For the last five days of October, I’m remembering music artists that died in 2022 by celebrating the music and legacy that continues to live on.
Oliver Taylor Hawkins: Feb 17, 1972 – Mar 25, 2022
It’s no exaggeration to say that the death of Taylor Hawkins shook the rock world. For many, the grueling toll that touring can take on the body is a wake-up call. Taylor’s death is so closely tied to the thing that gave him life. Fans know how much music means to Taylor, Dave Grohl and the band. His death brought together bands that have previously never come together before: Rush, The Police, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morrisette (his employer prior to Foo Fighters) and many more. Because when you love music this much, we can set aside our superficial differences. It’s why I can appreciate and write about a Foo Fighters song without being a fan. I chose “Low”.
The guitars are on fire on “Low”, but the defining element are the drums. Full-throttle. Relentless. A reminder that Taylor wasn’t there to simply keep beat. Taylor was playing with every ounce of energy he had in him. You can clearly hear that and acknowledge that in the production. “Low” is a reminder of two things. One, how hard Foo Fighters can push things, and I mean hard. Two, playing with everything you’ve got, for some, is the only way to play.
“You be my passerby. I'll be your new one to pass through.”