Dave Grohl struggled to continue as he sang ‘Times Like These’, while Taylor’s young son Shane stole the show.
Foo Fighters gave Taylor Hawkins an emotional send-off as they topped the bill at an all-star concert at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday night (3 September).
Frontman Dave Grohl choked back tears as he played the band’s first show since the death of their drummer in March this year.
The star was singing ‘Times Like These’ when he paused to collect his emotions on the lyric: “It’s times like these you learn to love again.”
Earlier, Grohl described Hawkins as his “dear friend, bandmate and brother”.
He said of Hawkins “no-one else could make you smile or laugh or dance or sing 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.
“So sing and dance and laugh and cry and scream and make some noise so he can hear us right now.”
Hawkins was found dead in a hotel room in Colombia this March, shortly before Foo Fighters were due to play a festival in Bogotá. He was 50 years old.
No cause of death was announced, although a toxicology report showed traces of 10 substances in his body, including opioids, marijuana and anti-depressants.
Saturday night’s concert was the first of two gigs organised by the musician’s wife and bandmates, with proceeds going to charities Music Support and MusiCares.
Paul McCartney, Queen and AC/DC were among the rock royalty who showed up to pay tribute at Wembley; while Liam Gallagher opened the show with a fitting rendition of Oasis’s ‘Rock And Roll Star’.
Hawkins’ 16 year-old son, Shane, also joined the band on stage for a rapturous performance of ‘My Hero’.
Sitting in his dad’s usual seat he delivered a flawless performance which won plaudits among people on social media.
One person said “I have no words” after watching the clip, while another said it was their “favourite moment in musical history”.
Watch the clip in full below:
Taylor Hawkins' 16-year-old son, Shane, does his father proud as he sits behind the kit for @FooFighters' performance of "My Hero."#FooFighters #TaylorHawkinsTributehttps://t.co/PU705CpO2R
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) September 3, 2022
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