After a year-long hiatus and a recent lineup shakeup, the Foo Fighters have roared back to life, announcing a surprise, intimate California club show for tonight and teasing what appears to be a heavy, punk-influenced new instrumental track. The concert will mark the official live debut of the band’s new lineup featuring drummer Ilan Rubin.
The announcement came on Saturday, September 13, for a show taking place this evening at the 900-capacity Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo. Tickets were sold exclusively in-person at the box office, prompting dedicated fans to line up overnight to secure their spot at the exclusive event.
Accompanying the announcement was a minute-long, untitled music snippet. The vocal-less track is a blast of raw energy, driven by “furious guitars and aggressive, punkish drums,” a sound heavier and more raw than much of the band’s recent output. It is currently unclear whether the mystery track is a brand new song or a previously unreleased recording from the band’s archives.
Tonight’s intimate show is a significant moment for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, as it will be the first public performance for new drummer Ilan Rubin. The former Nine Inch Nails drummer was recruited earlier this year to replace Josh Freese, who was recently dismissed from the group after a two-year tenure. In a coincidental turn, Freese subsequently announced his own return to the Nine Inch Nails lineup.
This surprise gig serves as a warm-up for the Foo Fighters‘ official return to major international stages next month, with a handful of dates booked across Asia and Mexico for October and November. It marks their first live performance in a year, since they wrapped up their last tour in September 2024. The band has been creatively active during their time off the road, releasing a cover of Minor Threat‘s “I Don’t Wanna Hear It” and a poignant new original track titled “Today’s Song” over the summer.
Photo credit: Moffly / Depositphotos
SOUND ON. See you Saturday in San Luis Obispo.
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) September 13, 2025
The fine print…
– In person box office sales only. You may line up to purchase tickets at the venue beginning at 7am PT on Saturday, September 13th. Please be courteous of neighboring businesses and the community. Do not line up… pic.twitter.com/s0CHo35B73
