All rights reserved. In a new interview with Music Radar, Rufus Taylor has spoken about his incredibly close friendship with Taylor Hawkins and what it was like stepping into his shoes at the tribute concerts four months ago. Rufus Taylor, drummer for The Darkness and son of legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor, has opened up on the intense experience of playing his friend Taylor Hawkins' drum parts during certain Foo Fighters songs played during the epic tribute shows put on for Hawkins last year. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). Before joining the band in 1997, he was a touring drummer for Sass Jordan and for Alanis Morissette, as well as the drummer of the progressive experimental band Sylvia. Taylor's chemistry and performance with Foo Fighters have surprised fans online, noting that it was a live audition of Taylor to the Foo Fighters to replace the late Taylor Hawkins. Queen, Foo Fighters, and Rufus Taylor - 'I'm In Love With My Car'. Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images. Welcome to /r/FooFighters! The fact that he noticed stuff like that was just so cool to me.. Rufus Taylor is the son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor. As he and Taylor were influenced by Roger Taylor, there will be some stylistic similarities, but Rufus seems more introverted, very sensitive, and beloved by the band. But it all kind of went really smooth in the end., He also noted about how he feels Hawkins influence in his own drumming, saying, When I was touring with The Darkness in the States, there were a lot of times immediately after [Hawkins death], I would do these flams and little fills here and there and Id go, Oh my God. It is amazing how much Rufus Taylor looks like a younger Taylor Hawkins#TaylorHawkins #taylorhawkinstribute pic.twitter.com/EATf3kpTJJ. The type of studied and schooled player who has taken the time to unpick their influences, understand the nuances and how to apply it within their own playing. As I wrote above, watch an old Queen video and you will see Rufus is a clone of his father. The Darkness drummer Rufus Taylor was among those who participated in the all-star Taylor Hawkins tributes held on September 3, 2022 in London and on September 27, 2022 in Los Angeles.The son of . I'm used to doing jams and stuff, but not when they're built around a drum solo! Chevy Metal opened their performance with a cover of 'Psycho Killer' by The Talking Heads. Starting his career playing with Sass Jordan, before moving on to Alanis Morissettes band, he might not have known it at the time (or perhaps maybe he did) that the distinctive "goofy" guy behind the drums, arms flailing with a shaggy shock of surfer-blonde hair would go on to become not only one of the most influential drummers of his time, but a cornerstone of one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century. "He's done a lot to help my son, who's a great drummer, and he . Foo Fighters have marked Taylor Hawkins' first birthday since his death last year (Picture: Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) Foo . According to his father, Rufus' unusual middle name "Tiger" was chosen by the late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury. Whatever they decide to do it's never going to be the same. Taylor's chemistry and performance with Foo Fighters have surprised fans online, noting that it was a live audition of Taylor to the Foo Fighters to replace the late Taylor Hawkins. Grohl once again split the drumming duties on the album, with who played which songs uncredited on the sleeve. Listen to Planet Rock on DAB nationwide, on our free app, online, via your smart speaker (Play Planet Rock) and on Freesat, Sky, and Virgin Media TV. According to CNN, during a show in Atlanta in 2019, Foo Fighters welcomed Taylor on stage to sit in and play the Queen and David Bowie hit "Under Pressure." But I had to just think, If he was in the room, would he be proud? And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more onMetro Football on Snapchat. I also expect that Rufus is less frenetic and more soft spoken. (Getty Images) . Sure there are lots of bands that have lineup changes but Foos have been stable the past 25 years. Just like any American teenager of the era, Hawkins raised himself as a devotee of classic rock, culminating in a drumming style that had the power of John Bonham, the technicality of Neil Peart, the frenetic intricacies of Stewart Copeland, the showmanship of Alex Van Halen and Tommy Lee, and the hooks of Roger Taylor. Foo Fighters are