The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins shared his emotional experience about Taylor Hawkins’ tribute concert in a recent interview with Rolling Stone UK.
“When Taylor died, it was devastating for us because he was Rufus [Taylor, drummer]’s Taylor’s godfather,” Hawkins said. “We were on the road in Canada, and it was an awful moment, so we did our best to support Rufus through that time.”
“I’d known Taylor too, and we’d joked about having the same surname,” he continued. “There was even a guy who claimed to be the missing family link between us. I got a call from Dave Grohl, and I was kind of petrified in a way because he meant so much to me. There was so much at stake. I didn’t want to f*ck it up because I am someone who famously likes to self-sabotage. I booked a studio and prepared for it properly, which is very unlike me.”
“I had to get it right, and it was extremely well received,” Hawkins added. “I think that’s when people started to see me a little bit differently. I performed with Brian Johnson from AC/DC, too. He rang me after just to chat, and I saw him at an awards do recently. It blows my mind to think I’m considered a national treasure. It blows it even more to think I’m on first-name terms with one of my actual heroes!”
The tribute concerts established a significant milestone in rock music history. They united some of the industry’s most influential figures to honor Taylor Hawkins’ legacy.
Radio X reported the tribute concerts took place at two iconic venues. The events were hosted at London’s Wembley Stadium and The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The lineup featured rock legends including Liam Gallagher, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, and Nile Rodgers.
Metal Injection documented the profound impact Taylor Hawkins had on the music community. The Police’s Stewart Copeland joined the star-studded roster of performers to pay tribute to the late drummer.
Bass Magazine highlighted a particularly moving moment during the concerts. Taylor’s son Oliver Shane Hawkins performed ‘My Hero’ alongside the Foo Fighters and Paul McCartney. This performance became one of the most emotional highlights of the tribute concerts.
The London concert reached audiences worldwide through a global broadcast. This allowed fans everywhere to join in remembering the legendary drummer and his contributions to rock music.
