The Taylor Hawkins tribute concert was an emotional roller coaster, with numerous big names in rock paying their respects to the late Foo Fighters drummer. In addition to performances by Brian May and Paul McCartney, there was also time for an unexpected reunion: Them Crooked Vultures were seen on stage together for the first time in twelve years.
The band formed in 2009 as a supergroup of the first order – featuring Queens Of The Stone Age vocalist Josh Homme on guitar and mic, Foo Fighters vocalist and ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl on drums and John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin on bass. In November 2009 they released a self-titled studio album and went on a world tour. After that it got quiet, Homme and Grohl were busy with their main bands. However, the band members have regularly repeated that they would like to release a second album.
The supergroup began their performance with a cover of the Elton John song “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. Elton John had previously addressed the audience in a video message. Elton John apologized for not being able to attend in person and recalled the “incredible drummer” Hawkins. “He loved music. He loved to play. He loved the Foo Fighters. Today we honor his memory,” said John. Hawkins was featured on Elton John’s lockdown album The Lockdown Sessions as the drummer on the song “E-Ticket,” a duet by John with Eddie Vedder.
Them Crooked Vultures then played their own track “Gunman”. Homme then addressed the audience: “You all, look to the left. Take a look to the right side. The world is about to end, there’s no time left but for love, and I fucking love you guys. And I love Taylor. On behalf of everyone here, I hope you are having the best time – the time of your life.” The mini-set concluded with the Queens of the Stone Age song “Long Slow Goodbye” from the album Lullabies to paralyze.
Josh Homme sings Bowie
For Josh Homme, it wasn’t the only performance of the evening. He had previously performed the David Bowie cover Let’s Dance alongside Bowie’s former musical partners Nile Rodgers and Omar Hakim and Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney. Homme then handed the mic over to Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, who joined the rest of the musicians to play a second Bowie cover called “Modern Love.”
You can see the full setlist of the evening here.