Dave Grohl was seen breaking down in tears during an emotional moment at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert yesterday (Saturday 3 September), which saw musicians come together to honour the late Foo Fighters drummer.
Grohl described Hawkins – who was found dead in a hotel room in Colombia in March – as his ‘dear friend, bandmate and brother’, saying ‘no one else could make you smile or laugh or dance like he could’.
"And for those of you that admired him from afar, I'm sure you've all felt the same thing," Grohl added.
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"So sing and dance and laugh and cry and scream and make some noise so he can hear us right now."
He later took to the stage to sing a stripped-back version of Foo Fighters hit ‘Times Like These’, with tears streaming down his face as he sang.
Choking on his emotions, he found himself pausing before singing the poignant lyric: "It's times like these you learn to love again."
The all-star concert, which was held at London’s Wembley Stadium, also featured the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Queen, AC/DC and Liam Gallagher – along with performances from some of Hawkins’ favourite acts, including Metallica, Rush, Supergrass and Stewart Copeland of The Police.
At one point, his 16-year-old son Shane appeared at the drumkit for an inevitably emotional performance of ‘My Hero’.
Young British drumming prodigy Nandi Bushell - who previously went viral after challenging Grohl to a drum battle – also got to pay tribute to Hawkins, taking his place for ‘Learn To Fly’ as Grohl referred to her as ‘one of the most bada*s drummers I’ve ever met in my life’, while Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and Roger Taylor’s son Rufus doing the same for other songs.
Other big names were also able to get involved via video messages, including Elton John and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, the latter of whom recalled how Hawkins would visit his local music store and purchase instruments for aspiring musicians, adding: "I love him and I miss him every day."
Billie Eilish also shared her own tribute, saying: "Taylor's music and his passion will be remembered for ever and ever and so should his warmth and kindness with every person who was ever lucky enough to meet him."
The incredibly emotionally-charged evening had many bittersweet moments, with Grohl often seen struggling to fight back his tears.
At one point, he choked up as he told the crowd: "The last few days we have been asking ourselves the same question after every rehearsal: 'I wonder what Taylor would think of this - to see all of these amazing people together making music?'"
Topics: Music, Dave Grohl
Jess Hardiman