Dave Grohl, with an inset from Taylor Hawkins Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock; Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
His hero is now. Dave Grohl joined Paul McCartneyGlastonbury Festival: Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters’ bandmate, performs for the first time since his death.
The former Nirvana drummer, 53, took the stage at the U.K. festival on Saturday, June 25, during the Beatles icon’s headlining set. McCartney, 80, told the crowd that Grohl “flew in specially to do” the gig.
“I swear, I would never miss being right here with you, right now,” the Ohio native replied before the duo played “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Band on the Run.” Bruce Springsteen later appeared to sing “I Wanna Be Your Man” and his song “Glory Days.”
Grohl’s duets marked the first time he’s performed live since the Foo Fighters postponed their tour dates in the wake of Hawkins’ death. The Texas-born musician, who joined Rock Group in 1997, has died at 50.
“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” a statement from the band read at the time. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.”
The wife of the songwriter has survived. Alison HawkinsTheir three children, Annabelle, Oliver and Everleigh. Earlier this month, Taylor’s family broke their silence on the heartbreaking loss.
“My deepest thanks and admiration go out to the global Foo Fighters community and Taylor’s fans far and wide for the outpouring of love each and every one of you have shown our beloved Taylor,” Alison wrote in a lengthy note shared via social media on June 8. “Your kindness has been an invaluable comfort my family and me during this time of unimaginable grief.”
Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters, performs at Tempe Beach Park’s Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona, February 26, 2022. Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
She continued, “As Taylor’s wife, and on behalf of our children, I want to share how much you meant to him and how dedicated he was to ‘knocking your socks off’ during every performance. Taylor was proud to have been a part the Foo Fighters, and he valued every moment of his 25-year tenure with them. We considered every band member and the extended Foo Fighters team our family.”
Alison assured fans that her late husband’s “endearing spirit and deep love of music will live on forever” through his impressive catalog. “In celebration of his life, it is now up to all of us who loved him most to honor Taylor’s legacy and the music he gave us,” she concluded. “Thank you all again for your love and sympathy. Taylor loved all of you & we love you too.”
Authorities found Taylor unresponsive in Bogotá, Colombia. While an investigation continues, a preliminary toxicology analysis allegedly found marijuana, tricyclic and antidepressants along with benzodiazepines as well as opioids in Taylor’s body.
Grohl and his bandmates — Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat SmearAnd Rami Jaffee — have not issued individual statements regarding Taylor’s death. However, the group will honor Taylor’s legacy with star-studded tribute performances in London and Los Angeles in September. Alanis Morissette, Miley Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Joan Jett, Wolfgang Van HalenParticipation is open to all.
