My Hero (cover) - NERD HALEN
Nerd Halen guitarist Caleb Rapoport picked up Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins in his Lyft car in May 2017. Taylor was looking for a guitar player for his cover band Chevy Metal. Caleb told Taylor to consider him.
To which Taylor asked "can you play Van Halen?"
Caleb showed TH some videos of his guitar playing and Taylor told him to "Be ready."
Caleb was not ready for the job but went to the woodshed learning all the songs in Chevy Metal's sets and many deep Van Halen songs just in case they asked him to play those.
Months went by and, in fact Sebastian Bach's guitarist Brent Woods, had ultimately secured the gig in Chevy Metal. So 9 months later when Caleb finally tracked Taylor Hawkins down at a soundcheck in the San Fernando Valley, Taylor told Caleb he "was sorry. We're happy with Brent." Caleb was obviously devastated. But Taylor then said, "But you go do your own thing. I'll come jam with you."
Caleb decided then and there that he'd never again wait for the phone to ring. Driving home Caleb went all in on his months old idea for Nerd Halen. Taylor Hawkins is the one who lit the fuse. Nerd Halen exists because of the late great Taylor Hawkins. Nerd Halen will never forget. All of our love to his family, band mates and friends. 🤘🏼♥️🤘🏼