The song that “scared the shit out of” Taylor Hawkins
Taylor Hawkins embodied the archetype of a classic rock icon, adorned with flowing hair, commanding vocal presence, delivering impactful rhythms, and displaying an unwavering reverence for bands such as Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Van Halen. Teamed with his partner Dave Grohl, Hawkins emerged as an unparalleled advocate for hard-edged rock, unmatched by his contemporaries.
Throughout his tenure with the Foo Fighters, Hawkins contributed to numerous chart-topping hits and acclaimed albums, notably including There Is Nothing Left to Lose, One by One, In Your Honor, and Wasting Light, among others. His exceptional drumming skills became a defining factor in Foo Fighters’ success, garnering widespread admiration and respect from fans and fellow musicians.
Outside of his contributions to the Foo Fighters, Hawkins delved into diverse musical pursuits, exploring his talents through several solo projects. His solo albums, like KOTA and Red Light Fever, demonstrated his versatility as both a musician and a songwriter. These independent ventures allowed Hawkins to channel his creativity beyond the limitations of a band setting, unveiling the depth of his artistry as an individual musician.
Despite Hawkins’ wide-ranging musical influences, the first song that left a lasting impression on him was notably distinct. The earliest song he recalls hearing was The Kingsmen’s ‘Louie Louie’, and it left him a little unsettled: “I remember this one song as a kid and it just scared the shit out of me,” he said. “‘Louie Louie’ or something… I don’t know, there’s just something in their voices that sounded evil to me.”
The Kingsmen’s version of ‘Louie Louie’ became an iconic rock and roll anthem known for its raw and energetic performance. However, the song’s lyrics, delivered in a raw and almost unintelligible manner by lead vocalist Jack Ely, stirred controversy due to misconceptions about their supposed explicit content. During that time, the FBI regarded anything incomprehensible as a significant threat.
With the counterculture movement gaining momentum, the fact that they couldn’t decipher the lyrics didn’t deter them from suspecting that the rebellious youth might be decoding some subversive message hidden within the catchy commercial tune. Following their inquiry, the FBI, which even investigated covert surveillance of the band during a tour, ultimately concluded that the song’s lyrics were simply indecipherable.
Surprisingly, no one apparently bothered to verify the song’s lyrics from the start. Originally penned by Richard Berry in 1957, it was inspired by a Latin tune called ‘El Loco Cha Cha’. However, Berry sold the rights to Flip Records Label for a mere $750 to fund an engagement ring. Ironically, this drama fuelled the track’s success, charting for an unprecedented two consecutive summers.
