Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett discusses the death of Taylor Hawkins and new album possiblity

On this episode of The Plug w/ Justin Jay, we sit down with the guitarist Chris Shiflett from The Foo Fighters to hear about his experience dealing with the death of close friend and bandmate Taylor Hawkins. Although Chris has lived through the death of many other friends before, the public nature of Taylor's passing has been a unique and sometimes frustrating experience for him and Dave Grohl because of internet sleuths and false narratives in the media. Click link to Listen to the full episode, or by search The Plug w/ Justin Jay on your favorite podcast app.
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[@jenniferweaver5009]

Grief is crazy. I lost my husband in April and the whole situation is surreal. Music has been one of the biggest things to help. But I will say that after the Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts, I have started getting back to my old self again.

[@ChrisCovers78]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

[@deniseflood6431]

❤️

[@ashwhikidd]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost my mom suddenly this year and for awhile I couldn't listen to any music without breaking down. Most of what I love in music came from my mom. It's been several months and now I'm starting to be able to listen to things that would have made me bawl my eyes out. There is finally some catharsis there. Sending you love ❤️

[@paulmccarthy2032]

Jennifer..praying for you and your beloved husband today..may he rest in peace

[@nicolascesario4998]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Always keep your head up!

[@Blowinshiddup]

Chris Shiflett is one of those guys who stands to the side while the others take the spotlight. All the while, he's tuned, refined and keeping the pace. I admire the guy.

[@ClareB78]

You can see how hard it is for Chris to talk about losing Taylor, it's easy for people to forget that it wasn't just Dave who lost a close friend, it was all of them.

[@PurpleResey]

That’s right, plus he had very close friends in his other bands as well. Let’s not forget an entire crew that has toured with them for years. I can’t even imagine the heaviness that’s surrounding that camp right now.

[@blackfishgaming7145]

I'm not a big foo fighters fan but ia gotta say, every interview I've seen from this guy I can't help but think these guys are really down to earth.

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

All of them are- the whole band.

[@TheKevgray1]

When Taylor passed me and my wife felt it viscerally. We didn't know him personally but the loss was hard felt. We saw the Foos 9 times, we are part of the Foo Family and it felt like we lost a family member. Because of the gigs, the memories, seeing how tight the band were and being part of something more than music. To be a Foos fan means you experience a felt joy at a gig. The fellowship you feel at a Foos gig is like nothing else. I'm 60, I saw every British punk band and had some memories. But experiencing a Foos gig is something else. We're so glad we were part of that energy, that pleasure and that togetherness.

[@rickyalvarez5903]

Nobody misses a Useless Junkie.

[@PurpleResey]

I stand in agreement with you. The loss of Taylor was exceptionally hard, mainly because being a true Foo means you’re a part of something hugely tight. I don’t know what the band will look like after today’s announcement (that they’re headlining a show in May), but I will never forget the Foos as I’ve always known them.

[@joannas7927]

I really appreciate the interviewer's calm demeanor, good questions and talking about his own personal grief. It made for a great conversation.

[@JTB--]

Huge props to Chris, Dave and the Foo's for being able to process all the music from other bands for the tribute

[@SydneyDrums]

One positive amazing thing is the recognition of Chris’ guitar playing more than ever. His ability to play the songs & solos of so many legendary artists during the concerts for Taylor is next level.

[@happyvalley6990]

he plays other peoples songs...its pretty easy.

[@FacuPuig]

Listening to them talk about their parents made me remember the death of my own father. What a great person Chris is, really someone I could spend hours with listening to his stories and his experience. Greetings from Argentina

[@Plumeria6460]

What a good interview. The tribute concerts were such a selfless gift Chris, and the rest of the Foo family gave to Taylor’s fans across the globe. I hope they all find ways to heal. There is no roadmap for grief of this magnitude. Chris was brave speaking about his grief, and you were sensitive and respectful with your questions. 💙

[@EricFDrums]

Chris really is spot on in his assessment of how the public is fascinated with the death of celebrity’s. He always seems like an every guys guy to me. Solid dude.

[@andrewbowen6875]

He’s so right as well. Oddly enough Chris Cornell who has joined that certain group once said that people every day are dying from the same things as Taylor did and they don’t get a look in, albeit their passing was no more or less than anyone famous.

[@tylerdurden1221]

Thanks for asking and thanks to Chris for talking about it. Think it’s the first time I heard a band member discuss Taylor. Sorry to hear about your dad.

