Taylor Hawkins: a joyous presence whose true allegiance was always to Foo Fighter

Hawkins’ ebullience and his unique connection with Dave Grohl helped electrify the band’s performances

Taylor Hawkins chose to grab this seemingly poisoned chalice regardless spoke to his confidence in his own drumming

Hawkins, treasured by the Foos’ loyal fans for his skills as a drummer and songwriter and guitarist

his abundant ebullience onstage and in music videos, and his obvious affectionate kinship with Grohl

Grohl himself had always seemed the goofy, sunshine element amid the darkness of his previous group.

Bands are hostages to precarious, volatile chemistry, and for all their lovable public image and abundant bonhomie,