Well Executed Download Debut
Usually found beating the skins for Foo Fighters, Taylor Hawkins already has a strong following and indeed his side project, Taylor Hawkins And The Coattail Riders have been going for a few years themselves already having two albums to their name. However, with the Redbull Bedroom Jam tent veering towards full capacity before Hawkins himself has makes an appearance, there’s a sense that most of those flocking in are only doing so out of curiosity for who might also grace the stage.
Later on tonight fellow Foo Fighter Dave Grohl will take to the main stage with his ‘side project’, Them Crooked Vultures’ leaving the question of how many have turned up merely in hope of a few Foo Fighter covers from the band mates?
In the end it is a wasted hope as Hawkins takes his place behind his drum kit, clearly intent on this being his show alone as he pummels through his set blasting out the likes of ‘Not Bad Luck’, ‘Get Up I Wanna Get Down’ and ‘Sunshine’ that showcase his prowess as a drummer in all its glory matched equally by his vocal abilities. Sure, Hawkins may give more than a slight nod to his favourite bands throughout his songs, Queen especially is a driving force behind each, but this doesn’t detract from what the Foos drummer does. Gasping for breath, Hawkins keeps chit chat between songs to a minimum, happy to show the crowd his appreciation but intent to plough through his set and pack as many songs into his slot as possible and whilst there may not have been any guest appearances like so many had hoped for, Hawkins manages to wipe out any shred of disappointment as ‘It’s Over’ brings the curtain down on a well executed Download debut.