In a harmonious fusion of musical prowess and unwavering camaraderie, the saga of Chevy Metal, the acclaimed cover band that once thrived under the helm of the late Taylor Hawkins, takes an entrancing new turn. The symphony of melodies and rhythm resounded once more as the Rock & Roll Pizza Bar at Harley’s Valley Bowl in Simi Valley, Calif., transformed into a haven of musical enchantment. On a vibrant Monday evening, a constellation of luminaries graced the stage, with Dave Grohl and Hawkins’ son Shane joining the ranks of Chevy Metal for a spellbinding performance that spanned decades and genres.
The curtain ascended, and the journey began with a crescendo of energy that rippled through the air. Dave Grohl and Shane Hawkins, an eclectic duo that embodies the spirit of sonic exploration, became the focal point of an evening that promised to be a symphonic tapestry woven from the threads of legends. A musical banquet awaited, drawing inspiration from the rock pantheon, with covers ranging from the iconic to the unforgettable. The cadence of Van Halen, the ethereal pulse of Led Zeppelin, the fierce spirit of Mötley Crüe, the timeless allure of the Rolling Stones, and the regal brilliance of Queen, the latter being a sentimental favorite of Taylor Hawkins, all converged to create an auditory kaleidoscope that defied boundaries.
The inaugural notes echoed with “Next To You,” a resonant melody that bore the imprints of The Police’s 1978 hit. A seamless transition followed, leading the ensemble into the heart of Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me.” The stage, a playground of creativity, witnessed the birth of a “Jazz Odyssey” reminiscent of the mythical allure of Spinal Tap. The echoes of music woven across generations, genres, and geographies merged to sculpt an unforgettable auditory voyage.
However, the enchantment did not rest solely on the shoulders of Grohl and Shane. A constellation of drumming virtuosos graced the stage, each lending their rhythmic prowess to the symphony. The cadence of Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins resonated as they embarked on a sonic journey through Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down” and David Bowie’s ethereal “Moonage Daydream.” Gregg Bissonette added his touch, seamlessly channeling the essence of Van Halen’s “Jamie’s Cryin’.” A climactic crescendo unfolded with the arrival of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ iconic drummer Chad Smith. Smith, a close confidante of Taylor Hawkins, infused the set with a vigorous rendition of AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” culminating in a euphoric climax that resonated through the night.
In a candid moment of humility, Dave Grohl playfully revealed his secret, brandishing his iPhone and admitting, “I just want to make sure I don’t mess up the lyrics, so I’m gonna read them from my phone. I know that’s not very rock and roll.” This authenticity, a hallmark of his artistry, underscores the spirit of the evening—an ode to music that transcends the confines of convention.
Chevy Metal, a legacy that pulsated with life under the masterful baton of Taylor Hawkins, stands as a testament to the power of music to forge connections that defy time and space. Hawkins, a luminary who departed all too soon at the age of 50 in May of the preceding year, co-founded Chevy Metal in 2013 alongside his friends Wiley Hodgden and Mick Murphy. The legacy he cultivated blossomed even in his absence, as his 17-year-old son Shane stepped into his shoes, gracing both Chevy Metal and Foo Fighters concerts with his presence.
The bonds that tie the ensemble together extend far beyond the confines of performance. Grohl’s words at the Boston Calling music festival echo this sentiment, “Our band is more than a collective of musicians. We are a family that has grown and thrived through the years. Tonight, we stand united, driven by the love we share.”
Shane Hawkins, a beacon of promise and legacy, radiates his father’s spirit as he adorns the stage. In a poignant moment of tribute, he breathed life into the Foo Fighters’ anthem “My Hero” during the band’s London tribute concert, a heartfelt homage to his father’s indomitable spirit.
As the night crescendos into its climax, Chevy Metal’s melodies resonate in hearts far and wide. The videos capturing the essence of this enchanting night stand as artifacts of a musical alchemy that merged past, present, and future—an opulent tribute to Taylor Hawkins, an auditory celebration that resonates through the ages.