Taylor Hawkins, the ferocious drummer for the Foo Fighters rock band, has died at age 50, according to a statement from the band.
No cause of death has been released, and no other details were immediately available.
The Foo Fighters were on tour in South America and were scheduled to play in Bogotá, Colombia, on Friday night at the Festival Estéreo Picnic when Hawkins’ death was announced. The band has canceled its appearance at the festival.
A statement from the band said, “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.”
Hawkins had played with the Foo Fighters since 1997 alongside frontman Dave Grohl, who was the drummer for Nirvana before Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994.
Prior to joining the Foo Fighters, Hawkins performed with Alanis Morisette and can be heard on her chart-topping 1995 album, “Jagged Little Pill.” He also appeared in music videos for the singer’s hit singles “You Oughta Know” and “You Learn.”
Hawkins was the drummer for Foo Fighters beginning with the band’s third album, “There Is Nothing Left to Lose,” released in 1999, and performed in the group’s next seven albums.
Hawkins’ death quickly drew heartfelt tributes from scores of musicians. Fans were devastated.
Rage Against the Machine frontman Tom Morello hailed Hawkins’ “unstoppable rock power.”
Ozzy Osbourne honored him as “truly a great person and an amazing musician.” Paul Stanley of Kiss said he was “speechless and gutted” by the news.
The Foo Fighters were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, and have won 12 Grammys.
Hawkins is survived by his wife, Alison, and their three children: Oliver Shane, Annabelle and Everleigh.
