TAYLOR HAWKINS,
1972-2022
Taylor Hawkins, the charismatic drummer for Foo Fighters, died Friday in Bogotá, Colombia. He was 50.
The band, which was scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza in Brazil on Sunday, issued a statement reading: “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.”
No cause of death was given. Hawkins’ final concert with Foo Fighters was 3/20 at the Lollapaloozaa festival in San Isidro, Argentina. The band was expected to perform at the Grammy Awards 4/3.
Hawkins, who grew up in Laguna Beach, joined Foo Fighters in 1997 after coming to prominence as Alanis Morissette’s touring drummer during the Jagged Little Pill era.
His first of eight albums with the Foos was 1999’s There Is Nothing Left to Lose, which would win the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, the first of 11 Grammys Hawkins would garner for his work as a Foo Fighter.
He quickly became Grohl’s right-hand man in the group, even occasionally singing lead, notably on “Cold Day in the Sun” and “Sunday Rain.”
In his book The Storyteller, Grohl wrote that Hawkins was "my best friend, a man for whom I would take a bullet," elaborating, "Upon first meeting, our bond was immediate, and we grew closer with every day, every song, every note that we ever played together. I am not afraid to say that our chance meeting was a kind of love at first sight, igniting a musical ‘twin flame’ that still burns to this day. Together we have become an unstoppable duo, onstage and off, in pursuit of any adventure we can find. We are absolutely meant to be, and I am grateful that we found each other in this lifetime.”
Hawkins' side projects included Taylor Hawkins and The Coattail Riders, Birds of Satan and NHC with Dave Navarro and Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney.
Musicians ranging from Questlove to Melissa Etheridge to Ozzy Osbourne have offered condolences via social media.
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/AkiRLF2L3e
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) March 26, 2022
Absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Taylor Hawkins my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends RIP brother LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) March 26, 2022
. @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 - Ozzy
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) March 26, 2022
So heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins’ passing, what an incredible talent, who didn’t also need to be so kind and generous and cool but was all those things too anyway. The world was so lucky to have his gifts for the time that it did, Rest In Peace
— FINNEAS (@finneas) March 26, 2022
In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and so many others. This is so incredibly sad. pic.twitter.com/2AUeqpaN94
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) March 26, 2022
I’m so sad about this man.
— Questo (@questlove) March 26, 2022
coolest dude ever.
god bless & comfort his family, his bandmates, his friends & all his loved ones.
Taylor Hawkins.
Rest In Beats.#TaylorHawkins https://t.co/bOBv0l4K9r
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 ❤️ https://t.co/pkQLK5rLVF
— Slash (@Slash) March 26, 2022
Taylor Hawkins was a neighbor and a friend. He would ride around on his bike, music blaring leading his kids on a journey. He was a fierce drummer with a deep love of music. We are sending love to Allison and the family. Rock and roll heaven just got a lot cooler. #TaylorHawkins https://t.co/GARVn25eVg
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) March 26, 2022
RIP Taylor Hawkins 💛 Your infectious energy and amazing stage presence will forever be missed 😢
— Reading & Leeds Fest (@OfficialRandL) March 26, 2022
To honour him, here’s a video of The Foo Fighters at RandL19 performing Sunday Rain ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8nmRvfXSxX
Thank you people of #Bogota @Festereopicnic_ for the love tonight. We had to play from our hearts for @foofighters & #RIPTaylorHawkins. They're one of the best bands around. We love them and all of you. Thanks for helping us get through a tough night. pic.twitter.com/3lbYN6p9tv
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) March 26, 2022
I am devastated to hear the news of one of my favorite drummers Taylor Hawkins has passed. Blessings to the family and to the band. I’m so sorry for your loss. Taylor you will be missed! 💔💔💜💜🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #taylorhawkins #foofighters #drummer pic.twitter.com/FJAFQOa76X
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) March 26, 2022
Such sad news about Taylor Hawkins. Anyone who knew him will tell you how great he was to be around. Everybody’s friend. So positive and enthusiastic. He loved music and he loved life. @foofighters
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) March 26, 2022
So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. My thoughts are with his family and the band at this time. pic.twitter.com/wueydCu5gw
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 26, 2022
I’m heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins. He was such a nice young man. Love & Mercy to Taylor’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/VyqZIP94UZ
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 26, 2022
Taylor Hawkins was one of those drummers that brought more than just skill to the instrument - he brought heart. You could see joy radiate from him and that, in turn, allowed others to radiate joy back. I felt connected to him in that way. RIP brother.
— Bill Kreutzmann (@BKreutzmann) March 26, 2022
One of a few drummers our drummer Anton Fig would leave his kit to watch work when Foo Fighters appeared on Late Show. A true R&R giant. This is a very sad day. RIP. pic.twitter.com/1wUQKr9mqi
— David Letterman (@Letterman) March 26, 2022
Shocked n’ saddened to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins.He was a really great guy, drummer n’ family man. Was always great to see him!Was looking forward to seeing him n’ everyone in Daytona.Truly saddened. My deepest condolences to his family, the Foo Fighters n’their fans.
— Axl Rose (@axlrose) March 26, 2022
We are deeply saddened by the loss of the great Taylor Hawkins. His loving spirit and immense talent will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hawkins family, friends, and the entire Foo Fighters community across the world. pic.twitter.com/sUayNwn1Wt
— rcarecords (@RCARecords) March 26, 2022
I woke up this morning to hear the awful news of Taylor Hawkins death. What a terrible loss to us all. He was such a lovely guy and such a brilliant player. ⁰My deepest condolences go out to his family, his band and his fans. He will be sadly missed Rest In Peace Taylor. -Tony pic.twitter.com/MSYRMzDy8c
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) March 26, 2022
