Grohl Recalls 1995 Meeting with Late Drummer Hawkins During Kimmel Residency
Dave Grohl recalled meeting Taylor Hawkins in 1995 during a week-long residency on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Grohl stated he knew they would be best friends immediately. The band is promoting their new album, Your Favorite Toy, with nightly performances.
Key points
- Grohl met Hawkins backstage at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas in 1995 while Hawkins drummed for Alanis Morissette.
- Grohl described Hawkins as a blond surfer who complimented the band, prompting Grohl to predict a lifelong friendship.
- Morissette reportedly recognized the potential pairing, asking Hawkins what he would do if Grohl asked him to join the Foo Fighters.
- Hawkins joined the Foo Fighters in March 1997, shortly after leaving Morissette's band.
- The Foo Fighters are performing nightly on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy.
Background
Grohl has discussed his grief over Hawkins' 2022 death in previous interviews, including a statement to Mojo in April 2026. The band recently performed at the Power to the People festival in October 2026, where Grohl dedicated a song to a new friend. This Kimmel residency follows previous late-night appearances in 2003, 2020, and 2021.
How outlets are covering it
Far Out Magazine and Rolling Stone emphasize the emotional weight of Grohl's recollection, highlighting his immediate certainty about the friendship. Consequence of Sound focuses on the logistical aspect of the week-long takeover and the performance of 'Window.' 95.9 The RAT provides historical context, noting this is the band's second major late-night residency, following a 2014 run on Late Show with David Letterman. All sources agree on the 1995 meeting date and Morissette's role in the connection.
Why it matters
The story highlights the enduring legacy of the Grohl-Hawkins partnership, which defined the Foo Fighters' sound for decades. It also showcases the band's current promotional strategy for their latest album, blending nostalgia with new material.
What to watch
The Foo Fighters will continue their nightly performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live for the remainder of the week. They are also embarking on a world tour to promote Your Favorite Toy. Grohl mentioned the band plans to perform their cover of 'Baker Street,' a song not played live in 19 years.
- Dave Grohl pinpoints moment he became “best friends” with Taylor Hawkins: “For the rest of our lives” Far Out Magazine
- Foo Fighters Launch Week-Long Takeover of Kimmel with Performance of “Window” Consequence of Sound
- Foo Fighters Continue Four-Night Musical Residency on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ 95.9 The RAT
- Dave Grohl on Poaching Taylor Hawkins from Alanis Morissette BroadwayWorld
- Foo Fighters Play ‘Window,’ Dave Grohl Talks Taylor Hawkins on ‘Kimmel’ Rolling Stone
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Far Out Magazine