Foo Fighters Return to Stage with Surprise Show, Introduce Ilan Rubin as New Drummer
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – September 14, 2024 – The Foo Fighters delivered a stunning surprise to fans Saturday night, playing their first show in over a year at the fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California. The concert, announced just the night before, sold out immediately, marking the debut of Ilan Rubin as the band’s new drummer.
The performance signified a significant shift in the Foo Fighters’ lineup, following reports earlier this summer detailing a drummer exchange with Nine Inch Nails. Josh Freese, formerly of the Foo Fighters, rejoined Nine Inch Nails, while Rubin officially stepped into the role of drummer for Grohl and company. The band’s return to the stage comes after a period of mourning and rebuilding following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.
During the 25-song set, Grohl formally introduced Rubin to the audience, stating, “I finally get the prospect to say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome… the most badass motherfucker, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters right now.’ It’s official. You can stamp the passport.” Rubin immediately proved his mettle, launching into the drum-heavy opening track, “All My Life.”
The band showcased a mix of classic hits and rarities, including “times Like These,” “The Pretender,” ”My Hero,” and “Best of you.” Notably, they performed “Have It All” for the first time since 2015, a cover of Late!’s “Winnebago” (not played since 2014), and ”Tired” (previously performed in 2014).
The one-off concert serves as a prelude to a series of upcoming tour dates in Asia this October and Mexico in November. Grohl also hinted at further surprises to come for the band’s fanbase.
Setlist:
All My Life
Rope
Have It All
Times Like These
Wattershed
Stacked Actors
The goddess from
These Days
The Pretender
Walk
My Hero
Learn to Fly
Rescued
Aurora
This Is a Call
No Son of Mine (with Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” interpolation)
Shame Shame
White Limo
Winnebago (Late! cover)
Best of You
Encore:
Alone + Easy Target
Low
Monkey Wrench
Exhausted
Everlong
