American rock band Foo Fighters announced the sudden demise of its drummer Taylor Hawkins. The band is currently on tour in South America and announced his death via a statement on social media, but the cause of death was not revealed.
“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,” read the statement.
The band also asked that Hawkins’ family be treated with “utmost respect”.
The 50-year-old has played with the band for over 24 years. The band was formed by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl in 1994 after the death of the singer Kurt Cobain.
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.
— Stephen Thomas Erlewine (@sterlewine) March 26, 2022
Hawkins previously drummed for Canadian indie singer Alanis Morissette but went on to make a name for himself with Foo Fighters. There was much pressure on him initially, given that Grohl, now the lead singer and guitarist for Foo Fighters, was a world-renowned drummer for Nirvana.
Yet, memorable Foo Fighters tracks including Best of You and The Pretender were massive hits not only because of Grohl’s vocals, but also because of Hawkin’s incredible turn on the drums.
After news of the death broke, Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne said Hawkins was "truly a great person and an amazing musician".
