Thousands of fans came together beneath a bright evening sky to pay tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, whose legacy lives on in rock and roll, in a heartfelt ceremony that encapsulated the essence of the genre. Not only was a bronze statue in his likeness unveiled, but it also served as a celebration of emotion, rhythm, and the enduring connection between an artist and their audience.
Hawkins’ longtime friend and bandmate Dave Grohl opened the celebration with a moving rendition of “Times Like These.” As Grohl strummed the opening chords, his voice faltered and the audience joined in an unintelligible chorus. Grohl stopped in the middle and broke his voice, saying, “Taylor was more than just a drummer.” He was our band’s beating heart, the source of our laughter, and the vitality that gave everything life.
Fans held candles high, and the flickering lights danced as Hawkins’ drumsticks used to. It was an electrifying moment. Some merely closed their eyes and allowed the music to transport them to their memories, while others donned shirts featuring his famous smile.
Famous sculptor Emma Fairchild created the statue, which shows Hawkins in the middle of a performance with his hair flying, drumsticks high, and a beaming smile. It is currently located in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, a city that influenced his art and saw his quick ascent. Simply put, the inscription says, “Play Loud. Love Always.”
Also present were bandmates Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, and Chris Shiflett, all of whom related anecdotes that vividly portrayed the man behind the kit: the perpetual optimist, the prankster, and the perfectionist. With a giggle, Mendel remarked, “Taylor never entered a room quietly.” “He was unsure about how to. He brought vitality, affection, and absurd jokes into settings, and somehow it influenced our sound.
A group of teenage musicians inspired by Hawkins’ work gave a thunderous drum solo tribute as the concert came to a close, highlighting his effect on the following generation.
Taylor Hawkins is no longer with us, but his music, energy, and unwavering determination endureโnot only in the songs of the Foo Fighters, but also in the hearts of millions of others who found joy, strength, and rhythm in his sound.
The words “Legends don’t die” were perfectly displayed on one banner among the throng. They never stop echoing.
And Taylor Hawkins was more audible than ever this evening.