It was the first time since the Foo Fighters’ Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jafee and Dave Grohl, spoke of the loss of their dear bandmate, friend and brother, Taylor Hawkins.
The waterworks started early as Grohl’s voice broke, but nevertheless promised a “crazy fun time” for all and added that everybody should make a noise loud enough for Taylor to hear.
The performances kicked off with Liam Gallagher backed by the Foo Fighters, with Grohl on drums, played Oasis songs “Rock n’ Roll Star” and “Live Forever.”
Dave Chappelle came with an anecdote and introduced Chic, as Nile Rodgers, drummer Omar Hakkim and Josh Homme played David Bowie songs. Homme sounded uncannily like Bowie as he sang “Let’s Dance.” Gaz Coombes came out and jammed on another Bowie gem in “Modern Love.”
Jason Sudeikis introduced the Taylor Hawkins’ musical side projects Chevy Metal who covered the Talking Heads and after, brought out Ke$ha who rocked her T-Rex cover. Then Justin Hawkins of The Darkness and drummer Josh Freese jammed with The Coattail Riders.
As Grohl reminded, the night will be about Taylor’s music and favorite bands. And Hawkins was a big Van Halen fan. With Dave on bass, Justin Hawkins on vocals, Freese on drums and Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang on guitar duties, they slayed on “Hot For Teacher.” Wolfgang made his old man proud as he played the iconic guitar solo of Eddie with ease.
Included in the 50-song setlist, is Dave’s daughter Violet Grohl on her Jeff Buckley set. With her dad on drums, Violet fittingly sang “Last Goodbye.”
Then it was Supergrass as Gaz Coombes exclaimed “Taylor Hawkins forever f**kin’ young!” Then ripped on “Alright.”
Elton John, Stevie Nicks (with a poem), Billy Eilish and Finneas, and GnR’s Slash and Duff McKagan shared their memory of Hawkins. Mckagan captured Taylor’s essence as he shared that “Taylor can make you feel like you’re the only one he ever talked and listened to.”
Them Crooked Vultures reunited as Grohl, Homme and legendary bassist-keyboardist John Paul Jones covered “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Long Slow Goodbye.”
Grohl worked in various capacities as host, drummer as well as playing bass for the likes of Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders as they romped through “Brass In Pocket.”
The James Gang with Joe Walsh also reunited for the show. Jason Falkner, Chris Chaney with Mark Ronson on guitar played as Violet Grohl sang. Brian Johnson of AC DC and Lars Ulrich rocked with the Foos on “Back In Black.” Stewart Copeland—Taylor’s hero—played The Police classics. Then Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson played as Rush once more as Grohl and Omar Hakim alternated on drums (for the late Neil Peart).
Brian May and Roger Taylor dusted a few Queen classics in memory of their biggest fan in Taylor.
The Foo Fighters proceeded to play their hits with “a revolving door of drummers” that included Josh Freese, Travis Barker, Rufus Taylor and even young internet sensation Nadi Bushell.
Paul McCartney made a surprise appearance and sang the Beatles classic “Oh Darling” for the first time in a duet with Chrissie Hynde.
Earlier, Dave sang a teary-eyed “Times Like These” that got fans at Wembley shedding tears with him. But the most heart tugging moment came when Dave introduced Taylor’s son Shane Hawkins who subsequently pounded the drums on “My Hero.” It was also the most galvanizing.
Finally it was Dave, with just his guitar on “Everlong,” who got the occasional assist from 80,000 voices as his own almost faltered with exhaustion, grief and love for his friend, brother and musical soulmate.
It was a glorious noise, one probably heard by Taylor up in heaven.