Wolfgang Van Halen Praises Shane Hawkins: ‘I Wish I Had His Strength’

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at London's Wembley Stadium last weekend had many memorable moments. One of the most impactful was when Shane Hawkins, the 16-year-old son of the late Taylor Hawkins, took a seat behind the drum kit and played "My Hero" with the Foo Fighters.

The emotion of the moment wasn't lost on Wolfgang Van Halen, who also performed at the tribute show. Wolfgang shared via Twitter, "What an amazing young man Shane Hawkins is." He then added, "We unfortunately have too much in common," alluding to the death of his own rock star father, Eddie Van Halen, who died in October 2020 at age 65 following a long bout with cancer.

He concluded, "I wish I had his strength. Watching him obliterate 'My Hero' just like his father at Wembley Stadium is something I will never forget. Kid’s got a bright future. I’m proud of you, Shane." The kind words were accompanied by a brief clip of Shane hugging Wolfgang.

The full performance of "My Hero" was created into its own video on YouTube. As of publishing, it has already amassed just under six million views since being publishes on September 4.

In memory of the first anniversary of the passing of Taylor Hawkins on March 25, we're looking back on the two tribute concerts organized by the Foo Fighters. The London and Los Angeles shows were incredible events full of light and love. They were reflections of Hawkins, himself. Foo fans the world over will forever miss and remember one incredible drummer and ambassador for rock music.

We send our thoughts to the family and friends of Taylor Hawkins on this anniversary and every day they miss the unique force he was.

The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at London's Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 3 will likely go down as one of the most emotional and cathartic moments in rock in 2022.

The stacked bill featured some of the late Foo Fighters drummer's best friends, biggest influences and peers. Combined, those artists delivered an incredible six-hour show. It's one the thousands in attendance and those watching around the world won't soon forget. The Foo Fighters, themselves, delivered an incredible set where they were joined by a number of different drummers. Among them were Josh Freese, Travis Barker, Nandi Bushell, Rufus Taylor and Shane Hawkins, Taylor's 16-year-old son. If that weren't enough, Paul McCartney made a surprise appearance, too.

Preceding the Foos' set was an all-star lineup of performers that included Queen, Rush's Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Stewart Copeland, Brian Johnson, Lars Ulrich, Mark Ronson, Violet Grohl, The James Gang, The Pretenders, Them Crooked Vultures, Supergrass and more.

Photos from the beautiful celebration that was the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert can be viewed below.