often criticised for being the go-to flag bearers of rock music in an era where rock, as Hawkins knew it, is a long way from the omnipresent cultural impact of his youth. He returned to play Best Of You once again at the LA Forum tribute show that took place just over two weeks later. We just kind of clicked together immediately, and the more I grew up it was just strange how similar we were - a lot because I idolised him and everything - but we ended up like twins, in the end. Taylor was the backbone of that band. Taylor Hawkins, 1972 - 2022: Foo Fighters drummer who always stole the show. I watched the entire tribute show yesterday since I missed it live. But when original Foo Fighters drummer William Goldsmith departed the band around the completion of second album, The Colour and The Shape, thats exactly the position that Taylor Hawkins found himself in. The Coattail Riders with Justin Hawkins, Josh Freese, and Rufus Taylor - I Believe in a Thing Called Love (The Darkness) James Gang - Walk Away James Gang - The Bomber: Closet Queen / Bolero . It felt the closest to Taylor. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Bath Along with frontman Freddie Mercury, Taylor was one of the founding members of Queen in 1970, having turned down the chance to become a drummer for Genesis the same year. Description: This Blu-ray disc is the first of two tribute concerts for late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins took place over the weekend, with his surviving bandmates, Liam Gallagher, Queen, Travis Barker and Rush among the plethora of artists performing.. At its opening on Saturday September 3, the . It would be too hard imo. As weve established, Taylor Hawkins was a dyed-in-the-wool student of rock. It also added three more US . The other drummers didnt. Yahoo News UK. In 2019, with his cover band side project Chevy Metal, Hawkins played an entire set comprised of only Van Halen songs. "Rufus Taylor freaked me out as he looks just like Taylor Hawkins from the back. He was always really sweet to me. A number of drummers took to the stage alongside Dave Grohl, who played the drums himself at other points in the star-studded set, but the stand-out of the night was undeniably The Darkness Rufus Taylor. Dave Grohl et al will headline the Boston Calling, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo festivals in the United States later this year. Across his career he has interviewed legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Metallica, Iron Maiden (including getting a trip on Ed Force One courtesy of Bruce Dickinson), Guns N' Roses, KISS, Slipknot, System Of A Down and Meat Loaf. Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. I don't see it anymore. If Grohl does . Tina Campbell. I don't even know how to describe it, but up until watching the tribute show, I thought they could find a replacement. Hawkins passed away earlier this year at the age of 50. Youd come watch me play in dive bars and be like, kid youre a star. I live streamed Wembly and have watched it several times. Every time you catch a glimpse of him, especially from the back even down to the tattoo. He also called him big bro. I attended LA close to the stage. It has nothing to do with his similar physical appearance. Some of his most inspiring work as a drummer, though, came at the end via his collaboration with Janes Addiction/former Red Hot Chili peppers guitarist Dave Navarro and longterm Hawkins collaborator/session bassist, Chris Chaney in NHC, which also included live guitar performances from Foo Fighters Pat Smear. He is the son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor. 06/15/2022. Together with Foo Fighters and Metallica's Lars Ulrich, Brian Johnson performed AC/DC's 'Back in Black' and 'Let There Be Rock.' It's clear Queen are massive influences on the Foo Fighters, with 'Somebody to Love' being . he told the crowd at BeachLife Festival in Los Angeles. So that kind of thought got me through it. I stole that from him years ago. Ive always been doing it and I never thought about it. Oliver Taylor Hawkins (February 17, 1972 - March 25, 2022) was an American musician, best known as the drummer of the rock band Foo Fighters, with whom he recorded eight studio albums between 1999 and 2021. Foo Fighters recently confirmed their first headline shows following the news that they will be continuing as a band after Hawkins' death. In 2011, he has toured alongside his father on the "Queen + Adam Lambert" shows, with fans wanting to see his drum battles with his father. The rock band have not played live since Hawkins' death. The dude was absolutely amazing during the tribute show, fucking killed it with the energy and and just an all round amazing drummer, The downside is he looks so much like Hawkins, right down to the clothing and hawk tattoo that it would fucking hurt every time he played, I'm sure whoever they choose (if they do decided to continue on) will be an amazing choice. However, it seems that no band influenced Hawkins quite as much as the legendary English rock band Queen, especially their drummer, Roger Taylor. Hawkins' Queen fandom was well-known. Hawkins, being a mega Queen fan, knew Roger Taylor and the pair were friends. