With Josh Freese stepping away from the Foo Fighters earlier this year, fans have been left guessing who might take up the sticks next. Lately, one name has been echoing across forums, social media feeds, and rehearsal room rumors: Shane Hawkins. At just 17, he’s already got the attention of the rock world, not just because of his last name, but because of what he’s shown on stage.

Shane is, of course, the son of Taylor Hawkins, the Foo Fighters’ legendary drummer who passed away in 2022. The loss was immense, both for the band and the fans who had come to see Taylor not just as a drummer, but as a heartbeat in human form. Shane’s connection to that legacy is obvious. But what’s making people pay closer attention now is more than just lineage.

The rumor mill started churning harder after a cryptic social media post from New Zealand drummer Stan Bicknell. “I’ve just been informed they are going with Shane,” he wrote, before quickly adding, “but you didn’t hear it from here.” That was enough to light up speculation, even though no one from the band has confirmed or denied anything.

Shane first hit the spotlight in 2022, during the tribute concerts for his father. His performance of “My Hero” at Wembley Stadium left an impression that still lingers. It wasn’t just that he played well, though he absolutely did; it was how raw and unfiltered it all felt. Watching him behind that kit, delivering that song, it was emotional. And it resonated. In 2024, he joined the Foo Fighters again at London Stadium, this time to play “I’ll Stick Around,” a performance that added weight to the rumors that he could be taking on a bigger role.

Replacing Taylor isn’t about technical skill alone. It’s about energy. Timing. Chemistry. Shane has grown up surrounded by it all, he’s been backstage, on the road, behind the scenes since he was a kid. He knows this music, probably in ways no one else does.

The Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform at the Singapore Grand Prix on October 4. It’s unclear if that will be the moment they introduce a new permanent drummer or if they’ll keep things fluid for a while longer. But with Shane in the conversation, the emotional stakes are higher than usual.

Whether or not he’s officially stepping in, one thing is clear: he’s already stepped up. And if this is the beginning of a new chapter, it’s one that feels both familiar and entirely new.