American rock band Foo Fighters paid an emotional tribute to drummer Taylor Hawkins at a concert at the Wembley Arena in London on Saturday. Hawkins died at the age of 50 earlier this year. 

Dave Grohl delivered an emotional speech remembering his bandmate and best friend 

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we’ve gathered here to celebrate the life, the music, and the love of our dear friend, our bandmate, our brother Taylor Hawkins,” the 53-year-old said.

“For those of you who knew him personally, you know that no one else could make you smile or laugh or dance or sing like he could. And for those of you that admired him from afar, I’m sure you’ve all felt the same thing.”

“So tonight, we’ve gathered with family and his closest friends, his musical heroes and greatest inspirations, to bring you a gigantic f—–g night for a gigantic f—–g person. So, sing. And dance. And laugh. And cry and f—ing scream and make some f—–g noise, so he can hear us right now. ‘Cause you know what? It’s going to be a long f—–g night, right? Are you ready?” he concluded. 

Also Read: Who is Alison Hawkins, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins’ widow?

Musicians Travis Barker, Nandi Bushell, Taylor Hawkins’ son Shane and several other musicians joined the rock band on stage.

Taylor Hawkins died on March 25 in Bogotá, Colombia, after complaining of chest pain in his hotel. The group was scheuled to perform at a music festival hours later. Preliminary urine toxicology test was carried out and 10 substances were found, including THC, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids.

Also Read: Taylor Hawkins’s wife Alison thanks Foo Fighters community after tribute concert announced

A prerecorded message by Sir Elton John was played at Saturday’s concert. 

“I’m so sorry I can’t be with you tonight … I want to pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins because he was a great musician. He loved music. He loved playing. He loved the Foo Fighters. Tonight we are honouring his memory. So make a noise because he would love that,” he said.