15 Greatest Covers and Collaborations From Taylor Hawkins

The unexpected death of Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins left the world in shock. With that sudden turn of events, we are left to marvel at the drummer’s impressive rock background which, from a young age, was already honed for quality. During the stint of his career, he not only made rounds as the Foo Fighters’ magnificent drummer but also with the side projects that gave him opportunities to perform with fellow legends of rock. Take a look at some of them below.

 

“Ziggy Stardust” – David Bowie

Apart from being a gifted drummer, Hawkins is also a man of good tune in front of the mic. Last year, he performed a memorable “Ziggy Stardust” cover of David Bowie, with his son Shane delivering the drum duties.

“Sister Christian” – Night Ranger

Taking double duties as a drummer and the singer at the same time, Hawkins performed this Night Ranger classic, “Sister Christian” in 2016.

“Breakdown” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“Breakdown” became one of Foo Fighters’ go-to tracks last 2008, 2011, and again in 2017. Hawkins even labeled Petty as “the coolest motherf*****” he’s had the pleasure to know.

“Let there Be Rock” – AC/DC

Another go-to cover song of Foo Fighters is an electrifying one from AC/DC. Fans have estimated that the band has played this one in their shows over 50 times.

“Fearless” – Pink Floyd

Supergroup NHC released a 4-song EP, featuring a Pink Floyd classic, “Fearless.”

“The Day I Tried to Live” – Soundgarden

In 2019, Hawkins appeared and perform “The Day I Tried to Live” along with Melvins’ guitarist Buzz Osborne, in tribute to the late Soundgarden member, Chris Cornell.

“Somebody to Love” – Queen

“Somebody to Love” is a difficult song to sing into, but with Taylor Hawkins, this was no biggie. Throughout time, Foo Fighters also tried several Queen songs such as “Tie Your Mother Down,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “Keep Yourself Alive.”

“I’m Eighteen” – Alice Cooper

For Dave Grohl’s 46^th birthday bash, Foo Fighters held a charity concert with the presence of prominent rock artists to make the celebration a hundred times better. For the band’s cover of “I’m Eighteen,” Alice Cooper himself made an appearance; Taylor Hawkins was ravenous throughout the entirety of the set.

“Rock and Roll” – Led Zeppelin

Another proud moment for Hawkins was to perform with John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page on a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” in 2008’s Wembley Stadium. Grohl assumed the drum parts, while Hawkins happily sang its lyrics.

“Tom Sawyer” – Rush

Perhaps one of the greatest moments in Hawkins’ life was how well he delivered Neil Peart’s signature beats in Rush’s “Tom Sawyer.” Not only that, but comedian Jack Black joined Hawkins on stage for some performance you should forget.

“Miss You” – The Rolling Stones

Hawkins joined Chevy Metal and legendary Mick Jagger for a fantastic performance of the Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” inside Saturday Night Live’s afterparty.

“It’s So Easy” – Guns N’ Roses

It was considered to be one of the highlights in the music industry when Guns N’ Roses joined Foo Fighters in Italy, as both bands headlined a music festival held there. They rummaged through a fantastic rendition of GNR’s “It’s So Easy.”

“You Should Be Dancing” – Bee Gees

Last year, Foo Fighters went ahead and record their tribute album Hail Satin but carried the nickname Dee Gees as they went on. They, of course, didn’t miss the opportunity to play “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees.

“You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette

Before Hawkins landed a job inside Foo Fighters, he was Alanis Morissette’s drummer for her album, Jagged Little Pill. Hawkins couldn’t give enough thanks to the person who helped him get noticed by several musicians in the industry. “I’ll never thank her enough for it. I love her to pieces and she’s my sister,” Hawkins said in 2020.

“Darling Nikki” – Prince

For the B-side of their 2003 single, “Have It All,” Foo Fighters decided to cover a fantastic song by Prince entitled, “Darling Nikki.”

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