Foo Fighters to continue 'as a different band' without Taylor Hawkins

The band have released a statement

Author: Scott ColothanPublished 3rd Jan 2023
Last updated 3rd Jan 2023

Foo Fighters have confirmed they’re continuing as a band following the death of their drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Remi Jaffee issued a poignant joint statement on New Year’s Eve reflecting on their “most difficult and tragic year.”

The Foos promised they will be seeing their fans “soon” and they know they’re “going to be a different band going forward.” They concluded their message saying Hawkins “will be there in spirit with all of us every night.”

It’s currently unclear who will take Taylor Hawkins’ place behind the drum kit.

Foo Fighters' full statement reads: “As we say goodbye to the most difficult and tragic year that our band has ever known, we are reminded of how thankful we are for the people that we love and cherish most, and for the loved ones who are no longer with us.

“Foo Fighters were formed 27 years ago to represent the healing power of music and a continuation of life. And for the past 27 years, our fans have built a worldwide community, a devoted support system that has helped us all get through the darkest of times together. A place to share our joy and our pain, our hopes and fears, and to join in a chorus of life together through music.

“Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were – and without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward.

“We also know that you, the fans, mean as much to Taylor as he meant to you. And we know that when we see you again – and we will soon – he’ll be there in spirit with all of us every night.”

Taylor Hawkins

Taylor Hawkins died aged 50 while Foo Fighters were on tour in Colombia last March.

In the wake of his death, the band cancelled all upcoming tour dates including their UK stadium trek.

In September, Foo Fighters headlined two star-studded Taylor Hawkins Tributes Concerts at London Wembley Stadium and Los Angeles Kia Forum.

60 incredible photos of the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in London:

Dave Grohl at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

The hardest working man on the night, Dave Grohl.

Liam Gallagher at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Accompanied by Foo Fighters, former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher opened the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert with 'Rock N' Roll Star' and 'Live Forever.'

Pat Smear at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Nile Rodgers at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Music legend Nile Rodgers performed David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' with Omar Hakim, Chris Chaney and Josh Homme. Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes' performed vocals on 'Modern Love.'

Nile Rodgers at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Taylor Hawkins was a huge fan of David Bowie's music. Much of the evening was geared towards Hawkins' favourite artists and songs.

Gaz Coombes at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes performs with Nile Rodgers, Omar Hakim and Chris Chaney.

Chevy Metal at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Chevy Metal opened their performance with a cover of 'Psycho Killer' by The Talking Heads.

Chevy Metal at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Kesha at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Pop singer Kesha joined Chevy Metal for a cover of 'Children of the Revolution' by T.Rex.

Kesha at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Justin Hawkins at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

The Darkness' Justin Hawkins joined forces with The Coattail Riders for his first performance of the evening.

Justin Hawkins at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Justin Hawkins sang 'Range Rover Bitch' and 'It's Over' with The Coattail Riders.

Wolfgang Van Halen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Alongside Justin Hawkins on vocals, Dave Grohl on bass and Josh Freese on drums, Wolfgang Halen performed covers of Van Halen's 'On Fire' and 'Hot For Teacher.'

Wolfgang Van Halen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Wolfgang Van Halen with Dave Grohl.

Wolfgang Van Halen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Wolfgang Van Halen with Justin Hawkins

Wolfgang Van Halen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Wolfgang Van Halen shreds with Justin Hawkins looking on.

Violet Grohl at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Honouring one of Taylor Hawkins' favourite artists, Dave Grohl's teenage daughter Violet covered Jeff Buckley's 'Grace' and 'Last Goodbye.'

Violet Grohl at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Supergrass at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Another of Taylor Hawkins' favourite bands, Supergrass performed 'Richard III', 'Alright' and 'Caught By The Fuzz'.

Supergrass at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Supergrass at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Supergrass at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Them Crooked Vultures at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Them Crooked Vultures – Josh Homme, John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl - reunited after a decade away.

John Paul Jones at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Them Crooked Vultures performed 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Gunman' and 'Long Slow Goodbye'

Them Crooked Vultures at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


The Pretenders at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

The Pretenders performed 'Precious', 'Tattooed Love Boys' and 'Brass In Pocket' with Dave Grohl.

Joe Walsh at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Joe Walsh and his reunited James Gang band mates performed 'Walk Away', 'The Bomber' and 'Funk #49', the latter featuring Dave Grohl.

Josh Homme and Dave Grohl at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Them Crooked Vultures band mates Josh Homme and Dave Grohl backstage.

Violet Grohl and Mark Ronson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Together with Chris Chaney and Jason Falkner, Violet Grohl and Mark Ronson covered 'Valerie' by The Zutons.

Violet Grohl and Mark Ronson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Together with Foo Fighters and Metallica's Lars Ulrich, Brian Johnson performed AC/DC's 'Back in Black' and 'Let There Be Rock.' Justin Hawkins also appeared on stage briefly.

Lars Ulrich at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich joined forces with Foo Fighters and Brian Johnson.

Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Brian Johnson with Dave Grohl

Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Brian Johnson with Justin Hawkins

Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Brian Johnson with Chris Shiflett

Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Brian Johnson with Dave Grohl

Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Brian Johnson with Nate Mendel

Brian Johnson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Stewart Copeland at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Joined by Foo Fighters and Supergrass' Gaz Coombes, The Police's Stewart Copeland performed 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic' and 'Next To You.'

Rush at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

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.

Rush's Alex Lifeson at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Rush performed '2112: Overture', 'Working Man' and 'YYZ'

Rush at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Rush at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Rush at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Queen's Roger Taylor at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

With Luke Spiller, Roger Taylor, Justin Hawkins and Sam Ryder on vocal duties, Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor performed 'We Will Rock You', 'I'm In Love With My Car', 'Under Pressure' and 'Somebody To Love'

Queen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Dave Grohl performing with Queen's Roger Taylor and Brian May, plus Rufus Taylor on drums.

Sam Ryder and Brian May at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Eurovision runner up Sam Ryder belts out 'Somebody To Love' with Queen.

Brian May at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

The Queen set ended with Brian May performing 'Love Of My Life' acoustically.

Queen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


The crowd during Queen


The crowd during Queen


Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Dave Grohl breaks down in tears during set opener 'Times Like These'

Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

An emotional Dave Grohl during 'Times Like These'

Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Chris Shiflett and Dave Grohl

Nandi Bushell at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

12-year-old Nandi Bushell played drums on 'Learn to Fly' with Foo Fighters. The band were also joined by Josh Freese, Travis Barker, Rufus Taylor and Omar Hakim throughout the set. Taylor Hawkins' son Shane poignantly performed 'My Hero' in honour of his late dad.

Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Paul McCartney at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Foo Fighters were joined by surprise guest Paul McCartney and Chrissie Hynde for versions of The Beatles' 'Oh Darlin' and 'Helter Skelter'.

Paul McCartney at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert


Paul McCartney at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Paul McCartney with Dave Grohl and Pat Smear

Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Foo Fighters take the final bow after Dave Grohl's performance of 'Everlong'

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