The music industry is mourning the loss of Foo Fighters’ drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who unexpectedly died at the age of 50.
As the news of his death spread, artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Barker, Nickelback, FINNEAS, Lzzy Hale, Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons of Kiss and many more took to social media to share their memories and sentiments for the late rocker.
“@TaylorHawkins was truly a great person and an amazing musician. My heart, my love and my condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family, his band and his fans. See you on the other side,” Osbourne wrote.
. @TaylorHawkins was truly a great person and an amazing musician. My heart, my love and my condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family, his band and his fans. See you on the other side – Ozzy
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) March 26, 2022
“I don’t have the words. Sad to write this or to never see you again. I’ll never forget Laguna Beach days when I was a trash man playing in a punk rock band and you were playing with Alanis,” Barker wrote. “You’d come watch me play in dive bars and be like, “kid you’re a star”. And I thought you were crazy but you gave me so much hope and determination. Years later we toured together with Blink and Foo’s in Australia and I have the best memories of smoking cigarettes in the restroom of flights we were on together and watching your set every night. To say I’ll miss you my friend isn’t enough. Till the next time we talk drums and smoke in the boys room … Rest In Peace 😢🥁💔”
“In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and so many others. This is so incredibly sad,” Nickelback shared, remembering the late drummer.
In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and so many others. This is so incredibly sad. pic.twitter.com/2AUeqpaN94
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) March 26, 2022
The band shared the sad news of Hawkins’ passing on Friday (Mar. 25) via Twitter.
“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” a statement on Twitter read. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.”
“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,” the statement concluded.
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
According to a representative for the band (per Rolling Stone), Hawkins unexpectedly passed away. The group was preparing to perform at Festival Estéreo Picnic in Bogotá, Colombia.
Hawkins, who first rose to fame touring with Alanis Morissette, was a longtime member of the popular rock group for 25 years, taking the reigns from their original drummer William Goldsmith in 1997.
Since becoming their drummer, Foo Fighters have won 12 GRAMMY awards, including four for Best Rock Album. The band is also nominated for three awards at the 64th annual GRAMMYs, which will take place April 4, including for Best Rock Song (“Waiting On A War”), Best Rock Album (Medicine At Night) as well as Best Rock Performance (“Making A Fire”).
The group were also inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in October 2021. Hawkins also starred in the Foo Fighters’ horror-comedy film, Studio 666.
Hawkins’ cause of death has not been revealed.
Other artists shared messages on Twitter and Instagram.
Shocked and saddened to hear @taylorhawkins has passed away today.! 😞. Our prayers and condolences go out to the Hawkins family, @foofighters friends and fans. Sad. https://t.co/Mgu2K4SJyL
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) March 26, 2022
God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/AkiRLF2L3e
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) March 26, 2022
God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/wn2izxn4Vd
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 26, 2022
Taylor Hawkins 1972-2022.
Our deepest sympathies to Taylor’s family, his fans, and of course his band. pic.twitter.com/qlEaQK0uui— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) March 26, 2022
So heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins’ passing, what an incredible talent, who didn’t also need to be so kind and generous and cool but was all those things too anyway. The world was so lucky to have his gifts for the time that it did, Rest In Peace
— FINNEAS (@finneas) March 26, 2022
My heartfelt condolences go out to @foofighters and the family and friends of drummer #RIPTaylorHawkins.
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) March 26, 2022
Thank you people of #Bogota @Festereopicnic_ for the love tonight. We had to play from our hearts for @foofighters & #RIPTaylorHawkins. They're one of the best bands around. We love them and all of you. Thanks for helping us get through a tough night. pic.twitter.com/3lbYN6p9tv
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) March 26, 2022
Speechless and Gutted. Taylor was a great guy, a dad and a husband. My heart goes out to them, Dave and the band. What awful news. https://t.co/uQdl04etlp
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) March 26, 2022
My heart is broken. This is devastating. Our love goes out to the Foos and their families https://t.co/O3FP7BfnkJ
— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) March 26, 2022
GUTTED to hear of our friend and neighbor, Taylor Hawkins departure. In disbelief, like everyone else. He was one of my favorite people, always full of love… he will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to his family, to the Foo’s… #RIPTaylorHawkins #FooFighters
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) March 26, 2022