Dave Grohl invites five-year-old Foo Fighters fan onstage to celebrate his first-ever gig
Heartwarming moment comes ahead of the band's headline shows at Reading & Leeds festivals this weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A young Foo Fighters had an unforgettable experience at his first ever gig after the band invited him onstage during their show at Vital Belfast on 19 August.
Video footage and pictures taken by Taylor Hooper’s mother showed him rocking out on the stage in front of thousands of other fans.
Nikki Hooper and her husband have been fans of the band for almost two decades, the BBC reports, but Monday’s show was the first time they had been able to bring their son – who is named after Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins – with them.
“He's been listening to them since he was born - mainly because me and his dad are massive fans,” Mrs Hooper, from north Belfast, said.
“We were going to the gig with friends from across the UK, and we thought it would be fun to bring our son with us. We contacted the event promoters and they said it would be no problem, but that we should be aware it would be a loud music event, so we got Taylor some special headphones.
“When we got there, everyone was so welcoming to him.”
After being encouraged by fellow fans to go to the front with Taylor’s handmade poster explaining it was his first concert, the family were spotted by frontman Dave Grohl, who told them to “bring the wee dude up here”.
Taylor came into his own in stage and danced around to some of the band’s biggest songs including “All My Life”.
“It was a massive moment and I'm not at all jealous because these memories will stay with Taylor forever,” his mother said.
The family later met the band backstage and Taylor left with gifts including a set of his namesake’s drumsticks.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“Our Taylor's first ever gig,” Mrs Hooper wrote on Twitter after the event. “Thank you to @foofighters and to all the staff & crowd. You are all so amazing. Insanely proud of our wee rockstar. Life long memories made at Vital Belfast last night.”
Foo Fighters headline Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments