Dave Grohl is making headlines on multiple fronts this week, sharing heartfelt memories of his late bandmate Taylor Hawkins while simultaneously appearing as a surprise guest drummer for Aerosmith‘s first show in three years. According to NME, Grohl opened up about meeting Hawkins during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where Foo Fighters are performing nightly this week.
Grohl recalled meeting Hawkins backstage at festivals in the mid-90s when Hawkins was drumming for Alanis Morissette. “I knew, right then, I was like, ‘Oh, we’re gonna be best friends for the rest of our lives’,” Grohl told Kimmel. Per the NME report, it was actually Morissette who suggested Hawkins would be a good fit for Foo Fighters, predicting Grohl would eventually ask him to join.
Rare Aerosmith Performance
Meanwhile, as Consequence reports, Grohl took the drum throne for Aerosmith’s comeback performance Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl. The show marked the legendary band’s first concert since Steven Tyler’s vocal injury forced them to retire from touring three years ago. Grohl played drums on five of the six songs in Aerosmith’s set, including “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion,” with original drummer Joey Kramer joining for the closing “Walk This Way.”
The event, billed as “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends,” featured numerous artists covering Aerosmith songs throughout the evening. Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, Heart, Sammy Hagar, and Billy Idol all performed sets leading up to the headlining performance.
The SoCal Connection
Both stories have significant Southern California connections. The Aerosmith performance took place at Hollywood’s iconic amphitheater, with another show scheduled for November 1st at the same venue. Meanwhile, Foo Fighters’ week-long takeover of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is filming in Los Angeles, with Grohl mentioning meeting Hawkins at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas in 1995βan event with deep roots in Southern California radio history.
Alanis Morissette, whose band launched Hawkins’ career, has three upcoming shows at Inglewood’s YouTube Theater in November, continuing the Canadian artist’s long-standing connection to Southern California venues.
What’s Next
Foo Fighters continue their residency on Jimmy Kimmel Live! throughout the week, with Grohl hinting they’ll perform their cover of “Baker Street” for the first time in 19 years. Aerosmith plays their second “California, Dream On” show at the Hollywood Bowl on November 1st, though it’s unclear if Grohl will reprise his drumming role. Meanwhile, fans can catch Alanis Morissette at her November shows, a fitting tribute to the musician who helped connect Grohl and Hawkins all those years ago.
Last updated November 01, 2026.
Sources: NME, Consequence
ref: 9491