Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders: April 20 @ Troubadour
By Mari Fong
(Credit: Mari Fong)
After drumming for years with the über-popular Foo Fighters, Taylor Hawkins strangely admitted to being nervous for his second show on the Red Light Fever tour. Yet nerves quickly turned to frenetic energy with the first slap of sticks on drums, and Hawkins singing "Louise" and "Hole in My Shoe" to kick off the CD release party at the Troub.
Joined by his merry mates the Coattail Riders, Hawkins put on an exceptionally impressive performance as both drummer and vocalist for the band. With the intensity that gave Hawkins the nickname "Animal" from "Sesame Street," his gritty rock vocals added nicely to the band's tight musicianship.
Props go to lead guitarist Gannin Arnold who, during songs like "You Drive Me Insane," drove listeners loco by ripping out Eddie Van Halen-ish guitar riffs along with moody, atmospheric strums. Bassist Chris Chaney, formerly of Jane's Addiction, held it down with creative bass lines that meshed perfectly with the classic rock vibe of the band.
With famous friends collaborating on Red Light Fever, surprises were surely in store for the final encore. Stepping onstage for a smashing cover of "You're All I've Got Tonight" was an '80s rock hero, guitarist Elliot Easton of the Cars. Up next was ol' pal Dave Grohl, who took his place behind the drum set to accompany Hawkins for "Cold Day in the Sun" off the Foo's album In Your Honor.
With sweat dripping on his already soaked shirt, Hawkins smiled with satisfaction after a strong finish to show number two. Could this possibly mean the Coattail Riders are just warming up?