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- Foo Fighters duo share drum heroes on AXS TV
- Hawkins recalls formative idols and vocal-drumming role models
- Grohl’s path from Nirvana drummer to Foo Fighters frontman
- They remember an era dense with standout rock drummers
- Mutual praise: each names the other the greatest
- Live chemistry and a memorable London show
- Legacy and the reminder of Hawkins’ passing
On a relaxed episode of Sammy Hagar’s Rock and Roll Road Trip, filmed in April 2018, Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins sat across from the rock veteran and traded stories about the players who shaped their sound. The chat moved from light-hearted “this-or-that” choices to deeper talk about drumming idols, revealing both surprise picks and mutual respect between two of modern rock’s most visible musicians.
Foo Fighters duo share drum heroes on AXS TV
Hagar invited Grohl and Hawkins to his AXS TV series and kept the conversation loose. The setting felt like a friendly diner talk. Topics ranged from classic band rivalries to gear preferences.
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- They played a quick “this-or-that” round: Beatles vs. Stones, analog vs. digital, and more.
- The pair reflected on tour memories and onstage role swaps.
- Hagar steered the conversation toward drummers they admired growing up.
Hawkins recalls formative idols and vocal-drumming role models
Taylor Hawkins spoke fondly about the drummers who inspired his approach behind the kit and on the mic. He pointed to musicians who did both with flair.
One name stood out: Roger Taylor of Queen. Hawkins admired Taylor not only for his rhythmic power. He loved the way Taylor lent a high, distinctive voice to Queen’s recordings. Hawkins remembered seeing a big drum kit and an even bigger stage presence, and thinking he wanted that combination for himself.
From Jagged Little Pill to global stages
Before joining Foo Fighters in 1997, Hawkins toured with Alanis Morissette during the Jagged Little Pill era. That background helped him develop as a vocalist and drummer at once. When Hawkins moved into Foo Fighters, he often added backing vocals, and later sang lead on several tracks.
Grohl’s path from Nirvana drummer to Foo Fighters frontman
Dave Grohl rose to prominence as Nirvana’s drummer and later founded Foo Fighters. He still returns to the drums from time to time. On Hagar’s show he listened closely as Hawkins and Hagar praised the band’s range and adaptability.
- Grohl’s early drumming in Nirvana influenced a generation.
- Transitioning to frontman, Grohl occasionally slips back behind the kit.
- Live shows sometimes featured swapped roles: Grohl on drums, Hawkins singing.
They remember an era dense with standout rock drummers
Hawkins reflected on the 1990s as a special time for rock drumming. He pointed to a cluster of standout players who dominated the scene. Names he mentioned included Jimmy Chamberlin and Matt Cameron.
His point was simple: there was a moment when several elite drummers rose together. Hearing those peers in the same conversation made that period unforgettable for musicians and fans alike.
Mutual praise: each names the other the greatest
Sammy Hagar posed a direct question: who is the greatest drummer of all time? The answers were striking for their humility and friendship.
- Hawkins answered without hesitation: Dave Grohl.
- Grohl returned the compliment immediately: Taylor Hawkins.
The exchange underscored a deep mutual respect. Both men deflected ego and lifted the other up, revealing how closely they viewed one another’s craft.
Live chemistry and a memorable London show
Hagar also brought up a London performance where roles shifted on stage. Hawkins handled more of the vocals while Grohl took over on drums. That show illustrated how the two musicians could swap responsibilities and still create a thrilling experience.
Hagar’s praise emphasized their versatility. The band could adapt mid-set and still maintain energy. That flexibility became part of Foo Fighters’ live identity.
Legacy and the reminder of Hawkins’ passing
Taylor Hawkins remained Foo Fighters’ drummer until his death in 2022. His career included many side projects and collaborations, but his longest run was with Grohl’s band. The 2018 interview now serves as a snapshot of their camaraderie.
Moments like these—informal, revealing, and full of humor—capture how musicians influence one another. The episode preserved a candid exchange about admiration, influence, and the people who shaped modern rock drumming.
