Nandi Bushell performed Foo Fighters‘ “Learn to Fly” with drumsticks given to her by the late Taylor Hawkins in a new clip for Drumeo. The video reprises Bushell’s performance of “Learn to Fly” at the tribute for Hawkins at Wembley Stadium in 2022.
Bushell discussed that experience in the intro of the clip, clutching the drumsticks that Hawkins once gave to her when an 11-year-old Nandi appeared onstage alongside the Foo Fighters at a Los Angeles show in 2021.
“Taylor’s amazing, he’s the nicest person,” said Bushell, who’s now 14 years old. “He gave me these sticks, which are the sticks I performed with at Wembley.”
Regarding the tribute concert, Nandi added: “It was a bittersweet moment, because of course it’s amazing to play Wembley Stadium, but it was why I was playing there.”
The rest of the video, in typical Drumeo fashion, showcases Nandi’s superb drumming ability as she plays Hawkins’ drum part along to the “Learn to Fly” multitracks.
Rather than playing on top of the tune, Nandi is embedded in the mix as the only percussion track, essentially filling that void in the song with her own performance. Per usual, she doesn’t miss a beat.
“Taylor has a lot of energy,” she said of Hawkins, whose propulsive, pounding style she emulates on her Drumeo cover. “He’s a powerhouse on the drums, a beast. His hits are always really hard, and he’s just incredible on the drum kit.”
Below you can watch the clip of Nandi Bushell performing Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly.”