Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Taylor Hawkins

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Taylor Hawkins made an impact.

Oliver Taylor Hawkins (Taylor Hawkins) was an American musician best known as the drummer for the rock band Foo Fighters, a position he held from 1997 until his death in 2022. He shared vocal duties with Dave Grohl and recorded eight studio albums with the band. Prior to joining Foo Fighters, Hawkins toured as a drummer for Sass Jordan and Alanis Morissette and played with the experimental band Sylvia. His energetic performances and musical talent made him a beloved figure in the rock music community.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 1995: Joined Alanis Morissette's Tour

From June 1995, Taylor Hawkins was Alanis Morissette's drummer on the tour supporting the album Jagged Little Pill.

March 1997: End of Morissette Tour

In March 1997 Taylor Hawkins concluded touring as Alanis Morissette's drummer supporting Jagged Little Pill and her Can't Not tour.

March 18, 1997: Hawkins Announced as New Foo Fighters Drummer

On March 18, 1997, Taylor Hawkins was announced as the new drummer for the Foo Fighters. He first appeared with the band in the music video for "Monkey Wrench".

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1997: Joined Foo Fighters

In 1997, Taylor Hawkins joined the rock band Foo Fighters as their drummer and vocalist, sharing vocals with Dave Grohl. He remained the band's drummer until his death in March 2022.

1998: Played on Brian May's Solo Album

In 1998, Taylor Hawkins played on the track "Cyborg" from Queen guitarist Brian May's solo album, Another World.

1999: First Album with Foo Fighters

In 1999, Taylor Hawkins recorded his first studio album with the Foo Fighters. He went on to record eight studio albums with the band between 1999 and 2021.

2000: Contacted by Guns N' Roses

In 2000, Taylor Hawkins was contacted by Guns N' Roses to replace Josh Freese on drums. He considered the offer before Roger Taylor convinced him to remain in Foo Fighters.

2004: Forms Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders

In 2004, Taylor Hawkins formed his own side project, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders. In this band, he played drums and sang, and they released three studio albums between 2006 and 2019.

2005: Endorsed Gretsch Drums

From 2005 until his death, Taylor Hawkins endorsed and played Gretsch Drums.

2006: Performed with Queen at VH1 Rock Honors

In 2006, Taylor Hawkins played drums at VH1's Rock Honors while Queen performed "We Will Rock You".

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2006: Released Self-Titled LP

In 2006, Taylor Hawkins released a self-titled LP with his side project, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.

2006: Released first studio album with Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders

In 2006, Taylor Hawkins released his first studio album with his side project Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, in which he played drums and sang. They went on to release two more albums between 2006 and 2019.

2010: Red Light Fever Released

In 2010, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders released their second studio album, Red Light Fever.

2010: Appeared on Slash's Solo Album

In 2010, Taylor Hawkins appeared on Slash's solo album Slash, providing backing vocals on the track "Crucify the Dead", featuring Ozzy Osbourne.

January 21, 2013: Release of "L'uomo più semplice"

On January 21, 2013, Vasco Rossi's song, "L'uomo più semplice", was released in Italy, featuring Taylor Hawkins on drums.

2013: Forms Chevy Metal Cover Band

In 2013, while the Foo Fighters were on break, Taylor Hawkins formed a rock cover band called Chevy Metal.

March 2014: Announced Birds of Satan Side Project

In March 2014, Taylor Hawkins announced his new side project called the Birds of Satan. It features Hawkins's drum technician and bandmate from Chevy Metal, Wiley Hodgden, and guitarist Mick Murphy also of Chevy Metal.

April 2014: Birds of Satan Debut Album Release

In April 2014, The Birds of Satan released their self-titled debut album, with a release party at 'Rock n Roll Pizza' featuring the Foo Fighters guesting on some of the cover tracks.

2017: Sang Lead Vocals on "Sunday Rain"

In 2017, Taylor Hawkins sang lead vocals for "Sunday Rain", a track on the Foo Fighters' album Concrete and Gold.

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2019: Release of 'Get the Money'

In 2019, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders released the album 'Get the Money'. Stars such as LeAnn Rimes sang on his songs, and Loudwire named it one of the 50 best rock efforts of 2019.

2019: Last Album with the Coattail Riders

In 2019, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders released their last studio album. Taylor Hawkins formed the project in 2004, and released three studio albums between 2006 and 2019.

2019: Get the Money Released

In 2019, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders released their third studio album, Get the Money.

2019: Released "Holy Man" Single

In 2019, Taylor Hawkins completed an unfinished recording of a song by Beach Boys' drummer Dennis Wilson titled "Holy Man" by writing and singing new lyrics. The recording was issued as a single for Record Store Day.

2020: Forms NHC Supergroup

In 2020, Taylor Hawkins formed the supergroup NHC with Dave Navarro and Chris Chaney of Jane's Addiction. In this group, Hawkins took on lead vocal and drumming duties.

September 2021: NHC Live Debut

In September 2021, the supergroup NHC, formed by Taylor Hawkins, Dave Navarro, and Chris Chaney, made its live debut at Eddie Vedder's Ohana festival.