[@brandimccarty2588]

Me too

[@OpheliaDarkling]

A completely respectful approach to a difficult question. I'm so sorry to Chris, the Foos and Taylor's family to have to grieve while being seemingly surrounded by the idiocy of sick people who think it's okay to just keep spreading garbage about a guy people are still grieving. What a messed up timeline to live in. Great chat here. Condolences to you both on your losses.

[@therealwilfreddierkes9980]

Chris was the best. He not only tore up every song, he did for 6 hours, Making it look effortless. So sorry about losing his friend/brother.

[@happyvalley6990]

i play guitar, i do that dailey...big deal.

[@stefj4660]

A great interview, done in a very respectful manner. The fact that Justin is sharing his grief along with Chris' grief makes this feel right.... Grief has many stages and people heal differently. I hope both Justin and Chris heal.... The Foo's family is there for you ❤️

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

Shane playing WAS heavy, but also the most uplifting and cathartic thing I've ever seen.

[@traceysawyer1139]

What a lovely, eloquent, respectful interview. Grieving goes on for the rest of your life for the people you lose. That was so tastefully done - thank you.

[@theplugwithjustinjay]

Thank you for your kind words, Tracey

[@alwaysevolving281]

I really appreciated your approach to this topic. I bet Chris did too. I feel like he was able to voice a couple things troubling him during his grieving process.

[@shotgunsnare]

I don't care at all how he died.... I'm sad he died , and it was way before his time- his family is probably still devastated - and I'm still very sad about it and will be for awhile - This was a great interview ~

[@ConglomerationCat]

I lost my father towards the end of June this year. It's truly the strangest feeling to lose him. I knew him 50 years and you're exactly right, you almost forget for a minute and then something as silly as a blanket or a beer comes into view and you just break down. I don't think you ever really get over it but being constantly surrounded by very people in your life helps quite a lot and also allowing yourself to be patient with your grief. I hate crying in front of people and sometimes you just can't really help it. But it does remind you that you're only human and you will get through it. Great interview and it's still a healing process for lots and lots of people.

[@GTlv4u]

It is so effin' great, respectful, sincere, and appropriate that the band invited Taylor's son to play with them at both of those memorial shows. Shane Hawkins is playing like an animal, and you know that he is thinking of his dad the whole time, like maybe he's watching from above, and he just wants to impress Taylor with his performance, which no doubt he does.

[@happyvalley6990]

and dave made tons of $$$$ from it.

[@bethmacisaac1300]

@@happyvalley6990 the money all went to charity, Chief. As did money from merch sales. Music Support in the UK and MusiCares in the US. Google will tell you that in two seconds

[@garykramermusic]

Wow. That was a really respectful way to initiate and guide that conversation. Great job and so sorry to hear about your father passing.

[@soyburglar77]

As I was listening to Chris talk about the finality of death, I found myself wondering why, like, since death is that ONE fundamental aspect of life that we share with literally every other human, as every person to ever exist either has died or will die, you’d think that by now we would have evolved to find better ways of dealing with it. But then I had the realization that we absolutely HAVE evolved to deal with it and that’s what empathy is. We have evolved to process death by fully appreciating what it means to be alive, I suppose. And I can’t think of any other person who better represents that idea than Taylor did, of the enthusiasm for music and for life that he had.

[@donnawoods7370]

Thank you Chris for sharing. My thoughts and prayers are with Taylor's family and all the Foo Fighters family.❤️

[@brandonxpagano]

Chris is grounded in reality and that's damn near impossible with the insane spectacle happening around him at all times. I'm sorry he has to grieve publicly to a degree but I appreciate his honesty.

[@ceasecapo1]

I lost my dad in Feb. all the memory photos that pop are so bittersweet. Watching the grief of the band and I keep trying to hold it together but it helped me to cry with them. Needing to release that grief or allowing myself to cry is so difficult.

[@johndeere8594]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my father 10 years ago, not long after that a friend of mine lost his father and we were talking about the changes emotionally and otherwise. You are definitely a different person. I heard one guy say you aren’t a man til your father dies. That’s kind of corny but some truth to it. You’ll always miss your old man but it gets easier. I think of mine and smile.

[@lindawilliams2211]

It's the quite and out of time grief that hits You. My son passed in '19 it is so hard. But then you can smile when you miss them. Love you Chris 😊 Peace...

