Ever since he took the UK to second place at Eurovision 2022, Sam Ryder has been booked and busy. The latest achievement on the British singer’s list is appearing at the recent Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert, where he performed together with Brian May and Roger Taylor, two of the original members of iconic British band Queen.
Taylor Hawkins was the drummer of acclaimed American rock band Foo Fighters before he sadly passed away in March 2022, at only 50 years old. To honour the memory of their late drummer, Foo Fighters have organised a couple of tribute concerts. For the first of these at Wembley Stadium, they invited numerous long-living legends on stage: Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Liam Gallagher of Oasis, Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, plus Justin Hawkins of The Darkness (no relation to Taylor Hawkins).
But Brian May and Roger Taylor also brought some guests, including Eurovision star Sam Ryder. The “SPACE MAN” hitmaker took on the role of Freddie Mercury, the band’s original vocalist, and gave an incredible performance of the song “Somebody To Love”.
Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl noted at the concert that they didn’t initially know who should sing “Somebody To Love” at the event. But at the suggestion of Queen’s Roger Taylor, they decided Sam was the person for the job. Grohl introduced Sam as “the most amazing vocalist” – something Eurovision fans and now many other will no doubt attest to.
Of course, the audience loved the performance from Sam Ryder at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert.
Those who have been following Sam from TikTok will have seen him cover various Queen songs, such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “I Want To Break Free”. Seeing the British star now performing with half of the original band members is an absolutely delightful full-circle moment.
This is just the latest in a string of career highlights for Sam over recent months. Back in May, the viral TikTok star gave the UK an incredible result at Eurovision 2022, finishing as the runner-up with his song “SPACE MAN”.
Since then, Sam has hit #2 on the UK singles chart; performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Buckingham Palace; sung the national anthem at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix; appeared at Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium and more.
Sam has also released the new solo single “Somebody”, as well as collaborated with legendary DJ’s David Guetta and Sigala for “Living Without You”. And there’s no signs of Sam stopping anytime soon.
Did you enjoy the performance Sam Ryder gave at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert alongside Queen and Foo Fighters? Are you excited to see what he does next? Let us know in the comments below.
https://xfantazy.com/video/604149ffc9215d189dd056de
here’s a link for Sam’s performance as screened online
https://vimeo.com/749570261
when I saw this broadcast I thought – “now there’s a eurovision interval act”
Queen / Sam / Klaus orchestra mash up
<img src=”5666b0cd2c9a197d11fae5526ce192844aee806a87000fc67b7567da67968d2f_thumb.jpg”>
Oof. Doesn’t work.
I just wanted to somehow add a picture to a comment. Rip.
Congrats to him, it’s deserved, the last 3 Esc runner-up are real gems and have been really really impacful, they all marked the contest each in their own way, we will remember them as much as the winners during years it’s a big achievement and that’s not always the case for the runner up, however they all come from 3 different big 5 countries which is very cool.
Yes, I totally agree that Chanel was a lovely runner-up for Spain
We didn’t see the same contest maybe… a piece of advice for you: look again at the scorebard…
Oh was it the contest where they pretended there were “technical issues” resulting in the UK getting lots of extra 12s based on some “algorithm”? Also a gentle reminder that UK was…..fifth with the public.
So petty! It doesn’t matter…let it go! It’s been four months already. Chanel gave Spain their best performance in years, just like Sam Ryder gave the best performance for the UK in years. Two countries that have languished around the bottom for years, and now both holding hands towards the top end of the scoreboard! And all you can do is cry about Chanel not ending up 2nd? If she ended up 2nd, you’d be crying about how Ukraine have robbed Chanel and how the sympathy votes only got them their win *SMH*.
I don’t think this has much to do with Sam finishing 2nd at Eurovision. Queen saw Sam’s covers in 2021 and he’s been friends with Adam Lambert, the current frontman of Queen, for a long time. Eurovision enhanced his image but he has a lot of connections. A true honour for Sam to perform at this concert.
i know this is unrelated but since no one in the fandom is mentioning it- jesc 2022 yerevan isnt happening right? the ebu will announce the cancelation of the event or maybe poland malta or georgia have to step in but honestly i dont see that happening.
Also curious to know. But hope it happens in Yerevan
Didn’t know that, why they would cancel it? If it’s not in Armenia I d’like to see Spain hosting it, they want to host an Esc event since so much time.
But to organize it in only 2 months would be a big challenge
Agreed. I was thinking it could be remote, but hope not
There are currently hostilities going on between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is why it might be a bit risky to host it in Armenia. But I hope it is temporary and Armenia can host it after a well-deserved victory.
Ok thank you! I didn’t know that
This is the first I’ve read about it, it’s pretty alarming. Haven’t seen it talked about anywhere online yet but assuming all the plans are in full swing to go ahead there. Worst case scenario, would they do like the 2020 contest, where everyone stays at home? That will probably take a lot of planning too
its the 20th anniversary of jesc it was supposed to be at least one of the best jescs to draw more attention to the contest… dont think jesc quarantine edition is an option for the ebu
also europe doesnt talk about this bc they want to play morality police on ru while finding a gas alternative by swapping one DICKTator with another just this one they keep under the rug . if the morals were consistent here azerbaijan shouldve been thrown out ages ago.
azerbaijan started a new war against armenia the country (not in that disputed area) so hosting a song contest in a country going through a war doesnt seem very likely. also this isnt the same situation as esc with ukraine and the uk where it was clear from the beginning that they cant host. armenia was able to host and they wanted it the war started yesterday which changed everything so giving it over to spain just so they get to host something in to fair.
I agree!
As far as I know, the conflict is localised (near the border), so Yerevan should be safe enough.
EBU will have backup plans, after 2020, probably use music videos.
I have Israeli roots and there were 6 localised flare ups in the west and Gaza between ESC 2018 and ESC 2019, and I was scared about many of them, even on the weekend of first rehearsals where there were victims as far north as Ashdod (some also occurred when acts filmed postcards), but it managed to be staged very well despite this. Armenia surely has its own plans to host acts during similar flare ups (both cases are different but similar).
Yes, I would imagine the risk of flare-ups would have been discussed between the EBU and Armenia when talking about security.
Update. The conflict seems to have settled down as of now. So fingers crossed that JESC will be held in Armenia as planned!
I like that even runner-ups are showing longevity and getting a career boost. Just like it happened for Mahmood. Talent, hard work, plus some good luck pays off. Over time I think Sam will be the most successful act out of the 2022 Eurovision artists because of the connections he’s making.
It’s just so strange to see a UK entrant enjoying so much success and opportunity! Have a good song, get a good result and your phone won’t stop ringing!
Hope it changes perceptions and sets a new standard for the UK.
Ive been meaning to watch that concert, hope it’s on catchup somewhere.