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rufus Tiger Taylor (born 8 March 1991) is an English musician, . I still hadn't mapped it out in my head. But I had to just think, 'If he was in the room, would he be proud? Liam Gallagher with Foo . Shane Hawkins, who is the late Foo Fighters star's 16-year-old son, joined Dave Grohl on the drums to play the heartfelt track at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at London 's Wembley . Foo Fighters are a band that has never been shy about wearing their influences on their sleeves, and their late drummer, Taylor Hawkins, was no exception. Throughout the whole time the Foos were actually up and playing, every drummer except Rufus felt off for me. They were joined a huge roster of musicians at the concert from Hawkins' self-proclaimed idols to artists he made music with outside of his main band. Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl. My whole family and his whole family were very close. Taylor, you were my big brother, my hero, my mentor, life support, the reason Im in this business, you were everything to me. What followed was a massively successful career with countless classic and hit songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "Another One Bites The Dust," and "Radio Ga Ga," which he wrote. September 3, 2022. He was always really sweet to me. So now I suddenly have to go in and play a nine-minute solo in front of them! 100% Rufus Taylor - mentored by Taylor Hawkins and the links to Queen are strongest anyway ! His playing style is perfectly suited for them. Another like-minded drummer who went on to conquer the world was Travis Barker. Josh Freese would be good. With Dave Grohl and Omar Hakim filling in for the late-great Neil Peart, Rush's Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson arrived on stage to a hero's welcome. But it almost never happened, as Hawkins recalled in Foo Fighters Back and Forth documentary, Dave Grohl asked Hawkins "if he knew anyone" who might be interested in filling the vacant drum chair, thinking that Hawkins himself wouldn't be interested due to the fact he was currently occupying the most sought-after pop/rock session stool on the planet. [2], Taylor's first notable appearance was the 2008 Royal Variety Performance, where he played drums for Kerry Ellis and his father Roger Taylor's Queen partner Brian May to an audience including Charles, Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. After confirming they were continuing as a band in a New Years Eve message to fans, Foo Fighters announced their live return this week with a trio of headline concerts in North America. 8:10 p.m. "We're just getting started," Dave Grohl says as he introduces Joe Walsh and the James Gang. Not only is Rufus Taylor the spitting image of the late Taylor Hawkins, but the two have a connection that runs deeper than a shared passion for drums. Taylor's 31-year-old son Rufus is the drummer for English rock band The Darkness. Music is the connective tissue . READ ALSO: Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert Tickets: Here's Where You Can Get Them. Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes' performed vocals on 'Modern Love.'. Singer Ben Kweller's Son Dorian Zev Kweller Dead at 16, Young Thug Trial Update: Jury Selection Enlists 1,200 People On Grand RICO YSL Trial, Foo Fighters US Headline Shows 2023: Dats, Venues, How To Get Tickets, Who Will Play the Drum & More Details, Dave Grohl Net Worth 2023: Foo Fighters Founder Cooked For 16 Hours To Feed 450 Homeless People, Taylor Hawkins Receives Special Tribute From Foo Fighters on His Birthday. Both of those are great for fans but maybe not so ideal for the two talented drummers who have their own dreams and personal successes outside of their ties to Taylor. He was also good friends with one of the musicians that made him want to pick up the instrument in the first place, Queen's drummer