[@Mialamorena1]

Thank you Justin Jay for this podcast. Thank you 🙏🏾 Chris Shiflett for a fabulous show in LA. Thank you for your sincerity and humility and your stand against internet nonsense. Thank you thank you thank you!!! Peace to you and all the Foo Fighters and family❤

[@KristinaFerrarino]

Discussing the dynamic of grief and being a public figure is a sensitive way to approach the loss of Taylor with sensitivity for everyone .Congrats on playing the Opry a few weeks back, Chris . What I would give to sing a little Patsy Cline on that stage. Must have been a blast !!

[@nikkijones4978]

I cannot imagine how it felt for the remaining Foos …. I hope they take time to grieve and heal now that the concerts are done. My thoughts were especially with his wife & kids when they came out on stage. ❤

[@Laugowiththeflow]

Chris is so genuine and sweet, I love him. I don't need to know how T died, never did, I miss him so much. It's so good to listen to Chris ❤‍🩹

[@happyvalley6990]

it was the vax.

[@brandimccarty2588]

I knew for sure he was going to say that Shane playing was the best part. Very respectful interviewer! ✌️🖤

[@theplugwithjustinjay]

Thanks for your kind words. It was a delicate situation, so Im glad it was perceived as respectful as I strived to be.

[@brandimccarty2588]

@@theplugwithjustinjay yes, it was very respectful, and you actually gave Chris time to respond plus talk without interrupting him. So few interviewers do that these days. Thank you for that!

[@shaun64vet]

Chris said what needed to be said. Too many morons overstepping themselves. They'd hate strangers speculating if they lost a friend or relative.

[@drummerdave518]

It's funny, he can't actually say it. He just fumbles, and refers to it.

[@darlenenadler7846]

Great interview sensitive yet so honest. Thank you Chris 💜.

[@610luna]

Such a great interview. Thanks for posting video. My heart goes out to Taylor’s family and friends as well as to the band who are grieving publicly. I can imagine how hurtful reading the misinformation is to all of them. Thanks to them for the tribute concerts - they were amazing and I hope helped them with their grief.

[@loriru3135]

I love the Foo Fighters; they have provided the soundtrack to my adult life. I loved Taylor Hawkins, and will not entertain any ignorant speculation about his death. Chris is not only insanely talented, but a class act. I will always support his music.

[@seagoat8004]

I don’t really comment but this was really sensitively handled. Well done. Wishing Chris the best with the solo material.

[@danieltrakell]

Beautiful conversation about grief and losing someone close, lost my dad a few years ago and the little things that just really bring it back out of nowhere x

[@karaeldred9027]

Sorry about your dad....my sweet amazing dad passed 3 weeks ago. The grief and emotions good (the Amazon memories we have but also the love and kindness of friends and family - and the bad.... the deepest whole left in our hearts 🙏🙏🙏

[@brianborowski7892]

I sometimes want to call my dad to tell him about my Accomplishment in my life now a days and then I realize he has been gone for 20 years

[@ixxgxx]

powerful man. may your dad rest in power

[@samchoate1719]

I’m sorry about that, man.

[@j-mo2453]

I like Chris Shiflett and think he’s an underrated guitarist for as much as he lays down performing. The now expected unexpected forays into widely diverse cover songs foofighters do live is built for him. Hoping his own stuff gets enough push to get the attention he’s happy with for it.

[@j-mo2453]

Reliable as fuck to just come through in what seems his perfect type of band.

[@mattmckay417]

Great podcast. The discussion on grief was spot on. I will be following from now.

[@bigbadbruins1]

Chris is a class act.And one awesome guitar player.

[@mayfairblue]

the sad but ironic thing is that the person who could get them through a tough time like this and bring camaraderie and the love and support is the one who died/ his amazing smile and fun loving warm hart. time is a healer. love to the foos

[@Chakirisan]

Great interview Justin, I got teary when you talked about grief and your Dad because I experience the same things and it’s been 3 years. I own a lot of my fathers tools, many of which he initialed and when I see that writing sometimes I have a memory and the emotions come back. Thanks for sharing this.

[@bradcole494]

2.5 years and ditto. It hasn't gotten easier.

[@davidbrantley6425]

Well handled Chris. Even public figures deserve some space in good times or bad. What someone does in their personal life is exclusive to their family & friends.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

I’ll have a dream about my mom or dad wake up and still think they’re still alive. Then I’ll remember they’ve passed. I can totally relate to Chris.

[@claygilchrist632]

I still do that with my grandparents even though they’ve been gone for decades. It never goes away.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

@@claygilchrist632 You’re so right. It never goes away. I’m sorry for your losses. I miss my grandmother every day. She taught me so much.

