In a shocking social media statement posted by the Foo Fighters the night of March 25th, they shared the devastating news of the passing of their drummer of 25 years, Taylor Hawkins.
The 50-year-old was found dead in their hotel room in Bogotá, Colombia, where the band was scheduled to perform Friday night.
The short statement read, “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.”
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
They went on to ask for privacy for his family in these trying times saying, “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.”
While the official cause of death has not been reported yet, and said that the investigation is ongoing, as reported by NBC News, Columbian authorities said Hawkins had 10 substances in his system. The office of the Attorney General of Colombia tweeted the update Saturday, saying a preliminary toxicology test found substances including opioids, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
They did not, however, rule the cause of death saying the results of the investigation will be released after they are obtained.
Hawkins’s claim to fame began in the early nineties as the touring drummer for Alanis Morisette during the Jagged Lil Pill times. He then went on to join the Foo Fighters in 1997 after William Goldsmith left the band. Fortifying his place in the band, the first album Hawkins featured on was the multi-platinum success ‘The Colour And The Shape.’
The band was nominated for two Grammy Awards for their 2021 album ‘Medicine at Midnight and was also slated to perform in just a matter of days at the Grammy Awards. Speaking about the massive loss Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason told Billboard, “ “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Taylor Hawkins. He was a beloved member of the entire music community. We send our love and best wishes to Taylor’s family and everyone who’s grieving him.”
Messages of shock, disbelief, and in-tribute of the 50-year-old soon began to flood social media.
Here are a few below.
We lost one of rock music’s greatest drummers. Our hearts go out to his family, the band, and fans around the world as we all mourn this heartbreaking loss. RIP Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins. pic.twitter.com/3jyTHl3cTK
— Live Nation (@LiveNation) March 26, 2022
In absolute shock & disbelief over the the passing of Taylor Hawkins. I’ve always had so much admiration for him. Amazing drummer & a gem of a guy who was always fun to be around. I’m absolutely gutted…my deepest condolences to his bandmates & family 😥🙏 #RIPTaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/a3X0k2AqYW
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) March 26, 2022
Such a devastating loss. REST IN PEACE Taylor! Our hearts to out to his friends and family.
📷: @KatBenzova pic.twitter.com/HMEBtORNx7
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) 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
The Doors team is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Taylor Hawkins, the @FooFighters’ ferocious drummer. Taylor was definitely a one-of-a-kind person, and an incredible musician.
In 2016, Hawkins joined Robby Krieger and John Densmore in Los Angeles… pic.twitter.com/JSOAsr4qEM
— The Doors (@TheDoors) March 26, 2022
Sending the Foo Fighters and their families, management & crew our deepest condolences. Taylor was beloved in the music community and was an integral part to the spirit of the Foo Fighters. Suffering a sudden loss like this is devastating and we send all of our love to everyone. pic.twitter.com/VKbQ2g6tjz
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) March 26, 2022
So devastated by the news of Taylor Hawkins passing. He was truly truly one of a kind. Such a generous, joyful, positive, impish, badass, infectiously hilarious, kind spirit. And one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. This f**king sucks.
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) 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
A rock and roll brother has gone home too soon. My deepest condolences to his family, Dave Grohl, and the @FooFighters. Taylor played from the heart with power and joy. May he Rest In Peace. #TaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/YcDrEfUzpF
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 26, 2022
RIP #TaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/ofnIiDoDDs
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) March 26, 2022
H/T – Billboard
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