LOS ANGELES (Washington Insider Magazine) – Taylor Hawkins, the drummer for the Foo Fighters, died on Friday, the rock band said. He was 50 years old.
Hawkins’ sudden death has left the band, which was formed by lead vocalist Dave Grohl, devastated, according to a tweet.
The band announced in a statement that “his musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.”
The band’s statement did not specify the cause of death. Hawkins was a treasured part of the rock band, according to the band.
The Foo Fighters were supposed to perform at the Festival Estéreo Picnic in Bogota, Colombia, this Friday, but the show was canceled.
Hawkins resided in California after being born in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to joining the Foo Fighters, he was a member of the Orange County band Sylvia and later worked as a drummer for Sass Jordan. As Alanis Morissette’s drummer, he also performed with her. According to NBC NEWS, he decided to join the Foo Fighters in 1997.
Hawkins also acted in Foo Fighters’ newly released horror comedy “Studio 666,” in which a diabolical force overpowers Grohl and turns him violent in the mansion where the band is residing.
Last year, the Foo Fighters were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“My Hero,” “Best of You,” “All My Life,” and “Learn to Fly,” among many others, are some of the band’s hits.
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine was among those offering sympathies and remembrances on Friday, tweeting, “I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power.”
Hawkins was described by Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath as “a great person and an amazing musician.”
Hawkins is survived by his 3 children and wife, Alison.
The Foo Fighters are one of the artists set to play at the Grammy Awards on April 3rd, 2022.
For “Making A Fire,” the band is up for a Grammy for best rock performance, and band members, including Hawkins, are up for a songwriters award for “Waiting On A War.” “Medicine At Midnight” has also earned the band a nomination for best rock album.