Foo Fighters Drummer Talks About 'Beach Boys' Collaboration

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins has revealed his affiliation with Beach Boy Dennis Wilson after he collaborated on the reworking of Wilson’s 'Holy Man' – taken from the reissue of the classic Pacific Ocean Blue.

Hawkins sings lead vocals to new lyrics written by Wilson’s songwriter partner Gregg Jakobson on the song that had previously been left as an instrumental.

A huge fan of the Beach Boys star, Hawkins revealed to The Sun that he shares a special bond with Wilson.

“He’s a drummer. He grew up on the beach and Gregg always said that we had somewhat similar voices, kinda rough, not exactly Pavarotti, a bit scratchy," he said.

Hawkins also admitted he had initial doubts over the recording. “I was a little nervous. I was like ‘Who the fuck am I to do it?’ This stuff is pretty sacred. I didn’t want to piss on his Picasso.”

Wilson, a drummer like Hawkins, died in 1983 of an alcoholic drowning incident and has been regarded as an under appreciated member of the influential band.

Hawkins expressed his thoughts on the life of Wilson: “I think he was terribly insecure ’cos he had these two brothers. One of ’em, Carl, had the voice of an angel and the other, Brian, is a mad genius. But Dennis was the only one who surfed - he was the real Beach Boy.”

The Foo Fighters drummer’s bandmate Dave Grohl has given Hawkins his seal of approval on the track.

Hawkins explained: “He loved it, thought it was totally beautiful, but I don’t think he’s ever heard Pacific Ocean Blue. It’s hard to sit him down to actually listen to something.

"He’s as busy as fuck, always got something going on with his family and all that stuff.”

(by James Dannatt)

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