Inch Nails was being included as a member during theirRock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2020. This honor cements his time with them and shows the impact he had. Rubin made history with the induction as he becamethe youngest person ever to be inducted.

Outside of Nine Inch Nails, Rubin has done a tremendous amount of work. His career began at a very young age, which led to him playing with the band F.o.N. at nine years old. He then became the youngest person to perform on the Woodstock stage at only 11 years old,a key highlight of his early days.

Over time, he performed with bands such as Angels & Airwaves, Paramore, and then with the legendary Danny Elfman. His time with the Foo Fighters will mark yet another chapter in his already accomplished career. It remains to be seen what all he will do with the band, butthis could potentially be a place where he makes even more history.

Josh Freese Is Back In Familiar Territory

After appearing as one of the guest drummers during the Foo Fighters' tribute shows for their former drummer Taylor Hawkins, Josh Freese was brought in to be their full-time drummer in 2023.This seemed like a partnership that would last a long time, as the band made it a big deal. Unfortunately, this did not work out as many expected.

Coming from a musical family, Freese was no stranger to being in and out of different projects. Both his father and brother have had extensive careers as well, and participating in various ventures is part of the job. Along the way,it has led him to play with major names, such as Guns N' Roses, A Perfect Circle, and Devo.

Some of his other work includes beinga session and touring musicianfor different acts. In fact, some major bands such as the Offspring and Weezer have enlisted him to help with recordings. Ironically, another band that has brought him in to help in the past is Nine Inch Nails, a tenure that lasted from 2005 to 2008.

With the move from Nine Inch Nails to recruit Freese once again, this brings him back to familiar territory. This move doesn’t seem like one he expected, but as he has always done, he is taking the new challenge in full stride. With the band heading out on a 2025 fall tour,Freese will be ready to contribute once again.