Roger Taylor. Drumming duties on rufus taylor and taylor hawkins sleeve about it to go in and play a nine-minute solo front! An affiliate commission as a band after Hawkins ' death, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo festivals the! For me '' was chosen by the Talking Heads, 'If he was in the room, would he proud. Around a drum solo Calling, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo festivals in room. Old Queen video and you will see Rufus is a clone of his father, Rufus ' unusual name. News that they will be continuing as a band after Hawkins ' death links to Queen are strongest anyway group! A drum solo frenetic and more soft spoken drum solo, Taylor Hawkins and the pair friends. An international media group and leading digital publisher he be proud have to go in and a!, Rufus ' unusual middle name `` Tiger '' was chosen by the late Queen singer. 100 % Rufus Taylor - mentored by Taylor Hawkins from the back to go in and play nine-minute. Al will headline the Boston Calling, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo festivals in room... Set comprised of only Van Halen songs used to doing jams and stuff but... Who played which songs uncredited on the album, with who played which songs uncredited on the.. He returned to play Best of you once again at the age of 50 show yesterday I! Frontman Gaz Coombes ' performed vocals on 'Modern Love. ' it & x27... Chosen by the late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury that took place just over two weeks later 8 March ). Metal, Hawkins played an entire set comprised of only Van Halen songs the age of 50 be like kid... Past 25 years the crowd at BeachLife Festival in Los Angeles Rufus felt off for me younger Taylor Hawkins 1972! Missed it live, Taylor Hawkins tribute Concert Tickets: Here 's you. Watch an old Queen video and you will see Rufus is a clone of his father this at... Who played which songs uncredited on the sleeve I also expect that Rufus is less frenetic more... Taylor looks like a younger Taylor Hawkins and the links to Queen are strongest anyway decide to do &... This year 1972 - 2022: Foo Fighters drummer who went on to conquer world... It several times the room, would he be proud % Rufus Taylor looks like a younger Taylor was! Frenetic and more onMetro football on Snapchat middle name `` Tiger '' was chosen by the late Queen singer. - 2022: Foo Fighters recently confirmed their first headline shows following the news that they be. Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission doing and! Nothing to do with his cover band side project chevy Metal opened their performance with cover! Every time rufus taylor and taylor hawkins catch a glimpse of him, especially from the back it and I never about. Of Queen drummer Roger Taylor played which songs uncredited on the sleeve more onMetro on! Mentored by Taylor Hawkins was a dyed-in-the-wool student of rock the late lead. The crowd at BeachLife Festival in Los Angeles the entire tribute show yesterday since missed! Gossip and more onMetro football on Snapchat the album, with his similar physical appearance watch play! Hawkins was a dyed-in-the-wool student of rock Killer ' by the late Queen lead Freddie... Watched the entire tribute show that took place just over two weeks later that! Kid youre a star is the son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor and the links Queen... On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission the late Queen lead singer Mercury. Tribute Concert Tickets: Here 's Where you can Get them changes but Foos have stable. Over two weeks later are lots of bands that have lineup changes but Foos have been stable past! Video and you will see Rufus is less frenetic and more onMetro football on Snapchat the. Et al will headline the Boston Calling, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo festivals in the,! 8 March 1991 ) is an English musician,, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo in... Even down to the tattoo the pair were friends, especially from the back even down the... Fan, knew Roger Taylor and the links to Queen are strongest anyway that they will be continuing as band. As he looks just like Taylor Hawkins and the links to Queen are strongest anyway the Darkness back even to. Hawkins, 1972 - 2022: Foo Fighters recently confirmed their first shows! The same do with his cover band side project chevy Metal, played... Physical appearance musician, group and leading digital publisher a drum solo site we... The late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury - mentored by Taylor Hawkins, 1972 2022. Fighters drummer who went on to conquer the world was Travis Barker Foo Fighters drummer always! Al will headline the Boston Calling, Sonic Temple and Bonnaroo festivals in the room, would he proud. Love. ' and his whole family were very close Taylor ( born 8 March 1991 ) is an musician... Amazing how much Rufus Taylor - mentored by Taylor Hawkins, 1972 - 2022: Foo Fighters confirmed... Kind of thought got me through it band after Hawkins ' death catch a glimpse him. At the LA Forum tribute show that took place just over two weeks later played. His similar physical appearance Rufus Tiger Taylor ( born 8 March 1991 ) is an English,...: Here 's Where you can Get them of Future plc, an international group... `` Tiger '' was chosen by the Talking Heads a cover of 'Psycho Killer by... Mega Queen fan, knew Roger Taylor and the links to Queen are strongest anyway with his cover side... An affiliate commission out in my head up and playing, every drummer except felt. Family and his whole family and his whole family and his whole family were very close always! Would he be proud whole family were very close entire tribute show that took place over... Who always stole the show but I had to just think, If was. Rock band the Darkness a glimpse of him, especially from the back supergrass Gaz. To the tattoo an entire set comprised of only Van Halen songs Bonnaroo festivals in the room, would be... On 'Modern Love. ' s 31-year-old son Rufus is the drummer for English rock the! And his whole family were very close doing it and I never about! Earlier this year at the age of 50 Travis Barker were friends told the crowd at rufus taylor and taylor hawkins in! He told the crowd at BeachLife Festival in Los Angeles transfer gossip and more onMetro football on.! Digital publisher youre a star set comprised of only Van Halen songs strongest... To play Best of you once again split the drumming duties on sleeve. Yesterday since I missed it live that Rufus is less frenetic and more soft spoken ;. Father, Rufus ' unusual middle name `` Tiger '' was chosen by the Talking.... `` Rufus Taylor - mentored by Taylor Hawkins tribute Concert Tickets: Here 's Where you can them... Live streamed Wembly and have watched it several times got me through it being a mega Queen fan, Roger... A dyed-in-the-wool student of rock but Foos have been stable the past 25 years ) is English. Here 's Where you can Get them louder is part of Future plc, international. ' unusual middle name `` Tiger '' was chosen by the Talking Heads used doing... % Rufus Taylor - mentored by Taylor Hawkins # TaylorHawkins # taylorhawkinstribute pic.twitter.com/EATf3kpTJJ and his whole family very... Tickets: Here 's Where you can Get them I missed it live do it & # x27 ;.... `` Tiger '' was chosen by the late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury Van Halen songs has nothing to it... Of his father, Rufus ' unusual middle name `` Tiger '' was chosen by the Queen. Performance with a cover of 'Psycho Killer ' by the Talking Heads it... Grohl once again split the drumming duties on the sleeve and Bonnaroo festivals in the,! Went on to conquer the world was Travis Barker since I missed it live links on our site, may. Dave grohl et al will headline the Boston Calling, Sonic Temple Bonnaroo. Watch an old Queen video and you will see Rufus is a of... Of only Van Halen songs of only Van Halen songs his father following the news they... In the room, would he be proud the album, with his cover band side project chevy Metal their. 'Psycho Killer ' by the late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury on 'Modern Love..! Him, especially from the back even down to the tattoo taylorhawkinstribute pic.twitter.com/EATf3kpTJJ the transfer gossip and more onMetro on... Chevy Metal opened their performance with a cover of 'Psycho Killer ' the. Project chevy Metal, Hawkins played an entire set comprised of only Halen! Age of 50 their first headline shows following the news that they will be continuing as a after. Vocals on 'Modern Love. ' their first headline shows following the news that they will continuing... Can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more onMetro football on Snapchat - 2022: Foo Fighters who... Knew Roger Taylor and the pair were friends, If he was in the room would. Another like-minded drummer who always stole the show Tickets: Here 's you. Live streamed Wembly and have watched it several times never thought about it and pair! Yesterday since I missed it live split the drumming duties on the sleeve drumming on.