A Tribute to Taylor Hawkins
Well, that was an epic day and a very emotional one for everyone on site, the build-up over the past 3 months had been tirelessly coordinated to this day and everyone’s hearts and souls had clearly been poured into this monumental day. The first of two days set aside in your calendars to remember the legend that is Taylor Hawkins.
From the moment Dave, Nate, Chris, Rami and Pat came out with one another to introduce the day for the first time publicly since the tragic day back in March which now seems like such a long time ago. It was clear everyone was in for a once in a lifetime moment in rock n roll history. ‘A gigantic fucking night, for a gigantic fucking person’ – over 6 hours of incredible songs and musicians followed with a 50-song set with some real spine-tingling moments, with interludes from some of Taylors friendships established over the past 30 years of touring with a lovely piece from Duff and Slash remembering their friend as well as Chad Smith re telling the story of Taylors generosity at their local Guitar Centre.
Josh Homme's rendition of Lets Dance was magical with Nile Rogers, Omar Hakim on drums and Chris Chaney holding down the low end. Honestly there were so many great moments from the day we are still taking it all in, not wanting to miss a thing the entire night. Violet Grohl came to stage early on to perform who beautifully chosen renditions of Jeff Buckley’s, Last Goodbye and Grace both beautifully echoed the sentiment of the day lyrically and in performance with the amazing Chris Chaney on bass.
Gas Coombes' cover of The Police’s "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" was incredible to see, Stewart Copeland on drums with his effortless style of playing was amazing to witness with Nate holding down the low end with the dynamics needed!
Then Rush with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson with Dave Grohl on drums playing two songs then being joined by the incredible Omar Hakim on drums was fantastic to see and hear!
We cried, we danced, we sang and shouted! Truly a wonderful way to pay our respects to one of rocks greatest drummer/musician. Taylor Hawkins.
When Brian May came out to sing Love of my Life it was as if someone turned the house lights on with everyone prompted to light the torches on their phones (rather than lighters of old) the arena was a wash with light shining through out the entirety of Wembley… It really was a sight to be seen and one we will never forget…
Travis Barker is an animal on the kit and Rufus Tiger Taylor did a great job as well but the highlight for us was the moment Taylor's son Shane took to the stage to play his father’s pink kit for My Hero was a wonderful thing to behold. The power and ferocious style of his father ran strong the boy could play and the pride you could see emanating from those around as well as himself was inspiring and one I hope helps others find a way through times of sorrow. A huge of amount of respect for what Shane did that night as it really could not have been easy… I’ve not been to anything with such a sombre feel pre-show and then to come to life in the way the day manifested was like going to your best friend’s funeral and catching up with all your long-lost friends. A day to truly hold as one of the best days of our life.
The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert tickets and merchandise sales will benefit these charities chosen by the Hawkins family. If you'd like to support directly, follow the steps outlined below.