Taylor Hawkins Still Holds a Place in Foo Fighters

Though Taylor Hawkins passed away in 2022 at age 50, his presence continues to resonate deeply within Foo Fighters, according to his former bandmates.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, guitarists Pat Smear and Chris Shiflett, along with bassist Nate Mendel, reflected on Hawkins’ enduring influence. They described his impact as so profound that it still shapes the band’s identity today.

Smear recalled the surreal feeling during recording sessions for their upcoming album Your Favorite Toy, noting, “It was weird Taylor wasn’t there; super weird that he was there,” adding that Hawkins seemed “manifested in his absence.” Mendel echoed that sentiment, saying Hawkins remains “part of the band still,” emphasizing how his early contributions continue to define their sound and mindset. He even recalled a pivotal shift in attitude sparked by Hawkins, joking about a moment when the band collectively decided to step up: “Hey, what if we don’t suck anymore?”

Hawkins’ Role in Shaping the Band’s Identity

Shiflett explained that Hawkins played a crucial role in allowing Dave Grohl to fully embrace his role as frontman, helping transform the band into a powerhouse act. According to him, Hawkins pushed for unity within the group, encouraging them to support Grohl as the central figure onstage.

“It was his idea: ‘We have to be a tight unit so Dave can be the guy out front, and we’re the ones holding it down,’” Shiflett said, adding that Hawkins gave Grohl the confidence to lead.

He also noted that Hawkins helped the band shed lingering hesitation from their ’90s indie-rock roots, particularly around success and large-scale performances. As the band prepared for bigger stages, Hawkins championed a more ambitious vision: “Fuck yeah, we should! We need bigger lights… Let’s embrace that classic rock thing.” He even pushed for bold collaborations, suggesting they invite Brian May to join them onstage in London.

Life After Hawkins: A New Rhythm Section

Following Hawkins’ death, Foo Fighters brought in Josh Freese, who toured with the band from 2023 until his unexpected departure in mid-2025. Freese later returned to Nine Inch Nails, where he had previously performed.

He was replaced by Ilan Rubin, whose arrival marked a turning point for the group. Smear shared that Rubin’s presence had an immediate emotional impact, recalling how he noticed a renewed sense of happiness in Grohl for the first time in over a year.

When asked about Freese’s exit and whether he was given a clear explanation, Mendel confirmed that he wasn’t. “We made a decision that it was best for all parties,” he said, explaining that going into personal details wouldn’t have been constructive. Still, he praised Freese for stepping in during a difficult period, crediting him with helping stabilize the band musically after Hawkins’ passing.

Foo Fighters are set to release Your Favorite Toy on April 24, marking another chapter in a career still shaped by Hawkins’ lasting legacy.