Chevy Metal Members: The Legacy Of Taylor Hawkins And His Son Shane's Mission
Who are the current and past members of Chevy Metal, and how has the band evolved from a casual cover project into a lasting tribute to Foo Fighters' drummer Taylor Hawkins? The story of Chevy Metal is more than just a list of musicians—it's a tale of rock 'n' roll camaraderie, unexpected legacy, and a son's determination to honor his father's memory through the power of music. From its chaotic, star-studded beginnings to its present-day mission under a new, young drummer, the band's lineup has shifted, but its core spirit remains fiercely intact.
This article dives deep into the complete history of Chevy Metal's members, exploring the friendships that formed the band, the iconic guests who graced its stage, and the profound journey that led Shane Hawkins from the audience to the drum kit, ensuring his father's musical passion lives on.
The Biography of Taylor Hawkins: Heart and Soul of Chevy Metal
To understand Chevy Metal, you must first understand Taylor Hawkins. While globally revered as the dynamic, long-time drummer for the Foo Fighters, Chevy Metal represented his raw, unfiltered love for the classic rock that shaped him. It was his playground, his refuge, and his way of connecting with friends on a purely visceral, fun level.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oliver Taylor Hawkins |
| Born | April 17, 1972, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
| Primary Role in Chevy Metal | Founder, Drummer, Vocalist |
| Other Notable Bands | Foo Fighters (1997-2022), Alanis Morissette's touring band |
| Musical Style with Chevy Metal | 1970s Hard Rock & Classic Rock Covers (AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Queen, etc.) |
| Key Bandmate | Wiley Hodgden (long-time friend, bass/vocals) |
| Chevy Metal Tenure | Informal beginnings ~2002, officially formed 2013 until his passing in March 2022 |
| Legacy | Remembered for his explosive energy, humility, and deep love for rock history. Chevy Metal was his "fun band," separate from the global stadium rock of the Foo Fighters. |
Taylor's passing in March 2022 sent shockwaves through the music world. For many, it raised a poignant question: what would become of his beloved side project, Chevy Metal?
The Origins: How Chevy Metal Ignited (2002-2013)
The spark for Chevy Metal wasn't a formal meeting in a boardroom; it was forged in the informal, backstage world of touring. The band was ignited in 2002 by the rhythmic prowess of Taylor Hawkins and his long-time friend and musician Wiley Hodgden. At the time, Wiley wasn't just a bandmate—he was Taylor's drum technician while Taylor was touring with Alanis Morissette. Their shared obsession with the gritty, powerful sounds of 1970s rock—bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Queen—naturally led to jam sessions. These weren't meant for public consumption; they were cathartic, fun escapes for two musicians who loved to rock.
For years, this "band" existed as a loose collective, a secret weapon for local shows and special events. It was a chance for Taylor, already a rock star, to be just one of the guys, pounding out the classics with a trusted friend. This foundational friendship between Taylor Hawkins (drums/vocals) and Wiley Hodgden (bass/vocals) became the unwavering core of everything Chevy Metal would become.
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Official Formation and The Star-Studded Lineup (2013)
The casual jams officially crystallized into a named entity in 2013. Taylor Hawkins officially formed Chevy Metal as a heavy rock covers band, giving it a proper identity and a mission: to faithfully and ferociously pay tribute to the 70s rock canon. He assembled a formidable lineup that turned heads immediately.
Its previous lineup featured:
- Taylor Hawkins on Drums and Vocals
- Wiley Hodgden on Bass and Vocals
- Mick Murphy (of the band Chevy) on Lead Guitar
- Dave Grohl (Taylor's Foo Fighters bandmate and Nirvana legend) on Vocals and Guitar
This wasn't just a cover band; it was a supergroup in disguise. Having Dave Grohl—one of the biggest rock stars on the planet—as a frequent vocalist and guitarist transformed Chevy Metal from a fun side project into a must-see, legendary event. The energy was palpable, built on decades of friendship and mutual respect between Taylor and Dave.
The Spectacle of Guest Appearances: A Who's Who of Rock
What truly defined Chevy Metal's reputation was its "anything goes" stage policy. The band's informal, celebratory atmosphere attracted a staggering array of famous guests. Various famous guests made appearances at the late Taylor Hawkins' band, Chevy Metal. These weren't planned tours; they were spontaneous moments of rock magic that became the stuff of legend.
They included:
- Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) – The most frequent guest, trading lead vocals and guitar with Taylor.
- Gene Simmons (KISS) – The iconic bassist/vocalist joined for a scorching version of the KISS classic "Deuce."
- Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) – The powerhouse vocalist brought his signature scream to the stage.
- Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) – The legendary bassist shared the stage during a benefit show.
- Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) – The legendary drummer sat in, creating a historic drumming summit.
- Lisa Loeb – Surprising many, the folk-rock singer joined for a song, showcasing the band's eclectic reach.
