Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith shared a video honoring Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died March 25 at the age of 50.
The video is a compilation of Smith and Hawkins’ most memorable moments together on camera, including many clips from touring. Foo Fighters first opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their 1999 “Californication” tour, where Hawkins and Dave Grohl pulled an epic prank on Smith by throwing pasta over his head while he was drumming. Since then, the two drummers have maintained a playful yet sincere friendship, which can be seen in the video.
“Taylor is my good buddy that I’ve known forever,” Smith says during an interview clip at the beginning of the video. With Foo Fighters’ “My Hero” playing in the background, footage of Smith and Hawkins playing the same drums and fooling around backstage is shown. “I think we’re going to make a lot of other rock bands a little bit jealous,” Hawkins tells Smith in a clip.
The video ends with Smith’s tribute to Hawkins during the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on March 31. “I have to say thank you to my brother Taylor Hawkins. I love you Taylor,” Smith said in his speech. “He would laugh and make some sly comment about the whole thing.” A cute clip of the two arm in arm concludes the video.
The video was compiled for Smith by Daniel Catullo, who directed the 2017 Smith-hosted series Foo Fighters at the Acropolis on PBS. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ latest album, Unlimited Love, was released on April 1st. Watch the full video above, available exclusively from Variety.
Hawkins died while Foo Fighters was touring South America before the band was due to play a festival in Colombia. After his death, Foo Fighters announced on March 29 that they had canceled all upcoming tour dates.
“It is with great sadness that Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates following the devastating loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins,” the band said in a statement. “We regret and share the disappointment that we will not see each other as planned. Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, heal, draw loved ones closer, and cherish all the music and memories we’ve made together.”
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