Taylor Hawkins, the jovial, ferocious drummer for Foo Fighters, has died at the age of 50, according to a statement from the band.
“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” read the message, which was posted to social media. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.” Foo Fighters are currently on tour in South America and were preparing to perform at Festival Estéreo Picnic in Bogotá, Colombia, a rep for the band told Rolling Stone.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Hawkins relocated to Southern California with his family in his early childhood. He first rose to prominence as the touring drummer for Alanis Morissette during the Jagged Little Pill era. “The second I heard ‘You Oughta Know,’ I was like, ‘I’m in that band!’” Hawkins told Rolling Stone in November 2021. “I just knew.” Hawkins also appeared in the music videos for the singer’s hit singles “You Oughta Know” and “You Learn.”
After inter-studio conflict led to the departure of Foo Fighter’s original drummer William Goldsmith during recording sessions for the group’s breakthrough album The Colour and the Shape, forcing frontman Dave Grohl to handle drumming duties, Hawkins officially joined the band in the spring of 1997.
As news of Hawkins’ death spread, numerous musicians and celebrities took to social media to honor the late drummer. “God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power,” wrote Rage Against the Machine frontman Tom Morello, sharing a photo of himself and Hawkins alongside Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell. “Rest In Peace my friend.”
“I’ve always had so much admiration for him,” former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy said of Hawkins on Twitter. “Amazing drummer & a gem of a guy who was always fun to be around.” Producer Steve Albini, Nickleback and musician Finneas also shared tributes to Hawkins.
Hawkins is survived by his wife and three children.
This story is developing.
