Shane Hawkins has cleared up a long-standing Foo Fighters myth, revealing his late dad Taylor’s true favourite song to play live – and fans might be surprised by the answer.
Shane Hawkins has officially set the record straight on a long-standing Foo Fighters fan myth.
While it’s often been assumed that Taylor Hawkins’ favourite Foo Fighters track to perform live was “Aurora,” his 17-year-old son says that’s simply not true.
Speaking during a drum clinic in Newquay, England last week, Shane told the audience: “People say that song ‘Aurora’ was his favourite to play. That’s a lie. Dave [Grohl] never let… Dave did let him play it with them, but it’s a fuckin’ hard one to do all together.” (via Rolling Stone)
Instead, Shane revealed that Taylor’s actual favourite song to play was “Low,” a deeper cut from the band’s 2002 album One by One. He followed the announcement by playing a live rendition of “Low” in tribute, delivering it with precision and power, much like his father would have.
Foo Fighters performed “Low” 125 times during Taylor’s tenure, most recently during the 2022 tribute concert in Los Angeles. The last time he played it live with the band was at a secret pop-up show at the Hollywood Palladium Parking Lot in 2018, under the pseudonym The Holy Shits.
While “Aurora” has had more live outings – 284 to be exact – its reputation as Taylor’s most beloved track seems to have been overstated. The final time Taylor played “Aurora” was in Mexico City on March 15, 2022, just ten days before his death.
The Foo Fighters’ lineup has been a revolving door since Taylor passed. Josh Freese stepped in temporarily, but last month, he revealed he was unexpectedly let go. “In my 40 years drumming professionally, I’ve never been let go from a band,” Freese said. “So while I’m not angry – I’m just a bit shocked and disappointed.”
The band has yet to confirm who’ll be behind the kit for their upcoming October shows in Asia. Rumours have been swirling about Shane potentially stepping in, but nothing’s been confirmed.
For now, Shane is focused on keeping his dad’s legacy alive through Chevy Metal, Taylor’s long-running side project. Shane will be drumming for the reformed band when they hit the road this July through August – leaving just enough time to prep for Foo Fighters’ next move, should the call come.
