Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins has died, aged 50
Taylor Hawkins. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Taylor Hawkins, long-time drummer of the Foo Fighters, has died.
The band announced early this morning that Hawkins had passed away at the age of 50.
The Foo Fighters said they were ‘devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins’ in a post on social media.
The musician joined the band shortly after it was formed by Dave Grohl, and has performed alongside them since 1997.
As well as drums, Hawkins also sings and plays guitar alongside Grohl, and is credited as a co-writer on all of their albums since he joined the group.
Foo Fighters are currently on tour in South America and had recently played at Lollapalooza Argentina.
They are also due to perform a huge show at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester in June.
The band’s statement says: “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.”
Tributes are already pouring in for Hawkins.
Rock legend Ozzy Osborne said: “@TaylorHawkins was truly a great person and an amazing musician. My heart, my love and my condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family, his band and his fans. See you on the other side.”
Slash wrote: “Devastated by the loss of our friend #TaylorHawkins I’ve no words to express all the feelings I have about his passing. But my heart goes out to his family. & his band & friends. RIP Taylor.”
Musician Tom Morello said: “God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Gene Simmons posted: “Shocked and saddened to hear @taylorhawkins has passed away today.! Our prayers and condolences go out to the Hawkins family, @foofighters friends and fans. Sad.”
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Actor and screenwriter David Hayter said: “Raising a glass to Taylor Hawkins. The face of rock and roll joy.”
Journalist Stephen Thomas Erlewine said: “Taylor Hawkins might’ve been the only drummer alive who could support Dave Grohl and not make you wish Grohl was sitting behind the kit.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons