Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl takes over drums in honour of the late Taylor Hawkins at tribute concert

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert kicked off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, as crowds of fans and musicians gathered to remember the late drummer.

Taylor died suddenly in March of this year in his hotel room in Columbia, at the age of 50, while The Foo Fighters were on the South American leg of their recent world tour.

Frontman David Grohl took to the stage to thunderous applause with the rest of the band, and took over the drums that his late bandmate once helmed, as Liam Gallagher opened the show.

Tribute: The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert kicked off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, as crowds of fans and musicians gathered to remember the late drummer

Addressing the crowd, Dave said no-one could make you laugh, dance, or sing like Taylor could.

He added: ‘We’ve gathered to bring you a gigantic f**king night for a gigantic f**king person. So sing and laugh and dance and f**king scream and f**king make some noise so he can hear us right now!

 ‘Cos you know what, it’s going to be a long f**king night!’

Tragic: Taylor died suddenly in March of this year in his hotel room in Columbia, at the age of 50, while The Foo Fighters were on the South American leg of their recent world tour

According to reports, the musician got emotional at one point talking about Taylor but he managed to hold it together. 

A whole host of stars took part in the six-hour concert, from Nirvana to Metallica, Queen, Led Zeppelin, RUSH, AC/DC and The Police.

Dave Chappelle made an appearance at the gig to reminisce over hosting Saturday Night Live with the Foos as a musical guest in November 2020. 

Dedication: Frontman David Grohl took to the stage to thunderous applause with the rest of the band, and took over the drums that his late bandmate once helmed, as Liam Gallagher opened the show

Jason Sudeikis also dropped by to introduce Taylor’s other two bands – Chevy Metal and Coattail Riders. 

Elton John spoke via pre-recorded message, saying: ‘I want to pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins because he was a great musician. But more than that he was a great father and a great husband and a great guy to hang out with.’v

He added: ‘He played on my last album which I was so thrilled about and honoured. So, tonight is about remembering him, honouring him, and don’t ever forget him.’ 

Kesha also performed a rendition of Children of the Revolution, while the Darkness’ Justin Hawkins followed to sing some of Taylor Hawkins’ songs.

The concert is the first of two planned tribute nights, with the other gig set to be in Los Angeles later this month.

In memory: A whole host of stars took part in the six-hour concert, from Nirvana to Metallica, Queen, Led Zeppelin, RUSH, AC/DC and The Police