If you weren’t a fan of the Foo Fighters you probably never heard of Taylor Hawkins before he died in March at age 50. But you’ve definitely heard of some of his admirers. Dave Grohl assembled them at London’s Wembley Stadium two weeks ago for a tribute concert, and the lineup rivaled any all-star concert in history.
Paul McCartney sang “Oh! Darling” live for the first time ever, with some help from Chrissie Hynde. Nile Rodgers led a set of David Bowie tunes. Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, Steward Copeland of the Police, Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Brian Johnson of AC/DC highlighted a six-hour show. And they’re going to do it again Sept. 27 in Los Angeles.
The biggest surprise at Wembley might have been the appearance of a band Hawkins loved — the James Gang regrouped for the first time in 15 years. Best known for launching Joe Walsh’s career, the James Gang was founded by and named for its drummer, Jim Fox, whom Hawkins cited as an influence. The Cleveland-based power trio played three songs, with Grohl joining in on drums on “Funk #49.”
The James Gang never had a Top 40 hit. “Funk #49” reached No. 59 in 1970.