[@design1of470]

I love Chris so much, I've been following him since the No Use days. RIP Tony Sly RIP Taylor Hawkins

[@dilegox]

I love you Chris. So sorry for your loss.

[@TherealdealDava]

I lost my mother and grandpa this month and last month its been rough but too here you two talk about death in such a relatable way brings me so much comfort thanks for this (:

[@theplugwithjustinjay]

Thank you ver much for your kind words. That means a lot to me that this conversation could help bring you comfort.

[@armandorodriguez3510]

Respect and love to Chris and the whole foo fighters fam

[@charlottesghost2845]

Good convo. Sorry that grieving has to be so public and pressing. Hope Foos press on and keep their music alive.

[@cathyhiles7635]

People that you are close to, it is hard to deal with them no longer being there with you. It is difficult to even talk about it. It was so sudden. And you guys had played music together for a long time. Very sad. He is gone but not forgotten. Thank you for at least talking about it. I have always loved the Foo Fighters. Just hope you continue on making music that everyone enjoys. I don't think he would want you guys just to stop entertaining people. He seemed to be that kind of person. No one has a promise of tommarrow. We never know when it is our last day. So he seemed to really enjoy life. Loved Shane's performance. Watch it a lot.

[@HumanCarBomb]

Sorry to hear about your father passing! 🙏 Be well, brother!

[@nathangray4601]

Really well done interview. The questions were worded perfectly in an extremely considerate way

[@NotimeforThis-fd4ye]

RIP Taylor, thanks for the music

[@johnhealy4647]

No crap man; just lost my only brother in March 8th 2022 and I am still struggling...

[@futuredentist700]

Sorry for your lost,you should give yourself time to heal

[@CatchMagazine]

Thanks guys. Just a great interview. Down to earth… like taking to old buddies from my high school days.

[@Ahardee]

I was at the LA THTC and it was one of the best nights of my life! #foofightersforever #flyhighhawkins

[@cindysmall5286]

Awesome interview by the way. Very heartfelt and respectful ❤️🙏

[@cdub1934]

Great interviewer!!! Great questions!!!

[@GroverMonster]

R.I.P. Taylor Hawkins Fly high!

[@tessmoks3434]

That's because Shane is his dad.. a mini Taylor. Plays just like him. All heart

[@ryanauker1144]

He got a lot better too since march!

[@Juan________S12]

Chris is the man. I hope he’s doing better now.

[@J.M.81]

My condolences, Justin. Been in that situation 6 years ago and what you‘ve said about those times of grieve which are partly in situations when you would not have expected that (while others might wonder why you are in a „normal“ looking mood in certain situations where you SHOULD be grieving) is so true….

[@sethcashman1011]

This was an exceptional interview. Cloer to a great conversation, really, which all of the best interviews are.

[@theplugwithjustinjay]

Thanks Seth. I'm blown away by all of the positive feedback. With such an emotional topic like Taylor's death, I've been pleasantly surprised at the lack of trolls and haters trying to find negativity in this conversation. Chris is truly a class act and he was very honest and open in our chat.

[@hector_nimrod]

I Lost one my best friends and my music mate all of the sudden too, fame aside, i know How those guys are feeling

[@zzzroxyzzz]

Fascinated is an interesting word, I haven't felt that about it, sad still, Like he's just gone and I'm still just sad about it. I watched so many interviews he and Dave did together so they show up in my feed and I'll be like oh, wait, he's gone. It's weird and it sucks. He made the world a better place just being who he was.

[@michaelgehringmusic8440]

Justin, I know I am late to the game and a first time viewer but great interview. Hearing you and Chris talk about your Dads reminded me of my own. The way I rationalize it is this; the depth of loss and intensity never goes away, only the frequency becomes less. -Thanks

[@JoeyVatavuk]

This was beautifully done

[@merkinidgit]

I’m really benefitting from listening to Anderson Cooper’s podcast All There Is. He is so forthcoming with his grief and has terrific guests. Laurie Anderson talking about Lou Reed’s death and her project Heart of a Dog is a must-listen.

[@raoul_duke7253]

Rolling Stone’s fall from grace is such a disappointment. Its music criticism has always been crap, but these days I wouldn’t wipe my ass with it.

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

Rolling Stone paid Hunter S. Thompson to write Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and for that reason alone they’ll always get a pass from me.

