Hawkins also shared a memorable moment with AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, with whom he performed at the tribute concerts. After the show, Johnson called Hawkins to chat, and the two later caught up at an awards event
Justin Hawkins, frontman of The Darkness, has opened up about his experience performing at the tribute concerts for the late Taylor Hawkins in 2022. The gigs, which took place in London and Los Angeles, were organized by Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl in honor of his late bandmate. Hawkins, who was a surprise highlight of the concerts, admitted that he was “petrified” about performing, particularly given his own band’s connection to the late drummer.
Hawkins shared his deep emotional connection to Taylor Hawkins, revealing that Taylor was the godfather of his drummer, Rufus Taylor. “When Taylor died, it was devastating for us because he was Rufus’s godfather,” Hawkins said. The Darkness had been touring in Canada when they received the heartbreaking news, and Hawkins mentioned the immense effort to support Rufus during that difficult time.
Despite his close ties with Taylor, Hawkins expressed anxiety about performing at the tribute events, saying he was terrified of letting down his friend. “I didn’t want to f*** it up, because he meant so much to me and there was so much at stake,” he explained. As someone who “famously likes to self-sabotage,” Hawkins was concerned about making a mistake.
To ensure his performance would be perfect, Hawkins put in extra preparation, something he admits he doesn’t often do. He booked a studio and practiced thoroughly before the gigs. “I had to get it right, and it was extremely well received,” he said. His efforts paid off, and the performance was a success, leading many to see Hawkins in a new light.
Hawkins also shared a memorable moment with AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, with whom he performed at the tribute concerts. After the show, Johnson called Hawkins to chat, and the two later caught up at an awards event. Reflecting on the experience, Hawkins said, “It blows my mind to think I’m considered a national treasure, but it blows it even more to think I’m on first-name terms with one of my actual heroes.”
