Time May Change Me
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The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert

Wembley Stadium

3 September 2022

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This was a single event trip. I had previously seen two other multi-artist events at Wembley Stadium —Live Aid in 1985 and the Human Rights Now concert in 1988 I have been to dozens of football matches at this particular venue.

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A single event in London will usually involve a drive to Dublin Airport and then a flight to one of various airports serving the city. In this case I booked BA to London Heathrow on the morning of the gig, knowing it was a relatively short taxi ride to Wembley from the airport if I was delayed. Alas as the event was approaching BA were announcing lots of flight cancellations, particularly short-haul, due to lack of staffing following the pandemic. Hence I also decided to book a Ryanair flight to Stanstead earlier that morning as back-up in case of any cancellation or notified delay.

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As it turned out my BA flight remained unscathed and I was in London checking into my Bayswater hotel on the morning of the gig. It was then a tube journey to the stadium.

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Once there I had a visit to the merchandise stall then with nothing better to do joined the queue for the pitch standing section. There was quite a wait there before the stadium doors were eventually opened, about 30 minutes before the indicated time. As we entered we received red paper wristbands, which we all assumed were just for those standing on the pitch. A short time later we were led around the concourse before being held up at one section. I thought it odd as we were at by that time behind the “goal” where the stage was set-up and I had expected us to be let in at the other end. I only then glanced down at the wristband to see it had “Front Standing” printed on it. I quickly realised this was equivalent to a “gold circle” section. I mentioned it to all those around me who were equally surprised with this as we were then led to the cordoned off section in front of the stage. Getting there early had clearly paid off as the earliest arrivals were allowed into the front section.

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There was still another 90 minutes or so before the gig was due to start and I settled down in a position not to far from where I had been for Live Aid 37 years previously. Maybe a little nearer the stage this time—perhaps 15 metres or so from the main stage and a bit nearer still to the short walkway to a second stage. The fact a lot of this was going to be in daylight meant I was pretty much guaranteed good close-ups early on, and equally even when it went dark the stage lighting allowed for some great pictures.

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As previously mentioned Liam Gallagher was there, the first act, playing a couple of songs with the Foo Fighters before heading off for another gig in France that evening. I suspect he made sure he was on top form for this particular event and it was a definite improvement on the Kilmainham Hospital gig a week previously.

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We then had Nile Rodgers on stage to play on a couple of Bowie numbers from the “Let’s Dance” album—an album Rodgers had produced when Bowie had decided he wanted a bit more focus on dance music.

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Various combinations of singers and bands, and indeed drum sets, followed including a particularly interesting performance of “Children of the Revolution” by Kesha (who I had not even heard of before this event).

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One of the highlights for me was the return to stage of Brian Johnson of AC/DC after a 6 year absence from performing due to issues with his hearing. He put everything into what was only a two song set, and even then required the help of Justin Hawkins on “Back in Black”. I’m not sure Johnson had anything more to give after those two numbers.

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Not paying attention during the week leading up to the show, I had missed the fact that Paul McCartney was rumoured to be making a “surprise” appearance. When those around me mentioned it I started looking forward to seeing just about the biggest still active pop/rock star in the world take to the stage. He had received great reviews from playing Glastonbury a few weeks previously and even at 80 he was still on top of his game. Tonight he had Chrissie Hynde to duet with – another artist I had seen over 4 decades previously at Manchester University just after Brass in Pocket had introduced the Pretenders to the world.

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We were also treated to 12 year old Nandi Bushell and 16 year old Shane Hawkins, the oldest child of Taylor, taking to the drums towards the end of the show. And both showed themselves to be great talents.

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Throughout the whole 6 and a half hours or so hours Dave Grohl was on or near the stage. He very clearly put everything he could into the whole show, be that on the drums, playing guitar, bass or on lead vocals. His commitment and energy throughout was amazing.

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The Foo Fighters had been a band that had been largely off my radar. Yes I had a Greatest Hits CD, and yes I knew that had quite a reputation. But it was only the death of Taylor Hawkins that brought home to me the impact this band and indeed its drummer had on rock music over getting on for 3 decades. If they do start touring again it’s an act I will not want to miss.

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All in all a spectacular tribute and a gig that ranks only behind Live Aid in my personal experiences