Rock and roll isn’t a business that takes itself too seriously. As much as some artists get caught up in legal proceedings and have to constantly debate who is owed what royalties, just as many understand that music is supposed to be fun, leaving their egos at the door and living to play music to whoever will listen. Throughout his life, Taylor Hawkins enjoyed playing drums with anyone and everyone, but one band in particular stood out.
For most rock fans, Hawkins has always been known as Dave Grohl’s musical twin in the Foo Fighters. When the band needed a new drummer to replace William Goldsmith, Taylor Hawkins stepped up to the challenge flawlessly. It turned into outstanding performances when playing songs like ‘Everlong’ and ‘Monkey Wrench’.
He and Grohl had some special moments together. But Hawkins would later reflect on how much pressure he put on himself throughout his career. Regardless of his technical ability, Hawkins knew Grohl could have easily played drums on any Foo Fighters record if he wanted to. So he stepped up his game whenever he got behind the kit to do something that would make the frontman happy.
There was also personal drama when Hawkins joined a rotating cast of guitarists in the late 1990s. It was before Hawkins exploded on Grohl for taking the group for granted while recording the album One By One. They would eventually make up and become a leading force in rock history in the next decade. But time could have led Hawkins to stay with his previous gig.
The Foo Fighters began to gain popularity following the release of their self-titled album. Hawkins got his first big break playing drums with Alanis Morrissette, adding muscle to songs like ‘You Oughta Know’ and ‘Ironic’. Despite being a perfect fit for the alternative frontwoman’s live sound, Hawkins said accepting the gig with Grohl was an easy decision.
Grohl insisted on trying out for the band after jokingly asking Hawkins if he knew any good drummers to play with. Grohl believed that Hawkins would never turn down a gig with one of the world’s biggest stars. But Hawkins was adamant, saying that he wanted to be part of a band rather than being a side musician to someone else.
Hawkins expressed regret for leaving Morrissette on a high note. He had fond memories of working with her throughout her career. He said, “In retrospect, I probably was a little less respectful than I should have been. Looking back, those were some of the most enjoyable times of my life. She became a good friend, and I wish we could stay in touch.”
Hawkins learned how to play with rock musicians during his time in Morrissette’s camp. He collaborated with Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction. It was on the album ‘You Oughta Know‘. Hawkins has accidentally burned bridges along the way. But fate had already steered him toward a career as a drumming god.