One notable example occurred on Sunday, June 9, at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, when Kiss bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons joined Chevy Metal on stage to perform the Kiss classic "Deuce." These moments were captured on fan phones and shared widely, building the band's mythos as the most unpredictable and exciting live act around. On December 22, at a benefit show for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the set featured guests including Nikki Sixx, Dave Grohl, Taylor's son Oliver Shane Hawkins, and Lisa Loeb. It was a celebration of community and music, perfectly encapsulating Taylor's spirit.
The Challenge and The Drag Race: A Legendary Jam
Among the many stories, one stands out for its sheer, competitive rock 'n' roll audacity. Well, it wasn’t long before a challenge was issued, and a drag race followed. This legendary event saw Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Shane Hawkins played a concert at the Rock & Roll Pizza Bar. While the "drag race" was likely a playful, musical challenge—perhaps a drum-off or a battle of bands—it cemented the idea that Chevy Metal was the arena where rock's elite came to play for fun, not for ego. It was a testament to Taylor's ability to gather his heroes in a room and just rock.
The Pivotal Moment: Taylor's Passing and a New Drummer
With Taylor's passing in March 2022, Chevy Metal's future was thrown into uncertainty. These were thought to be Chevy Metal’s final performances. The band had been a direct extension of Taylor's personality and passion. Without him, could it continue? The answer came from an unexpected source: Taylor’s son, Shane Hawkins, decided that the band must endure, thus taking his father’s place as its drummer.
This was not a decision made lightly. Shane, who had grown up backstage at Foo Fighters shows and was undoubtedly influenced by his father's world, stepped into immense shoes. The transition was a profound act of love and legacy preservation.
Shane Hawkins: Stepping Into the Spotlight
The first major test came quickly. When Chevy Metal takes the stage at Belly Up Aspen tonight, Shane Hawkins, now 16, will be on the drum kit, rocking the pedal to Chevy Metal with fellow bandmates Wiley Hodgden on bass and vocals and Brent Woods on guitar.
This performance marked the official new lineup:
- Shane Hawkins – Drums & Vocals (Taylor's son)
- Wiley Hodgden – Bass & Vocals (Taylor's lifelong friend and bandmate)
- Brent Woods – Guitar (a seasoned player who stepped in to replace Mick Murphy)
With Shane at the helm, and all the dynamic energy that comes with him, Chevy Metal continues to pay homage to the Hawkins legacy. Shane doesn't just mimic his father; he channels the same spirit, the same relentless energy, but with his own youthful intensity. The band's sound remains true to its 70s rock roots, but the emotional weight of the performance is now layered with a beautiful, bittersweet tribute.
The Current Tour: Honoring the Past, Forging the Future
The band's resilience is proven by its current activity. The band’s summer dates begin Monday, July 19, in Denver at the Marquis Theater, followed by stops in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere before wrapping up… This tour is a statement. It’s Chevy Metal declaring that the show must—and will—go on. For fans, it’s a chance to witness history in the making, to see the torch passed from a legendary drummer to his son, all within the context of the beloved classic rock covers that defined Taylor's fun side.
For those wanting to experience it, you can find tickets for Chevy Metal concerts near you. Browse 2026 tour dates, venue details, concert reviews, photos, and more at Bandsintown. The band's tours & concert list, along with photos, videos, and setlists of their live performances, is now a crucial part of documenting this new chapter. Chevy Metal had some special guests join them onstage during their set at Harley’s Valley Bowl in Simi Valley, CA, and it's expected that the tradition of surprise guests will continue, a nod to the band's storied past.
The Unchanged Core: Wiley Hodgden's Steadfast Role
Through every lineup change, one constant remains: Wiley Hodgden. From his start as Taylor's drum tech to his position as the band's bassist and co-frontman, Wiley is the living bridge between Chevy Metal's past and present. It features Hawkins's drum technician and bandmate from Chevy Metal, Wiley Hodgden on bass guitar and vocals. His voice, his stage presence, and his deep personal history with Taylor are invaluable. He is the guardian of the flame, ensuring the band's authenticity never wavers.
Conclusion: More Than a Cover Band, a Living Legacy
Chevy Metal began as a closed chapter in Taylor Hawkins' rock and roll story, a fun outlet separate from the global phenomenon of the Foo Fighters. But it turns out there was more to be written. The story is now being continued by his son, Shane, supported by the unwavering loyalty of Wiley Hodgden and the skill of Brent Woods.
The current Chevy Metal members—Shane Hawkins, Wiley Hodgden, and Brent Woods—are not just keeping a band alive. They are stewards of a profound legacy. They represent the continuation of Taylor Hawkins's infectious passion for classic rock, his love of spontaneous collaboration, and his deep bonds of friendship. Each show is a celebration of the music they love and a poignant, powerful tribute to the man who brought it all together. The pedal may be under new feet, but the engine—the spirit of pure, unadulterated rock 'n' roll—roars on, louder than ever.
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