Taylor Hawkins
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| Taylor Hawkins | ||
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 Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters
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| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Taylor Hawkins | |
| Born | February 17, 1972 | |
| Origin | Fort Worth, Texas | |
| Genre(s) | Rock Alternative rock |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician | |
| Instrument(s) | Drums | |
| Associated acts |
Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders Foo Fighters |
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Taylor Hawkins (born Oliver Taylor Hawkins on February 17, 1972 at Harris Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas, USA), has been the drummer for the band Foo Fighters since 1997, replacing the previous drummer William Goldsmith. He has also founded a band named Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders in which he plays drums as well as vocals. He was previously the touring drummer for Alanis Morissette's band Sexual Chocolate for the Jagged Little Pill tour, however Matt Laug played the drums on the record. Before that, he was the drummer for a short-lived experimental band called Sylvia (which was fronted by Riz Story of Anyone) In addition to his drumming duties with the Foo Fighters, Hawkins co-wrote and sang on the band's latest double-album, In Your Honor. He also occasionally provides backing vocals during the band's live performances. He takes lead vocals on the track "Cold Day In The Sun" on the Acoustic side of In Your Honor. In 2001, while on tour in England, he almost died from a drug overdose. [1]
Hawkins has said that his drumming has been influenced by Roger Taylor of Queen and Stewart Copeland of The Police. He has recently been voted "Best Rock Drummer" 2005 by UK drumming magazine Rhythm.
Hawkins often plays guitar and sings lead for a song or two at Foo Fighters concerts while Dave Grohl takes over on drums.
Taylor Hawkins, with his band Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, released their self-titled album on March 21, 2006. Hawkins will continue to stay with the Foo Fighters. He is currently married to Alison
Contents |
[edit] Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters are a rock group formed by musician Dave Grohl in 1995. Grohl spent four years as the drummer for Nirvana. Unbeknownst to most of Nirvana's fanbase, Grohl had gradually written a stockpile of songs that he had largely held back from the band for fear of ruining their chemistry. (Grohl has noted in several interviews that he was well aware of the infamous drummer joke: "Q: What did the drummer say just before he got fired? / A: 'Hey, guys, let's try one of my songs!'")
The band's first single "This Is a Call" was released in June of 1995, and their eponymous debut album was released the next month. "I'll Stick Around" and "Big Me" were released as singles in the months that followed. After touring through the spring of 1996, the now full band Foo Fighters entered a Seattle studio with producer Gil Norton to record the band's second album. Conflict erupted between Grohl and Goldsmith, however, resulting in Goldsmith's decision to leave the band.[1] The band regrouped in Los Angeles and almost completely re-recorded the album with Grohl on drums. The album, The Colour and the Shape, was released on May 20, 1997.
In need of a drummer, Grohl contacted Alanis Morissette's touring drummer Taylor Hawkins to see if he could recommend anybody. Grohl was surprised when Hawkins volunteered himself. Hawkins made his Foo debut in time for the album's release.
In September of 1997, in front of a crowded street outside the MTV Video Music Awards, Pat Smear simultaneously announced his departure from the band and introduced his replacement, Grohl's former Scream bandmate Franz Stahl. Prior to the recording of the band's third album There Is Nothing Left to Lose, Stahl departed the band, citing creative differences. The band auditioned a number of potential guitarists, eventually settling on Chris Shiflett, who previously performed with 22 Jacks and No Use for a Name. Shiflett initially joined the band as touring guitarist, but achieved full-time status prior to the recording of the group's fourth album. This lineup has been the most stable, remaining in place as of 2007.
[edit] Equipment
The following Drumkits have been used by Taylor Hawkins during his musical career:
- Foo Fighters early 90's Tour Kit:
- Ludwig Drums and Zildjian Cymbals:
- Ludwig Drums - Custom Chrome
- 8x12" Tom
- 18x16" Floor Tom
- 20x16" Floor Tom
- 16" Remo Roto-Tom
- 18" Remo Roto-Tom
- 16x24" Bass Drum
- 6.5x14" 70's Stainless Steel Snare Drum
- 15" A New Beat Hi-Hats
- 18" Z Custom Medium Crash
- 19" A Custom Rock Crash
- 20" A Crash/Ride
- 24" A Medium Ride
- 22" A China Boy Low or 22" Z Custom Rock Crash
- Taylor's Current Tour Kit:
- Tama Drums and Zildjian Cymbals:
- Tama Starclassic Performer Drums - Custom Chrome, Black or Custom White with Red Stripes
- 9x13" Tom
- 18x16" Floor Tom
- 14x20" Gong Bass Drum
- 14" Remo Roto-Tom
- 16" Remo Roto-Tom
- 18x24" Bass Drum
- 6.5x14" Brass Snare Drum
- 15" A New Beat Hi-Hats
- 20" K Vintage Ride
- 20" K Custom Dark Ride
- 21" A Sweet Ride
- 22" Oriental China Trash
- LP Low Pitch-Red Jam Block
[edit] Solo Album
- Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders - March 21, 2006
[edit] Trivia
- He is a fan of the band Queen, and its late lead singer, Freddie Mercury. He also played on a track called Cyborg, from Queen guitarist Brian May's 1998 solo album, Another World.
- Sang lead vocals on the Foo Fighters' songs "Cold Day In The Sun," the band's cover of Joe Walsh's "Life of Illusion," Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar," and Cream's "I Feel Free".
- After leaving the Orange County, California based band Altered State, joined up as drummer for Sass Jordan.
- Left Sass Jordan to act as drummer for Alanis Morrisette.
- Worked as a retail salesman/cashier for the now defunct Music House, formerly located in Lake Forest, California.
- Once dated Good Will Hunting actress Minnie Driver.
- Appeared briefly in Alanis Morrisette's video for "You Learn" during the pie fight scene.
- He is a close friend of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
| Foo Fighters |
| Dave Grohl | Taylor Hawkins | Nate Mendel | Chris Shiflett |
| William Goldsmith | Pat Smear | Franz Stahl |
| Discography |
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| Albums: Foo Fighters | The Colour and the Shape | There Is Nothing Left to Lose | One by One | In Your Honor |
| EPs: Five Songs and a Cover |
| Live albums: Skin and Bones |
| Related Bands |
| Nirvana | Sunny Day Real Estate | The Germs | Scream | Probot | Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders |
