It’s in the nature of things that tonight won’t be a carefree one. Nevertheless, there is a festival atmosphere in Wembley Stadium – and that’s okay, a “celebration of life” was also announced. “We have gathered here today…” – when the Foo Fighters enter the stage at 4.30 p.m. local time sharp and thus break their public silence that has lasted since the end of March, sadness is mixed with euphoria and the joy of seeing each other again. It should be an evening of dancing, celebrating and, if need be, crying too, says Grohl. Because we all have to deal with the death of Taylor Hawkins in our own way – whether you know him personally or as an artist.
Liam Gallagher kicks off the six-hour tribute show with “Rock’n’Roll Star” and “Live Forever”, before comedian Dave Chappelle says a few warm words about Hawkins, turning in particular to his children who are sitting at the edge of the stage . In addition to being a brilliant drummer and an absolute music nerd, Taylor was one thing above all: a kind-hearted person and an extraordinary father figure. From now on, things are happening in quick succession: While the crowds (sometimes dressed in colorful leggings in honor of Van Halen fan Hawkins) push through Wembley Stadium to get beers, nachos, burgers and water refills, it’s open and a lot going on backstage. Dave Grohl will later say: “You should see how many drum kits are behind the stage!” Every minute they are pushed in and out through an opening flap in the middle of the stage.
Anyone who has not dealt with Taylor Hawkins’ work outside of the Foo Fighters so far will learn a lot today: His 70s dirt rock cover band Chevy Metal and the backing band in the Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders project remember along with Kesha and Justin Hawkins from The Darkness to times together. It’s like opening the big record cabinet all over again – with plenty of deep cuts that his friends know Taylor liked. Hoping the good news does get through to him on some level, his beloved James Gang, which features Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, has reunited for the tribute concert. Hawkins also admired Van Halen, and so Eddie’s son Wolfgang plays “On Fire” and “Hot for Teacher” for him – Grohl is also there, albeit uncharacteristically reserved on bass. The drummer was able to gain at least as much from the bands Rush and Supergrass. The latter, among other things, provide a great sing-along feeling in the early evening with “Alright”.
Them Crooked Vultures reunion
There are special moments on this evening almost every minute, but this one stands out for fans: Them Crooked Vultures, consisting of John Paul Jones, Josh Homme, Dave Grohl and Alain Johannes, do three songs for the first time in twelve years (“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ‘, ‘Gunman’, ‘Long Slow Goodbye’) together. For many viewers, the longing for a reunion comes true. Now, however, it’s time to shift up a gear – with Brian Johnson, Lars Ulrich and the AC/DC hits “Back in Black” and “Let There Be Rock” no Wembley visitor can stay on the folding seats anymore. Others would now call it a day, says Grohl. “We’re just getting started.”
Tears on “Times Like These”
The Foo Fighters have been such a well-oiled machine over the past few years that everything seemed to fall into their laps. Not without reason, of course, because live it was shown again and again how perfectly coordinated the six-piece band plus background vocals really was. The musicians understood each other blindly, guessed the next steps and jokes of the others and jammed playfully. Only the natural course of events could stop this insane run by the Foo Fighters – albeit in this case far too soon. In order to replace Hawkins for the evening (and the one that followed in Los Angeles), the biggest names in the industry were called together: Stewart Copeland, Roger Taylor, Travis Barker, Omar Hakim and many more take turns in the middle of the stage to get the seat to fill, which Hawkins left empty. And yet: the band, known for their incomparable timing and flow, never sounded more raw and torn live than on this evening. Taylor is sorely missing.
That Rufus Taylor, son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, Hawkins’ godchild and drummer of The Darkness, could join the Foo Fighters is a rumor that has been discussed again and again in forums for several weeks. The fact is: Not only does the name Taylor connect the two, Rufus also looks confusingly similar to his mentor – including a falcon tattoo on his upper arm. A sight that is comforting on the one hand and disconcerting on the other, when he plays some Queen hits for his deceased friend together with his father and Brian May, among others.
Beneath all the sorrow lies a chance for the band. Does she want to grab Dave Grohl? He doesn’t seem sure about that yet.
“I’m a little divided / Should I stay or run away and leave it all behind? / It’s times like these you learn to live again / It’s times like these you give and give again / It’s times like these you learn to love again / It’s times like these time and time again
Performing your own songs at the push of a button was always the most natural thing in the world for Grohl, but today it is obviously difficult for him. The singer’s voice breaks to the organ-supported “Times Like These” – it takes a few breaths before he can get the intro over with and then be able to hide behind the long hair and the big rock gestures again. 75,000 people in the audience in front of him, as well as millions of live viewers, feel first-hand how much he cares about the death of his friend. In addition, his mother died in July, in the middle of the preparations for this show.
Attention is quickly drawn to drum prodigy Nandi Bushell, who climbs behind the drums for “Learn to Fly”. And the now not-so-secret special guest Paul McCartney now has his grand entrance – in a comparatively lame duet with Chrissie Hynde (“Oh! Darling”) and with the Foo Fighters (“Helter Skelter”). Poignant is “My Hero” which follows, with Taylor Hawkins’ 16-year-old son Shane, who, with anger, sadness and ambition in his arms and legs, puts on a cathartic performance that leaves even the old hands speechless.
“Everlong” will be a quiet solo farewell to his friend and bandmate, because without The Hawk there can’t be the usual brilliant finale with the whole band. The future of the band still seems uncertain. Words are not wasted on this, but hints can be found here and there. Anyone who knows the Foo Fighters live knows that Grohl likes to let his “We never say goodbye, we only say this” roll off his tongue at the end and then go on to the well-known riff. Today, on the other hand, he is at a loss for words. What else is there to say that he really wants to say? Everyone here knows it: grief is a bad advisor – and so it remains with a non-binding “See you”.