Sticks stars inspired Tayl

TAYLOR Hawkins’ tragic loss was a shock to everyone. I was lucky enough to meet the Foo Fighters drummer a few times and he clearly loved music and making others happy.

Launching a solo project, he told me: “I’m not David Bowie and I’m not Dave Grohl, but we’re all looking for some sort of validation and attention. I’ve always had ways of expressing myself as a singer and songwriter, for better or worse. “My goal is just to enjoy myself.”

His drumming will live on forever, so here’s a reminder of the inspirational sticksmen who got Taylor thumping in the first place, in his own words...

1 ROGER TAYLOR

The first album I played and drummed along to was Queen’s A Night At The Opera. Roger had a great feel. He writes and has the highest voice in the background. He’s also the dude with the coolest hair who had most of the chicks.

2 STUART COPELAND

The Police were the greatest 80s rock band. Stuart is an innovator, has amazing technique precision but, at the same time, is wild and out of control. He can do crazy solos but he can make it sound like you’re getting punched in the face.

3 ALEX VAN HALEN

It’s a tough call between Alex and Ginger Baker, but I’m a Halen fanatic and Alex swings way more than Ginger ever did. Ginger did write the rule book.

4 STEVE PERKINS

The Jane’s Addiction man was a big influence in my school days. You’ll hear a lot of that in me. They make us look like The Bee Gees. They were junkies and freaks with green dreadlocks and rings in their noses.

5 BILL BRUFORD

If you want totally out-there jazz-rock rhythms, Bill is the go-to guy. Progressive bands like King Crimson and

Earthworks are indebted to him.