Foo Fighters cancel Manchester gig following tragic death of Taylor Hawkins
Foo Fighters. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Foo Fighters have cancelled all upcoming tour dates in the wake of the death of Taylor Hawkins at just 50 years old.
The band’s long-time drummer was found dead in his hotel room over the weekend while on tour with the band in South America.
The rock legends were due to perform at Emirates Old Trafford this June, alongside shows in Birmingham and London.
But a statement posted earlier today has confirmed that all tour dates have been cancelled in the light of the ‘staggering loss’, including the planned Manchester gig on 25 June.
Foo Fighters wrote: “It is with great sadness that Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates in light of the staggering loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins.
“We’re sorry for and share in the disappointment that we won’t be seeing one another as planned.
“Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, to heal, to pull our loved ones close, and to appreciate all the music and memories we’ve made together. With Love, Foo Fighters.”
Hawkins had been a member of Foo Fighters since 1997 and has been described by frontman Dave Grohl as ‘my brother from another mother, my best friend, a man for whom I would take a bullet’.
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the rock music world, including from Liam Gallagher, Travis Barker, Slash and Ozzy Osbourne.
The news was initially announced on the band’s social media channels early on Saturday morning, with a statement that read: “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.
“His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.
“Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.”
A toxicology report has now found that there were 10 substances in Hawkins’ body when he died, including marijuana, antidepressants and opioids.
Ticket-holders will be contacted by their point of purchase for updates on refunds.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons