I was devastated to learn that Taylor Hawkins, drummer of the Foo Fighters, has died. I just cannot believe it. I have known about him and the band for literal decades and this is just so sad. I have been fortunate enough to see them live and I’m glad I have that memory.
Of course, I think mostly of Taylor’s family and his children, but I also think of Dave Grohl, who has now lost 2 band mates in the most tragic of circumstances.
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, blue skies without a cloud in sight. The weather unseasonably warm for March. I waited for a bus that didn’t arrive, but my travel app said the next bus was on it’s way. I sat on the bench of the bus stop and scrolled through twitter, when something caught my eye that I couldn’t quite process.
Taylor Hawkins was dead.
“Wait? No, seriously? Holy fucking shit”
At first I hoped it wasn’t really true, but sadly it was.
Foo Fighters were one of my first bands that I got into, and as I think about the absurdity of the video for ‘Learn to Fly’ and 'Everlong’ and Taylor’s contributions to those videos, I can’t help but smile. And I guess as heart-breaking as it is to lose him, we should remember the good times he brought us.
The Foo Fighters official statement referenced his laugh, and having watched the 'Back and Forth’ documentary and seen interviews, he seemed like a guy full of mischief, someone who could make you laugh. I mean I never met the guy, but he seemed like one of those guys you would like to be around.
Going back to the 'Back and Forth’ documentary, and having also read Dave Grohl’s autobiography 'The Storyteller’, I feel for Dave at this time, he truly loved Taylor with all his heart and it is a devastating thought for what he must be going through right now, not to mention Taylor’s wife and children.
The reason for titling this post, is that it’s the name of the 1999 Foo Fighters’ album - which is my personal favourite album. It was recorded as a three-piece when they were between guitarists. Taylor, Dave and Nate Mendel (on bass). Taylor wanted to keep the band as a three-piece, and that 'Back and Forth’ documentary shows how they recorded the record in such a basic way in Dave’s basement and it comes through on the record, it’s just so chill. I think that’s why I love it so much. And the drumming just sounds phenomenal.
This is the first band that has had a tremendous influence on my life, where a member has passed away, and honestly I never thought we’d lose anyone from Foo Fighters, let alone Taylor - a guy who battled drug issues and came through it, only to pass away at a ridiculously young age anyway. And yes 50 isyoung.
But I guess that’s life though, you really cannot predict it. All we can do is pay tribute to Taylor and appreciate that we were fortunate enough to experience the magic that he gave us in his life/career.
I also wish my first real post of any worth on tumblr in many years was on a more positive note.
Had the privilege of hosting Taylor backstage at Motley shows numerous times in the late 90s. His energy and mischievous grin were always welcome. His drumming speaks for itself and he will be missed tremendously.
