Rami Jaffee
The keyboardist who joined Foo Fighters in 2005 and became a full-time member in 2016.
Rami Jaffee (born March 11, 1969) is an American musician and the keyboardist for the rock band Foo Fighters. He initially joined the band in a touring and session capacity in 2005, contributed to seven of the band's studio albums, and formally became a full-time member in 2016. Prior to Foo Fighters, Jaffee was a member of The Wallflowers from 1990 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2013, and has worked with many artists including Pete Yorn, Stone Sour, Joseph Arthur and Coheed and Cambria.
- Role
- Keyboardist
- Affiliation
- Foo Fighters
- Status
- Active Member
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jaffee's first collaboration with Foo Fighters came in 1998, when he contributed keyboards to their track 'A320' on the Godzilla film soundtrack. He began collaborating with the band in 2005, initially as a touring and session musician. Over the years, he contributed to seven of the band's studio albums before being made an official member in 2015 (formally joining as a full-time member in 2016). His journey with the band is marked by a gradual transition from session player to permanent member, reflecting his growing importance to their sound.
In Their Own Story
In 1998, Jaffee contributed keyboards to the Foo Fighters track 'A320' for the Godzilla film soundtrack—his first collaboration with the band. Seven years later, in 2005, he began working with them as a touring and session musician. Over the next decade, he played on seven studio albums, becoming an increasingly integral part of the group. In 2015, he was made an official member, and in 2016 he formally joined as a full-time member, completing a journey that began with a single soundtrack contribution.
Reader's Guide
Rami Jaffee's role with Foo Fighters evolved over more than a decade. He first worked with the band in 1998 on the soundtrack track 'A320', then began touring and recording with them in 2005. Over the years, he contributed to seven studio albums before being named an official member in 2015 and a full-time member in 2016. His path to full membership was gradual, starting with session work and building to a permanent place in the lineup. Outside Foo Fighters, Jaffee was a member of The Wallflowers from 1990 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2013, and he co-owned Fonogenic Studios in the San Fernando Valley as of 2010.
Did You Know?
- Rami Jaffee was born on March 11, 1969, to a Russian Ashkenazi Jewish father and a Moroccan Sephardic Jewish mother in Los Angeles.
- He joined the Wallflowers after meeting Jakob Dylan and Tobi Miller in the Kibitz Room bar attached to Canter's Deli around 1989.
- Jaffee left the Wallflowers tour with three dates remaining in 2005 due to disagreements with the band.
- He co-owned a recording studio called Fonogenic Studios in the San Fernando Valley as of 2010.
- Jaffee was a member of the Sound City Players in 2012 and 2013, a supergroup formed by Dave Grohl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rami Jaffee?
He serves as the Foo Fighters' primary keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist, having been a core member since the late nineties.
What instruments does he play in the band?
Beyond keyboards and synthesizers, Rami frequently adds piano melodies, percussion beats, and backing vocals to their recordings.
When did Rami Jaffee join the group?
He officially joined the lineup around 1997, marking a significant shift in their musical direction during that era.
Why is his contribution considered vital?
His ability to layer atmospheric textures and orchestral arrangements transformed their raw punk energy into expansive rock anthems.
Is Rami Jaffee still an active member?
Yes, he continues to perform live and record with the band as a permanent fixture of their current roster.
More in Band Members & Collaborators
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