Foo Fighters Announce They Will Continue As A Band

As 2022 came to a close, the Foo Fighters shared the above message on their social feeds, which seems to confirm that they will continue as a band for the first time since the shocking passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins. 

As we say goodbye to the most difficult and tragic year that our band has ever known, we are reminded of how thankful we are for the people that we love and cherish most, and for the loved ones who are no longer with us.

Foo Fighters were formed 27 years ago to represent the healing power of music and a continuation of life. And for the past 27 years our fans have built a worldwide community, a devoted support system that has helped us all get through the darkest of times together. A place to share our joy and our pain, our hopes and fears, and to join in a chorus of life together through music. Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were—and without Taylor, we know that we're going to be a different band going forward.

We also know that you, the fans, meant as much to Taylor as he meant to you. And we know that when we see you again—and we will soon—he'll be there in spirit with all of us every night.

This couldn't have been an easy decision for the band to make, given the circumstances (obviously), but I think it's the right one and I'm really glad the Foos will go on as a die hard fan myself. Like they say in that above statement, this is a band literally formed to represent the healing power of music in the face of tragedy; it only feels right to continue that healing process after this tragedy struck the band. 

Plus, Dave has always said the Foo Fighters could never break up, as it'd be like your grandparents breaking up - what's even the point?

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Shows were a great start to kick off the healing, as they were some of the most powerful, emotional, and best concerts I've ever seen put on, and you just know that every show from here on out will have a moment dedicated to Taylor (during 'My Hero' if I had to guess) to keep his memory alive forever. Maybe they'll play 'Aurora' for him more often as that was his favorite Foo Fighters song. That's what I'd love to see as a fan.

Dave will probably record the drums on the band's next project, and then they'll find a drummer to join them on tour whenever they're ready for that - which sounds like it could be soon based on their statement. 

We all know that nobody will ever be able to replace Taylor's energy behind that kit, but in my opinion, they sure as hell can make him proud.

Here are my personal picks to take up the Foo Fighters' throne....

Mike Windle. Getty Images.

Rufus Taylor (The Darkness)

For me, Rufus Taylor - son of Queen's Roger Taylor and godson to Taylor Hawkins himself - seems like the most obvious choice. Right now he's the drummer of The Darkness, but he could undoubtedly work around that schedule for the sake of the Foo Fighters, and Taylor was literally his idol. You could really see how much Rufus was influenced by Hawkins during the tribute shows….

It's actually a bit eerie how much he looks like Hawkins, as well - especially after getting the same hawk tattoo as Taylor in his memory - but I think we'll get over that quick when he starts to lay into the kit; his talent just takes over.

Timothy Norris. Getty Images.

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Josh Freese (The Offspring, Guns N' Roses, Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, Sublime with Rome)

If Rufus can't do it, Josh Freese is the move in my eyes. He's played with just about everybody in rock n' roll and he fit in with the Foo Fighters as well as anybody at the aforementioned tribute shows. It's actually insane how versatile he is and has been his entire career if you take a look at his resumé. I mean, he just played a couple shows with Danny Elfman at the Hollywood Bowl in between Offspring shows for cryin out loud! This guy can do anything!

Shane Hawkins (Son of Taylor Hawkins)

Young Oliver Shane Hawkins gave us the moment of the year in music when he tore Wembley Stadium to the ground with an emotional, hard-hitting rendition of 'My Hero' with the Foos, and I know a lot of fans would love to see him step into his father's shoes here - but at just 17 years old, I personally think he could use a few more years to hone his craft and live his life. 

Shane could totally be the drummer of the Foo Fighters ONE DAY, but I say give him 5-6 years, and revisit this idea then. 

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You never know, though - Tommy Lee joined Mötley Crüe when he was 17, and if the band thinks this is the right move, I'd support it wholeheartedly.

Scott Dudelson. Getty Images.

Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Here's the biggest wild card on my list; I don't think Chad Smith would be able to be the drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers AND the Foo Fighters at the same time, but he was soooo close with Taylor Hawkins (and still plays with a hawk on his kickdrum in tribute) and is definitely one of the few capable of stepping into that role. 

It probably won't happen, but hell - crazier things have happened before. I thought he was worth a mention.

Who would you like to see as the next drummer of the Foo Fighters? What was your favorite Taylor Hawkins performance?

Let me know!