Remembering The Hawk

by Jami Morain

    Dave Grohl's "brother," best friend, other half. Foo Fighters' drummer, background vocalist, Queen enthusiast. Front man, father, energetic. All of these describe the legendary Taylor Hawkins. 

    Today marks two years since Hawkins died. Many speculate what caused his untimely death at 50, but no official announcement was ever released. Multiple substances were found in his body, although some were antidepressants and THC, leading many to believe he died of a possible accidental overdose, but something was also mentioned about his heart being abnormally large. 

    Even with Rolling Stone giving insight into Hawkins' final days, I can't find an official statement of what happened to him, and I won't be making assumptions out of respect. Regardless, it's clear his fans miss him dearly. 

    Foo Fighters' Instagram dedicated a post and story to the drummer, along with Rolling Stone, NME magazine, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Roger Taylor of Queen and numerous fans. 

    I admire Hawkins for stepping up to be the drummer for the most recognizable drummer of the 90s, talk about big shoes to fill. He left Alanis Morrissette's band to join Foo Fighters, where he stayed for 25 years. He wasn't afraid to ask Grohl for help or talk about his anxieties and I believe that led to a super iconic friendship. 

   Hawkins was an obvious music lover, with a massive passion for Queen. YouTube is full of videos of him using Freddie Mercury's well-known vocal warm-ups and singing covers. Grohl once talked about how Hawkins made all of the Foo Fighters huge Queen fans, because he never stopped talking about them. Hawkins also admired Rush, Jane's Addiction and Stewart Copeland from the Police. This article is full of what other musicians had to say about Hawkins. 

   I will always have respect for Hawkins because of his perseverance. He was drumming three hour Foo Fighters concerts throughout heavy tour schedules- everyone knows Grohl doesn't like to sit still. However, the most important detail is how hard Hawkins works. Foo Fighters is a rock band, Dave Grohl's rock band. Watch a live performance on YouTube and only watch Hawkins. He is working away on those drums, its absolutely insane. I tried to keep up during an Everlong performance, a song infamous for being a drummers worst nightmare, and couldn't keep up for a minute. 

    I also have a soft spot for his goofiness. Hawkins truly lit up a room with that bright smile. I honestly can't even find the words to write about how enjoyable and funny he is, so I've attached a few videos for you. My favorite song to pay tribute to him. This character, and the flight attendant and the beautiful "Everlong" woman. 

    In the same way I hate Dave Grohl being known just as Kurt Cobain's drummer, I would hate to wrap up this article only focusing on Taylor Hawkins work as Dave Grohl's drummer. Hawkins had his own band, Taylor Hawkins and The Coattail Riders, who released two albums. My favorite song from his solo work is "Don't Have to Speak."

    To conclude, I will take what Grohl had to say about his friend from The Storyteller, "Tearing through the room like an F5 tornado of hyperactive joy was Taylor Hawkins, my brother from another mother, my best friend, a man for whom I would take a bullet. Upon first meeting, our bond was immediate, and we grew closer with every day, every song, every note that we ever played."