Taylor Hawkins

Gretsch Artist Since: 2005

Country: US

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Bright Pink Gloss Lacquer
5x6 & 6x8 Concert Toms, 9x13 RT, 16x16 FT, 16x18 FT, 18x24 BD
6.5x14” Bell Brass SD

Bio:
To say Taylor Hawkins was a personality behind the drums is an understatement. With his trademark smile and electric and aggressive style of play, Taylor’s expression behind a drum set remains unmistakable. Born in Texas and raised in Southern California, Taylor saw Queen live in 1982, which altered the course of his life. From then on, it was all music all the time.

‌The drummer navigated the early 90s Orange County music scene and landed a breakthrough gig as Alanis Morrissette’s drummer in 1995. He toured the world in support of Jagged Little Pill and appeared in videos for the anthem “You Oughta Know” amongst others. On the road, Taylor made a fateful connection with another drumming icon that would propel him to the next level.

Dave Grohl and Taylor struck up a friendship through a series of festival dates in 1996 and had immediate chemistry. When the Foo Fighters front man called Taylor in early 1997 for a tip on a replacement drummer, Hawkins offered his own services. Shortly thereafter, Taylor found himself on the drum throne for yet another legendary artist and back on the road for another watershed album, Foo Fighters’ Colour and the Shape. Hawkins would go onto to record eight albums with the band.

‌During his 25 years in Foo Fighters, the band sold an estimated 30 million records and won an incredible 15 GRAMMY awards. Taylor Hawkins was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Foo Fighters in 2021. His contagious enthusiasm for drums and live performance inspired a new generation of rock drummers.

Taylor Hawkins passed away in 2022. His spirit and musical legacy will live on forever.