Queen is one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Somebody to Love are known around the world. But even legendary bands can see their popularity rise and fall over the years. As music changes and new artists take over, older bands are sometimes pushed into the category of “classic” or “nostalgic.” According to Queen guitarist Brian May, one modern rock musician helped change that perception — Taylor Hawkins, the drummer of the Foo Fighters.
Taylor Hawkins did not help Queen stay relevant by changing their sound or reinventing their image. Instead, he did something much more powerful: he showed pure love and respect for their music.
A True Fan, Not Just an Influenced Musician
Taylor Hawkins was more than just inspired by Queen — he was a serious fan. Brian May once said that Hawkins knew Queen’s music incredibly well, sometimes even better than the band members themselves. He knew deep album cuts, live performances, and the stories behind the songs. This level of admiration impressed May because it was real and sincere.
What made Hawkins special was the way he spoke about Queen. There was no irony, no jokes, and no distance. He didn’t treat Queen as an “old band” from the past. He talked about them as if they were timeless, exciting, and still important in modern rock music. That attitude helped fans see Queen in a new light.
Sharing Queen’s Music With a New Generation
One of the most memorable moments showing Hawkins’ love for Queen happened during a Foo Fighters concert at Lollapalooza Argentina. During the show, Hawkins stepped out from behind the drum kit and sang Queen’s Somebody to Love. Dave Grohl took over on drums while Hawkins delivered a powerful and emotional performance.
This moment was special because it wasn’t planned as a big tribute. It was simply Hawkins sharing a song he truly loved. Fans could feel his connection to the music, and many younger listeners were introduced to Queen through that performance. It reminded people that great songs don’t belong to one generation — they belong to everyone.
Making Queen Feel Alive Again
Brian May explained that Hawkins helped shift the way people talked about Queen. Instead of being seen only as a legendary band from the past, Queen was once again viewed as a living influence. Hawkins’ excitement was contagious. When fans saw a modern rock star openly celebrating Queen, it made them curious. They wanted to listen, learn, and understand why the music mattered so much.
Hawkins showed that you don’t need to “update” classic music for it to connect. You just need honesty and passion. His love for Queen stripped away the idea that their music was outdated and replaced it with the feeling that it was powerful, emotional, and still relevant.
A Lasting Impact
Taylor Hawkins’ influence on Queen’s legacy wasn’t about fame or promotion. It was about respect. He reminded the world that great music doesn’t age — it lives on through the people who love it. Through his performances, interviews, and genuine admiration, Hawkins helped introduce Queen to new fans and reminded longtime listeners why they fell in love with the band in the first place.
In the end, Taylor Hawkins didn’t just celebrate Queen — he helped keep their spirit alive in modern rock culture.