FOO FIGHTERS’ TAYLOR HAWKINS “You know how many fucking dorks would wanna kick my ass if I tried to be in RUSH? It’d be like a nation of dorks chasing me and trying to kill me. [Screaming] You’re not Neil Peart! Don’t even think about it!”

Taylor Hawkins says that he would “get crucified” if he tried to replace Neil Peart in RUSH now that the legendary drummer has made it clear he isn’t interested in touring anymore.

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation”, the FOO FIGHTERS drummer was asked if he might be interested in the position if called upon. He answered (hear audio below): “Dude, I’d get fucking crucified, man. You know how many fucking dorks would wanna kick my ass if I tried to be in RUSH? It’d be like a nation of dorks chasing me and trying to kill me. [Screaming] You’re not Neil Peart! Don’t even think about it!”

Hawkins and his FOO FIGHTERS bandmate Dave Grohl are featured on RUSH‘s new box set celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic album “2112”. The duo contributed their take on “2112 Overture”, which they performed with producer Nick Raskulinecz when they presented RUSH at their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013.

During his RUSH Rock Hall induction speech, Taylor praised Peart, saying: “His drumming was just as musical and melodic as anything in the band. Bringing the drums where they should be, the forefront of the band! Not only did he did the most ripping drum solos in the world, he also wrote the lyrics.”

Hawkins released his first solo effort, titled “KOTA”, on November 11. The six-song EP is Hawkins‘s first-ever project under his own name, although in the past he has led bands like the COATTAIL RIDERS and THE BIRDS OF SATAN. “KOTA” features Hawkins on lead vocals and almost every instrument.

FOO FIGHTERS have been on hiatus since November 2015, but Grohl has done some solo appearances recently and hinted at working on new material, while the FOO FIGHTERS performed at a private charity concert in Los Angeles last month.