Benny Greb on Taylor Hawkins: "For the drum community, he was super respected as a rock star, but also as an absolute force of nature"

Benny Greb

Internationally renowned German session drummer, composer and producer

"I was so shocked and saddened to hear about his passing. For the drum community, he was super respected as a rock star, but also as an absolute force of nature.

I first saw Taylor very early, when Alanis Morissette came out with her album. I saw a live show with her, and I couldn’t believe what this drummer was doing. There were these riffs, these powerful big motions - powerful is the word I come back to, because it was just breathtaking how energetic it was. I hadn’t envisioned this sound and energy for that type of music, and it really showed me what an effect he had on a band.

Later, I found out that it was the same guy drumming for the Foo Fighters, and he would tell the story of ditching the more successful gig for them. Because he believed in the sound, he felt at home in it. Seeing him in that context - it was so impressive to see the mood and energy he created with his playing.

Sometimes the better people become as musicians, the emotion can suffer on the other side. Taylor Hawkins is an example of someone who played accurately, but still had so much control and creativity. People who have a high skill level in art, they make it seem effortless. You don’t see the work that goes into it, you don’t see the skill. It disappears, and all you can feel is the emotion and the power. He was prime example of that.

There were so many people that he gave incredible memories, ones they will never forget. He left a huge footprint in so many people’s lives and gained so much respect from anyone he was in contact with. That’s all anyone can hope for, and he achieved it."

Read the full Taylor Hawkins tribute in our current issue.