Foo Fighters Debut on Stage with New Drummer Ilan Rubin After Year-Long Hiatus

San Luis Obispo, California – The Foo Fighters ignited the Fremont Theatre Saturday night, September 13th, with an unannounced concert that sent waves of excitement through the music world. This performance signified the band’s first live appearance in over a year.

A New Beat: Ilan Rubin Joins the Ranks

The evening’s most significant development was the official introduction of Ilan Rubin as the Foo Fighters’ new drummer. Rubin’s arrival follows reports earlier this year detailing a swap between the Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails, with Josh Freese returning to the latter. The change was publicly acknowledged by Dave Grohl during the show, declaring Rubin “the most badass motherfucker” and officially welcoming him to the band.This transition reflects the dynamic nature of the music industry and the collaborative relationships between prominent artists.

A Powerful Performance and Rare Tracks

The twenty-five-song setlist kicked off with the high-energy track “All My Life,” promptly showcasing Rubin’s capabilities. Beyond the staples,the band treated fans to a selection of rarities,including “Have It All,” which hadn’t been played since 2015,a cover of Late!’s “winnebago” (last performed in 2014),and “Weary” (also last played in 2014).

The concert featured beloved classics such as “Times Like These,” “The pretender,” “My Hero,” and “Best of You,” culminating in a powerful rendition of “Everlong.” This blend of familiar hits and deep cuts demonstrated the band’s commitment to both honoring their legacy and surprising their dedicated fanbase.

Song	Last Performed (Prior to 9/13/2025)
Have It All	2015
Winnebago (Late! cover)	2014
Exhausted	2014

Did You Know? the Foo Fighters have a long history of surprising fans with unannounced shows, fostering a sense of intimacy and excitement among their followers.

Looking Ahead: Tour Dates and Future Surprises

This one-off event precedes a series of upcoming engagements,including dates in Asia in October and Mexico in November. Grohl hinted at additional surprises during the show, adding to the anticipation surrounding the band’s future plans.Concert tickets for upcoming dates are available through Viagogo.

Pro Tip: Follow the Foo Fighters’ official website and social media channels for the latest updates on tour dates, new music, and exclusive content.

Are you excited about Ilan Rubin joining the Foo fighters? What song would you most like to hear them play live?

The Evolution of the foo Fighters’ Drumming

The search for a permanent drummer has been a recurring theme in the Foo Fighters’ history. From the early days with William Goldsmith to the more recent collaborations with Taylor hawkins and Josh Freese, the band has always adapted to find the right musical fit. Ilan Rubin’s arrival represents a new chapter in this evolution, bringing a fresh outlook and energy to the group’s sound. Rubin has an extensive background, having previously worked with artists like Nine Inch Nails, Angel and Crosses, and New Order, positioning him as a versatile and capable addition to the band.

What impact did Taylor Hawkins have on the Foo Fighters’ creative process beyond drumming?

The Return of the Foo: A New Chapter Begins

After a poignant and deeply felt year-long hiatus following the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins,the Foo Fighters triumphantly returned to the stage on September 13,2025,at the Helping Hands Concert for Ukraine in Washington,D.C. The momentous occasion marked the band’s first public performance since Hawkins’ passing and introduced Ilan Rubin as their new drummer. this performance was highly anticipated by fans globally, eager to witness the band’s resilience and the start of a new era.

ilan Rubin: A Familiar Face, A New Role

Ilan Rubin, a versatile musician known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves, and previously as a touring member with the Foo Fighters, stepped into the challenging role of filling hawkins’ shoes. Rubin’s history with the band provided a degree of comfort and familiarity, easing the transition for both the band and its devoted fanbase.

* Rubin’s Background: Rubin’s extensive experience in diverse musical genres demonstrates his adaptability and technical skill,qualities crucial for a band with the Foo Fighters’ dynamic range.

* Initial reactions: Fan reactions to Rubin’s performance have been overwhelmingly positive, praising his powerful drumming and respectful approach to Hawkins’ legacy. Social media platforms exploded with support and thankfulness for both the band and their new drummer.

* Drumming Style: Rubin’s style, while distinctly his own, honors the energy and spirit of Hawkins’ playing, ensuring a seamless continuation of the Foo Fighters’ signature sound.

The Helping Hands Concert: A Night of Remembrance and Renewal

The Helping Hands Concert,a benefit event supporting humanitarian aid for Ukraine,provided a fitting backdrop for the Foo Fighters’ return. The band delivered a powerful setlist spanning their extensive catalog, including classics like “All My Life,” “The Pretender,” and “Everlong.”

* Emotional Performance: The concert was deeply emotional,with the band visibly moved by the outpouring of support from the audience. Dave Grohl addressed the crowd, acknowledging the pain of Hawkins’ loss and expressing gratitude for the possibility to continue making music.

* Setlist Highlights: The setlist was carefully curated to honor Hawkins’ contributions, featuring several songs he frequently performed with the band.

* Tribute to Taylor Hawkins: A dedicated segment of the concert served as a heartfelt tribute to Hawkins, featuring a montage of photos and videos celebrating his life and musical legacy. this segment resonated deeply with fans, creating a powerful moment of collective remembrance.

The Future of the Foo Fighters: Touring and New Music

The Helping Hands Concert is widely seen as the first step in a new chapter for the Foo Fighters. The band has announced a series of upcoming tour dates, including headline performances at major festivals and arena shows.

* Confirmed Tour Dates: (As of September 14,2025)

1. October 27,2025 – Austin City Limits Festival,Austin,TX
2. November 12,2025 – Hollywood Bowl,Los Angeles,CA
3. November 19,2025 – Madison Square Garden,New York,NY

* speculation on New Music: While no official proclamation has been made,rumors are circulating about the band working on new material. Sources close to the band suggest that the songwriting process has been cathartic and that the new music will reflect the band’s journey through grief and healing.

* Ilan Rubin’s Long-Term Role: The band has not officially commented on Rubin’s long-term status, but his seamless integration into the lineup suggests a permanent position.

The Impact of Taylor Hawkins’ Legacy

Taylor Hawkins’ influence on the Foo Fighters and the broader rock music community remains profound.His energetic performances,infectious personality,and remarkable drumming skills left an indelible mark on countless fans and musicians.

* Hawkins’ Contributions: Hawkins was not merely a drummer; he was a vital creative force within the band, contributing to songwriting and vocal arrangements.

* Continuing the Spirit: The Foo Fighters’ decision to continue performing is a testament to Hawkins’ enduring legacy and their commitment to honoring his memory through their music.

* Fan Support: The outpouring of support from fans worldwide demonstrates the deep connection between the band and its audience, and the shared desire to keep Hawkins’ spirit alive.

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