The Foo Fighters have enlisted the help of a number of pals to perform a memorial performance to the late great Taylor Hawkins in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (Sept. 27). Travis Barker, Rush’s Geddy Lee, Alanis Morissette, Miley Cyrus, Chad Smith, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, and many more are on the lineup.
We’re paying honor to Hawkins in our own manner as we pick five of Hawkins’ finest performances throughout his career:
Live at the Pinkpop Festival With Alanis Morissette (1996)
Before taking over the drums for the Foo Fighters, Hawkins gave his first public performance alongside Alanis Morissette. In their 20s, both Hawkins and Morisette were simply up-and-coming musicians still working everything out. Hawkins’ attendance at the Pinkpop Festival in 1996 indicates his infectious enthusiasm.
https://youtu.be/IdAXD6cM2SA
“Monkey Wrench” on Jools Holland (1997)
When Hawkins joined the Foos in 1997, his influence on the group was undeniable. A 25-year-old Hawkins is already a force behind the drum kit in this performance from Later… With Jools Holland, becoming the force that propelled the Foos to new heights.
Fronting a Psuedo-Zeppelin Reunion (2008)
Dave Grohl booked Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones for a special concert at Wembley Stadium in 2008. Hawkins took the stage for a rendition of the band’s 1971 hit “Rock and Roll,” with Grohl filling in on drums for the late John Bonham and Robert Plant missing. Hawkins effortlessly hit Plant’s soaring high notes, proving that he was an ace in more ways than one.
Inducting Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2013)
In 2013, Hawkins assisted Rush in being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He stepped onto the stage first and said,“Fuckin’ Neil Peart … come on! This guy spawned a generation of air drummers for decades to come.” Later, he performed Overture on Rush’s album 2112 while sporting a Peart-Esque hairstyle and robe. Grohl played guitar and Nick Raskulinecz played bass in addition to Hawkins. Despite his achievements, Hawkins always appeared like a child in a candy store whenever he walked on a podium and this tribute is no different. They closed the tribute with the actual members of Rush accompanying Hawkins and co. on stage for a rendition of “Tom Sawyer.”
Send Off For Letterman (2015)
David Letterman was certain of the band he wanted to assist him go when he made the decision to hang up his talk show hat. In response to Letterman’s invitation, the Foos returned to New York and performed “Everlong.” In the video below, Hawkins can be seen playing the drums while wearing a complete tux.