Speaking at the concert in London on Saturday, he said: “Taylor loved to jam and record with anyone and everyone. He loved playing music every day. And there aren’t too many people he’s never stuck with. “So this collection of friends, family and musicians, all of that was brought together by him and we’re all connected here today by this one guy.” The concert in memory of Hawkins, who died in March aged 50, included the first live set in 12 years by Them Crooked Vultures – Queens of the Stone Age supergroup Josh Homme, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. – as well as performances from Nile Rodgers, the Pretenders, Kesha and Supergrass. Sir Elton John also paid tribute to Hawkins in a pre-recorded message, telling fans: “I’m so sorry I can’t be with you tonight… I want to pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins because he was a great musician. “He loved music. He loved to play. He loved the Foo Fighters. Tonight we honor his memory. So make some noise because he’d love that.” Sir Elton’s message was followed by a rendition of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, performed by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme. The event, which was streamed on MTV’s YouTube channel, was billed as a celebration of the late musician’s “monolithic talent and magnetic personality” and was the Foo Fighters’ first performance since the 50-year-old was found dead in his hotel room . Colombia in March. A host of drummers from world-renowned bands were on the bill, including Queen’s Roger Taylor, Blink-182’s Travis Barker, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and The Pretenders’ Martin Chambers. Hawkins’ son Shane was also scheduled to appear. Money from concert tickets and merchandise sales will go to the charities Music Support and MusiCares, chosen by the Hawkins family, who helped organize the event. Hawkins played in the band, fronted by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, for more than two decades, along with Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee, after they joined in 1997. Taylor Hawkins: Foo Fighters drummer dies aged 50 – video Following his death in March, the band canceled their upcoming tour dates as well as a scheduled Grammy performance. The London show will be followed by a second gig on September 27 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with acts including Alanis Morissette and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the bill.
