Foo Fighters’ beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins dies at 50
“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”
TORONTO, March 26, 2022 – The rock world is in mourning today with the news that Foos Fighters’ longtime high-energy drummer, Taylor Hawkins has died at 50.
The Foos were scheduled to play a show at Festival Estéreo Picnic (Picnic Stereo Festival) in Bogotá,Colombia on Friday night but Bogota municipal government issued a statement that same night confirming that the city’s emergency services received a call from the Four Seasons Casina Medina Hotel in Chapinero about a patient complaining of “chest pain.”
An ambulance was dispatched and according to the Associated Press a private ambulatory service was first at the scene. Health workers performed CPR but were unable to revive him.
“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,” reads the message posted on the band’s official Twitter account that was also emailed to reporters. “Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family.”
At the festival venue where fans were looking forward to the Foos performing, an announcement was made that the performance was cancelled for medical reasons. It did not take long for fans to jump to social media and learn about the tragic news of Hawkins’ death.
Then up on the big screen the phrase “Taylor Hawkins forever” was projected while the Foo’s powerful and emotional song “My Hero” was played over the PA for the thousands of saddened fans.
According to a Tweet from the office of the Attorney General of Colombia, 10 substances were found in Hawkins, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and opioids. “The National Institute for Legal Medicine continues to conduct the necessary medical studies to ascertain the cause of death.”
Before joining the Foo Fighters Hawkins also played drums for Canadian music stars, Alanis Morissette and Sass Jorrdan. Foos frontman, former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl likened Hawkins to a brother in is recent book “The Storyteller.” were like brothers. He referred to Taylor Hawkins as his “brother from another mother, my best friend, a man for whom I would take a bullet.”
“We are absolutely meant to be, and I am grateful that we found each other in this lifetime,” Grohl wrote.
Hawkins was born in Fort Worth, Texas and grew up in Laguna Beach, California. His drumming influences included the likes of Stewart Copeland of The Police, Queen’s Roger Taylor, and perhaps is greatest influence was Phil Collins. He told AP that Collins was “one of my favorite drummers ever. You know, people forget that he was a great drummer as well as a sweater-wearing nice guy from the ’80s, poor fella.”
Rock legends have taken to social media to express both their sadness and praises for Taylor Hawkins. Stewart Copeland posted a photo of Hawkins behind his drum kit and commented, “This is tragic news. Taylor was a force of life, with a forward momentum that seemed unstoppable. He was all energy and cheerful enthusiasm. It’s inconceivable that he is gone.”
While legendary KISS bassist, Gene Simmons posted a short video clip con Twitter with the two of them chatting backstage. “Hearts broken all over the world. Taylor Hawkins was a kind soul & a monster musician,” said Gene Simmons. “Drummer for the Foos, Alanis Morrisette & Sass Jordon (who I managed for a time). Taylor and his band were to play our Kiss Kruize in Oct…Prayers and condolences to the Hawkins family.”
Understandably, the remaining dates on the Foo Fighters’ South American tour have been cancelled. The last show Taylor Hawkins played with the band was last Sunday in San Isidro, Argentina.
Taylor Hawkins is survived by his wife Alison and their three children.
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