Three years ago today, the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert took place at Wembley Stadium in London Performers included Foo Fighters, Travis Barker, Nandi Bushell, Chris Chaney, Stewart Copeland, Josh Freese, Liam Gallagher, Omar Hakim, Justin Hawkins, Josh Homme, Chrissie Hynde, the James Gang, Brian Johnson, John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Brian May, Paul McCartney, Nile Rodgers, Luke Spiller, Supergrass, Roger Taylor, Rufus Taylor, Lars Ulrich, and Wolfgang Van Halen-Watch Here
Three years ago today, the music world gathered for an unforgettable moment of unity, emotion, and celebration — the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium in London. On that monumental night, the iconic venue transformed into a cathedral of sound and remembrance, honoring the life, spirit, and boundless energy of Taylor Hawkins, the beloved Foo Fighters drummer whose passion had touched millions across the globe. What unfolded wasn’t merely a concert; it was a once-in-a-lifetime communion of rock legends, rising stars, and fans all bound together by love and music.
The Foo Fighters, fronted by Dave Grohl, led the evening with courage and emotion, turning grief into gratitude through song. Their performance set the tone — raw, heartfelt, and electrifying — as they played not just in memory of their fallen brother, but in celebration of the joy and vitality he brought to every beat. From the opening moments to the final encore, Wembley reverberated with the same rhythm that Hawkins had poured into his drums throughout his career.
The lineup was nothing short of legendary. Artists from across generations and genres came together to pay tribute in their own styles. Travis Barker delivered a thunderous set behind the drums, channeling the energy that Hawkins himself embodied on stage. The young prodigy Nandi Bushell, who had once challenged Dave Grohl in a viral drum battle, performed with power and grace, representing the next generation of rock musicians inspired by Taylor’s spirit.
Chris Chaney, one of Hawkins’ closest friends and bandmates from side projects like Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders, joined in with soulful bass lines that carried both sadness and celebration. Stewart Copeland, the legendary drummer from The Police, brought his signature rhythm and dynamic style, offering a masterful performance that honored the drumming excellence Hawkins so admired. Josh Freese, now a full-time Foo Fighters drummer, also took the stage that night — a beautiful full-circle moment that underscored the continuity of the band’s musical journey.
The evening’s star power was staggering. Liam Gallagher opened the show with Foo Fighters backing him for a powerful rendition of Oasis classics, setting a nostalgic and emotionally charged tone. Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age delivered a gritty, soulful performance, while Justin Hawkins of The Darkness brought his signature flamboyance and high-energy vocals, lighting up the crowd.
Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders added a touch of timeless rock class, while Supergrass performed with the same youthful vigor that defined the Britpop era. The James Gang, reuniting for the occasion, delivered a stunning performance led by Joe Walsh, reminding everyone of the deep roots of classic rock that influenced Hawkins throughout his career.
Moments of pure magic came when Brian Johnson of AC/DC joined forces with Lars Ulrich of Metallica and the Foo Fighters for an explosive rendition of Back in Black and Let There Be Rock. The stadium erupted in cheers, the kind of collective roar that could be felt in your chest — a true testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.
The night continued to raise the bar. John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, and Alex Lifeson — three of rock’s greatest bassists and guitarists — came together for an emotional performance of 2112 and Working Man, a tribute from Rush to Hawkins, who had long been an admirer of the band. The chemistry on stage and the crowd’s response were electric, bridging decades of rock history in a single moment.
Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen delivered perhaps one of the most emotional sets of the night. When they performed Love of My Life and We Are the Champions, the audience became a chorus, singing in unison under the Wembley lights. Hawkins had idolized Queen since his youth, and to see his heroes perform in his honor was deeply moving for both fans and bandmates alike.
There was also a surprise appearance from Paul McCartney, who joined Foo Fighters and Chrissie Hynde for renditions of Helter Skelter and Oh! Darling, reminding everyone of the timeless influence of The Beatles on rock musicians everywhere. Nile Rodgers brought funk and groove to the lineup, while Luke Spiller of The Struts added glam-rock energy that would’ve made Taylor smile.
Among the most touching moments were performances from Roger Taylor’s son Rufus Taylor, who played drums with Foo Fighters for several songs, including These Days — one of the night’s emotional high points. And Wolfgang Van Halen stunned the audience with renditions of On Fire and Hot for Teacher, honoring not just his father’s legacy but also celebrating Taylor’s immense admiration for Van Halen.
As the night drew to a close, Dave Grohl fought back tears during Times Like These and Everlong, songs that took on new meaning in the wake of Hawkins’ passing. Thousands of fans lifted their voices in unison, creating a moment of connection and catharsis unlike any other.
The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley wasn’t just a show — it was a historic celebration of a drummer who lived for the music, the camaraderie, and the joy that rock brings. It was a reminder that while Taylor Hawkins may no longer walk among us, his rhythm still echoes through every beat, every chord, and every heart that continues to celebrate his legacy.
Watch here — a night when the world didn’t mourn alone, but celebrated together.
