"One of the hardest decisions": Josh Freese reflects on return to Nine Inch Nails after 2008 departure

After more than a decade away from the band, Josh Freese is officially back with Nine Inch Nails. The veteran drummer is known for his work with beloved acts including A Perfect Circle, DEVO, Guns N' Roses, and, most recently, the Foo Fighters. Now, he is rejoining the industrial rock group for their 2025 Peel It Back North American tour.

Josh Freese originally played with Nine Inch Nails from 2005 to 2008. His return fills the drum seat, which was recently vacated by Ilan Rubin. Rubin left to join Foo Fighters, the band that dismissed Freese two months ago.

Interestingly, Rubin first replaced Freese in Nine Inch Nails back in 2008, and now the roles have reversed.

Josh Freese's complete official statement

Josh Freese took to his official Instagram page to confirm his return to Nine Inch Nails. The post read:

"Leaving Nine Inch Nails at the end of 2008 was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. My wife and I were expecting our third child, and I knew I needed to step away from life on the road to be home with my family. NIN was a band that left me walking off stage every single night thinking, "That was incredible. We absolutely crushed it." And it was not just a feeling, it was a certainty. That level of intensity, pride, and satisfaction after each show is something I have rarely experienced anywhere."

Josh Freese added:

"Now, being back on tour with Trent and the crew, helping them do what they do best night after night, is something I'm incredibly excited about. To be part of that energy again feels amazing. If you get a chance to catch one of these shows over the next sic weeks, I promise, they're going to be absolutely unforgettable. Hope to see you out there. - Josh"

Freese will be back behind the kit with Trent Reznor and company in a few days, as Nine Inch Nails is set to begin the Peel It Back North American run on August 6, 2025, in Oakland, CA.

Josh Freese's previous stint with NIN was from 2005 to 2008. After leaving the band, he stayed active by joining acts like Paramore, Sublime With Rome, and, eventually, Foo Fighters.

Rubin joined Nine Inch Nails in 2009. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with NIN in 2020. Now, as Rubin is headed to Foo Fighters for their fall 2025 shows, Freese returns to NIN to keep the Peel It Back tour rolling.

Notably, the drummer swap coincides with Foo Fighters' tour in Asia and Mexico, which will begin in October 2025. Below are the current dates for Foo Fighters with Ilan Rubin now behind the kit:

• Wednesday, October 2, 2025 – Jakarta, Indonesia – Carnaval Ancol
• Friday, October 4, 2025 – Singapore – Formula 1 Grand Prix
• Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan – Saitama Super Arena
• Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan – Saitama Super Arena
• Friday, October 10, 2025 – Osaka, Japan – Glion Arena Kobe
• Friday, November 14, 2025 – Mexico City, Mexico – Corona Capital

Fans can keep an eye on the official pages for further updates.

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