Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins has died aged 50.
The band shared a post online confirming the tragic news, describing how they are “devastated” by the “tragic and untimely loss”.
There has been no official confirmation regarding his cause of death so far.
According to El Tiempo, a preliminary police report indicates: “The cause of death is yet to be established, according to versions of relatives, the death could be associated with the consumption of narcotic substances.”
He’d reportedly complained about having chest pains to hotel staff in Colombia, where the band were due to play a show.
The message shared on the Foo Fighters’ official Twitter account read: “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.
(Image: FilmMagic)
“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.”
Foo Fighters are currently on tour in South America and were preparing for a show in Bogota, Colombia, a spokesperson told Rolling Stone.
Some local reports have suggested that Hawkins was found dead in his hotel room.
The band have announced that they won’t be performing at Festival Estéreo Picnic in the capital following the tragedy.
Devastated fans were in shock after reading the band’s statement.
One begged: “No. No I don’t understand. Is this some kind of sick joke? Has someone hacked their account?”
Paying tribute, another wrote: “An incredible musician that will be missed. Loved his spirit and smile.”
“No. What? I can’t believe this. What? I’m am so grateful I got to see Taylor perform live. I just attended a foo fighters tribute act tonight aswell. RIP Taylor,” said another.
(Image: REUTERS)
Hawkins was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and joined Foo Fighters in 1997 after an argument between Dave Grohl and the band’s previous drummer William Goldsmith.
In 2005 he was voted “Best Rock Drummer” by drumming magazine Rhythm.
As well as drumming, he also provided vocals, guitar and piano on several Foo Fighters tracks.
In 2006, Taylor went on to release a self-titled LP with his side project, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, and he also occasionally played with a Police cover band called The Cops.
Several other music stars have paid tribute to Hawkins.
(Image: The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Ozzy Osbourne said: “@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.”
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker said: “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. You’d come watch me play in dive bars and be like, ‘kid you’re a star’.
(Image: Redferns)
“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.”
Miley Cyrus announced that her next concert would be dedicated to the late drummer.
(Image: Getty Images for NARAS)
She said: “My favourite memory of Taylor is dancing round the drum kit while he played this song…”, with a picture of Pretenders song Brass In Pocket.
“Playing it on repeat, imagining us laughing forever.”
Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote: “God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