[@raoul_duke7253]

@@bigbowlowrong4694 Given my handle, I concur… that’s why I’ll still wipe my ass with it ;)

[@joshuaking34]

I hope they take the time to determine what is best for everyone in the band. You can't rush these things.

[@williamboyle8918]

Rufus is next. Touring in summer 23

[@bethmacisaac1300]

@@williamboyle8918 FFS maybe watch the interview.

[@williamboyle8918]

@@bethmacisaac1300 Rufus is next. Tour starts next Wednesday.

[@bethmacisaac1300]

@@williamboyle8918 would you like to place a wager on that?

[@williamboyle8918]

@@bethmacisaac1300 Rob Reiner of Anvil is the new drummer. Tour starts tomro nite in Montana.

[@clairebennett3014]

Lovely interview. Shifty is the best. So sorry people are jerks. We love you guys! ♥️

[@offthewall9467]

Chris seems like a real cool guy. Loved this

[@AbbyMarmionMusic]

Thank you for doing this interview...

[@jackoboyd4811]

Love you Chris, RIP Taylor

[@Canadianwheelchairguitar]

A celebrity dies & so many people talk shit about what/how it happened, weird. Nobody thinks about a person, friend, son, father, uncle, husband, brother, etc. died. You'd expect some type of compassion from people outside the public bubble.

[@macman6107]

Well said. People forget that these people are just that, people. People who have experiences often no different to any other persons.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I love the fact that Chris loves Rainbow's "Long Live Rock and Roll".

[@johnnydi2203]

Sorry about your dad, passing, my man. That hurts.

[@chrisgreen3854]

Outstanding interview! You have a new subscriber!

[@peggyh8937]

Great interview, thanks!

[@barbr8012]

Well, the world has become what it is....a lot of careless and disrespectful people. The way I feel about it, it doesn't matter how Taylor passed; but, how we all feel the extreme loss of such a talented and beloved human being. My regret....putting it off and putting it off to see the Foos in person with Taylor. Chris, hang in there. Taylor, so miss and love what I have seen of you in interviews and your talent, sigh.....

[@machinegunhippy]

It doesn't matter how he passed ? It sure fkn does BARB

[@barbr8012]

@@machinegunhippy Man....don't get belligerent with me. To me, we lost a great artist and human being and that is the end of it. How he passed isn't going to change the way it happened, period.

[@dmarcellus]

Sorry for your loss fellas.

[@reverendlee7617]

Taylor died because it was his time. I will not say anything different. Saying that anyone pushed Taylor to the limit, probably have zero idea of what happened.

[@niciohara3032]

On point! ❤ May Taylor RiP. 🖤

[@kravitz1999]

at 2:42 after a big sigh, Chris looked up and was going to say something, and you cut him off with a question... missed the mark unfortunately. Otherwise, great interview.

[@AaronRadioStudio]

I thought the same thing. Looks like Chris was about to say something and then he was interrupted

[@kravitz1999]

@@AaronRadioStudio yea, I couldn't wait to hear what he was going to say ya know?

[@Theumpsken]

Nice to see that these people are human.

[@julieschoelzel3696]

Men talking about grief is a beautiful thing.

[@cvblaylock]

Internet sleuths going after a cause for his death and speculating out loud on the internet is disgusting.

[@Bikewithlove]

Such a good talk. Thank you.

[@mattrussell8290]

Great interview

[@SpookMrsSpooky]

Thanks for this. I love this guy and wish nothing but the best for him and the rest of the Foos. Taylor's passing was a catastrophe of Biblical proportions and even for us fans, it's going to take a long time to get over it.

[@Halograph71]

Really? Biblical? Nah people will move on and so will this band.

[@SpookMrsSpooky]

@@Halograph71 We'll see what happens with the band. I can't see them continuing without Taylor, but who knows? Anyway, I do enjoy engaging in a bit of hyperbole now and then.

[@emfraridades7261]

I still can't believe he's gone and that way right before a show. Unbeliveable.

[@rachelfong973]

thanks for this.

[@TsukasaElkKite]

Shifty is a class act.

[@design1of470]

Chris is such a good dude. RIP TONY SLY RIP TAYLOR HAWKINS

[@tomace194]

R.i.p taylor. R.i.p tony sly.

[@jhaw3334]

Dave should play drums on next foos, but for the tour they should use Tom Petty’s drummer

[@teckertime]

Or Hawkins son.

[@lc2296]

Good interview

[@jordanfats1997]

I can’t imagine Dave is ever going to do press again

[@rachelmorton4734]

Thank you ❤