A Final In-Person Interview With Taylor Hawkins: An In-Depth Look

By Greg Bendtner -

Taylor Hawkins

In June of 2021, Rolling Stone visited Taylor Hawkins in his Los Angeles home for what nobody suspected would be his last in-person interview. The late drummer of the Foo Fighters shared his thoughts about stage fright, his experience with the band, and his deep and meaningful connection with Dave Grohl who he viewed as an older brother.

Taylor Hawkins Still Experienced Stage Fright

Hawkins’ final interview with Rolling Stone took place just hours before the Foo Fighters would play a club show after a long pause in performing. Hawkins said he was very nervous about the show, especially since it’s been over a year since the last time they performed live. The drummer revealed that his stage fright has followed him throughout their career.

An Important Relationship With Dave Grohl

Taylor Hawkins viewed Dave Grohl as an older brother that had a massively important part in his life. Hawkins told Rolling Stone that Dave’s work ethic is a big part of why the band became so successful. In life and on stage, he felt like he and Dave were pushing each other to be better in a very positive and supportive way. Hawkins credits Dave with the fact that he got to sing "Sunday Rain" with Paul McCartney playing the drums. He says he did half the drums for "Nothing Left to Lose" because Dave was there to hold his hand through it and truly wanted him there as a drummer and a family member.

Always Pushing for Perfection

Taylor Hawkins explained that his anxiety and stage fright came from a fear of disappointing himself. He said he always had the idea of perfection on his mind. In the early days of the band, he was always sure that the Foo Fighters could be an arena rock band. That’s why he kept pushing for more practice and it was important to him that they maximize their potential as a live band. He later understood Dave was taking care of all that and he learned to have faith in his leadership and ideas. He will be greatly missed.