Nandi Bushell Speaks Out on Foo Fighters Drummer Vacancy
The world of Foo Fighters has rarely been quiet when it comes to their drummer situation. After Josh Freese was fired from the band earlier this year, fans were left wondering who would sit behind the kit for one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. Now, in a surprising twist, 15-year-old prodigy and social media sensation Nandi Bushell has revealed that she would have eagerly accepted the chance to become the Foo Fighters drummer if the opportunity had come her way.
“I would have said YES in a heartbeat,” Nandi wrote while sharing her latest drum cover of the band’s 2007 anthem The Pretender. She added that performing with Dave Grohl and his band had been “the best moment in my life,” a memory that continues to inspire her every time she sits at her kit.
A Band in Transition
Foo Fighters’ drummer spot has always been sacred ground, not only because Dave Grohl himself is one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, but also because the late Taylor Hawkins turned it into a defining part of the band’s identity. When Josh Freese was brought on in 2023, many fans saw him as the perfect fit: a seasoned session player with unmatched versatility. But after less than two years, his departure left the Foo Fighters back at square one.
Soon after Freese’s exit, reports surfaced that Ilan Rubin—best known as the powerhouse drummer for Nine Inch Nails and Angels & Airwaves—had been tapped as the new Foo Fighters drummer. The timing was ironic, because on the very same day those rumors began circulating, Nine Inch Nails announced that Josh Freese would be returning to their lineup. For longtime followers of both bands, it felt like the drumming carousel of modern rock had spun full circle.
Nandi’s Ties to Foo Fighters
Nandi Bushell’s connection to Foo Fighters runs deeper than just admiration from afar. In 2020, during the isolation of the pandemic, she famously challenged Dave Grohl to a drum battle on social media. What started as a fun back-and-forth quickly exploded into a global story. Videos of Nandi and Grohl trading licks went viral, showcasing her incredible talent, infectious enthusiasm, and youthful spirit. Eventually, Grohl conceded defeat, officially declaring Nandi the winner. That moment cemented her place in the Foo Fighters’ extended family.
A year later, in August 2021, Grohl made good on his promise to jam with her. At the band’s Los Angeles show at the Forum, he invited the then-11-year-old on stage for the encore. Together, they tore through “Everlong,” one of the band’s most iconic songs. The footage of Nandi pounding the drums with a grin on her face while Grohl looked on with pride quickly became one of the most celebrated moments in Foo Fighters history. For Nandi, it was more than a dream come true—it was a career-defining milestone before she was even a teenager.
The Next Chapter
Although Foo Fighters have yet to officially confirm Rubin or any other name as their permanent drummer, the speculation around the position remains a hot topic among fans. For many, the idea of Nandi Bushell joining the group is both thrilling and symbolic. While her age might make the scenario unlikely, her passion and connection to the band connect deeply with a new generation of fans who discovered Foo Fighters through her viral videos.
Nandi’s statement that she would have jumped at the chance reflects just how much she values the bond she has formed with Grohl and the rest of the band. Her rise has been meteoric—going from bedroom drum covers to playing stadiums, all before finishing high school. Her story also highlights the unique way Foo Fighters have embraced younger musicians and kept themselves connected to new audiences.
Foo Fighters’ Drummer Legacy
Whoever ultimately becomes the Foo Fighters drummer, they will step into a role that carries enormous weight. From Grohl’s drumming on Nirvana’s Nevermind to Taylor Hawkins’ unforgettable live energy, rhythm has always been at the heart of the band. Each transition has reshaped their sound and their chemistry. Adding someone like Ilan Rubin would give the band a technical powerhouse with years of experience, while the thought of Nandi Bushell—even just as a guest performer—offers a glimpse into the future of rock itself.
For fans, this is more than just a lineup change. The revolving door of drummers has become a storyline that intertwines with the band’s resilience, their ability to keep moving forward, and their unique relationship with the wider rock community.
Looking Ahead
As the Foo Fighters continue to tour and record, all eyes remain on who will hold the drumsticks long-term. Nandi’s declaration may be more of a “what if” than a realistic option, but it speaks volumes about how the band continues to inspire across generations. From veteran session legends to teenage prodigies, everyone seems to want a shot at being the Foo Fighters drummer.
