Grohl Recalls Poaching Taylor Hawkins from Alanis Morissette During Kimmel Residency

Key points

• Grohl met 23-year-old Taylor Hawkins at a 1995 KROQ festival in Los Angeles, where both bands were performing.
• Hawkins initially rejected Grohl’s recruitment, telling Morissette he would never leave her band, but joined the Foo Fighters within six months.
• The Foo Fighters launched a four-night residency on Jimmy Kimmel Live, performing 'Window' from their new album and 'This Is a Call' from their 1995 debut.
• Grohl credited Morissette for developing Hawkins’ skills, stating she 'brought Taylor up in the world.'
• The band is currently touring Australia following the release of their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy.

Background

The Foo Fighters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Their latest album, Your Favorite Toy, followed 2023’s But Here We Are, the first release after Hawkins’ death in 2022. Grohl previously discussed the emotional difficulty of transitioning from drummer to frontman after Nirvana’s collapse in 1994.

How outlets are covering it

MusicRadar focused on the personal history between Grohl and Hawkins, highlighting the 1995 recruitment story. Billboard and Rolling Stone emphasized the musical performances during the Kimmel residency, noting the contrast between the new album and the 1995 debut. Rock Cellar provided minimal detail, focusing only on the initial 'Window' performance. All sources agree on the timeline of the residency and the specific songs performed, but only MusicRadar detailed the anecdote regarding Morissette’s reaction to Hawkins’ departure.

Why it matters

The story illustrates the interconnected nature of the 1990s alternative rock scene and the lasting impact of Taylor Hawkins on the Foo Fighters. It also highlights the band’s continued relevance through their new album and extensive touring schedule, bridging their legacy with current releases.

What to watch

The Foo Fighters will continue their stadium tour in Australia next week. They are expected to release further promotional content for Your Favorite Toy, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 following its predecessor.