Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies at 50 (2023)

🎶 2022-03-26 ​​08:27:00 – Paris/France.

Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters drummer for 25 years and best friend of frontman Dave Grohl, has died while touring South America with the rock band. He was 50 years old.

There were no immediate details about Hawkins' death, although the band said in a statement on Friday that his death was a "tragic and untimely loss."

Taylor Hawkins attends the Los Angeles premiere of 'Studio 666' at TCL Chinese Theater on February 16, 2022 in Hollywood, California. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty

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The Foo Fighters, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, were scheduled to play at a festival in Bogota, Colombia on Friday night. Hawkins' last gig was on Sunday at another festival in San Isidro, Argentina.

"His musical spirit and contagious laughter will live with us all forever," read a message on the band's official Twitter account which was also emailed to reporters. “Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family. »

Police vehicles, an ambulance and fans gathered outside the hotel in northern Bogota where Hawkins is believed to have been staying.

Police stand guard at the hotel where drummer Taylor Hawkins was found dead in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, March 26, 2022. Leonardo Munoz / AP

“It was a band I grew up with. It leaves me empty,” Juan Sebastian Anchique, 23, told The Associated Press as he mourned Hawkins outside the hotel.

Colombian authorities have not commented on Hawkins' death. The US Embassy in Bogota expressed its condolences in a tweet.

After Grohl, Hawkins was the band's most recognizable member, appearing alongside the lead singer in interviews and playing prominent, usually comedic roles in the band's memorable videos and their recent horror-comedy film, "Studio 666 ".

Hawkins was Alanis Morrissette's touring drummer when he joined Foo Fighters in 1997. He played on the band's biggest albums, including 'One by One' and 'On Your Honor', and hit singles , including “My Hero” and “Best of You”.

In Grohl's 2021 book "The Storyteller," he called Hawkins his "brother from another mother, my best friend, a man I'd take a bullet for."

"When we first met, our bond was immediate and we grew closer every day, every song, every note we played together," Grohl wrote. “We are absolutely meant to be, and I am grateful that we found each other in this lifetime. »

Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters arrive at the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles April 18, 2013. PHIL MCCARTEN / REUTERS

This is the second time Grohl has seen the death of a close band member. Grohl was Nirvana's drummer when Kurt Cobain died in 1994. In 2018, Grohl told CBS News that after Cobain's death, "I went through a really dark time where I couldn't even really listen to the radio. because it broke my heart just listening to music. »

Tributes poured in on social media for Hawkins on Friday night, ranging from Ozzy Osbourne to Miley Cyrus to Smashing Pumpkins.

"God bless you, Taylor Hawkins," Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello tweeted, along with a photo of him, Hawkins and Jane's Addiction singer Perry Ferrell. “I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. »

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

Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the peace and love group. »

On Instagram, Slash wrote that he was "devastated" by Hawkins' death, saying, "I have no words to express all the feelings I have about his passing. »

Drummer Mike Portnoy called Hawkins an "incredible drummer" and a "gem of a guy".

In absolute shock and disbelief at the passing of Taylor Hawkins. I've always had a lot of admiration for him. Amazing drummer and a gem of a guy who was always fun to be around. I'm absolutely disgusted...my deepest condolences to his bandmates and family 😥🙏 #RIPTaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/a3X0k2AqYW

— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) March 26, 2022

Born Oliver Taylor Hawkins in Fort Worth, Texas in 1972, Hawkins grew up in Laguna Beach, California. He played in the small Southern California band Sylvia before landing his first major gig as the drummer for Canadian vocalist Sass Jordan.

Hawkins told The Associated Press in 2019 that his early drumming influences included Stewart Copeland of The Police, Roger Taylor of Queen and Phil Collins, who he said was "one of my favorite drummers. You know, people forget that he was a great drummer as well as a great guy from the 80s, poor thing. »

When he spent two years in the mid-1990s drumming for Morrissette, he was primarily inspired by Stephen Perkins' playing of Jane's Addiction.

"My battery was set up like him, the whole thing," Hawkins told the AP. “I was still kind of a copycat at that time. It takes time and a bit to establish your own style. I didn't look exactly like him, I looked like me, but he was a big, huge influence. »

He and Grohl met backstage at a show while Hawkins was still with Morrissette. Grohl's band would have an opening soon after, when then-drummer William Goldsmith left. Grohl called Hawkins, who was a huge Foo Fighters fan, and immediately agreed.

"I'm not afraid to say that our chance meeting was something of a love at first sight, igniting a musical 'twin flame' that still burns to this day," Grohl writes in his book. “Together we have become an unstoppable duo, on and off stage, pursuing whatever adventures we can find. »

Hawkins first appeared with the band in the 1997 video for the Foo Fighters' most popular song, "Everlong", although he had not yet joined the band when the song was recorded. He would, however, go on to produce hundreds of epic versions of it as the culmination of Foo Fighters gigs.

In another highlight of the band's gigs, Grohl got behind the drums and Hawkins took the mic to sing a cover of Queen's "Somebody to Love."

"The best part about being the Foo Fighters lead singer for just one song is that I truly have the greatest rock 'n' roll drummer on planet Earth," Hawkins said ahead of the song during a concert on March 18 in Chile.

Grohl can be heard telling him to shut up.

Hawkins also co-starred in Foo Fighters' recently released comedy-horror film, "Studio 666," in which a demonic force at a house the group is staying seizes Grohl and renders him murderous. Hawkins and the other members of the group are killed one by one. The premise grew out of their work on their 10th studio album in a home in Los Angeles.

He also played drums and sang for the side project trio Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders. They released an album, "Get the Money", in 2006.

Hawkins is survived by his wife Alison and their three children.

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, right, and Alison Hawkins arrive at the Clive Davis Pre-GRAMMY Gala on Saturday February 9, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. John Shearer via AP

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FAQs

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies at 50? ›

Taylor Hawkins, the longtime drummer for the megaplatinum band Foo Fighters, has died. He was 50, and died in Bogota, Colombia, where the group was scheduled to perform. Hawkins' death was confirmed by the band in an online post late Friday night.

What was the cause of death of Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters? ›

Taylor Hawkins was the drummer of alt-rock band Foo Fighters. Over his career, he had also played with Alanis Morissette and his own band. He passed away after suffering sudden cardiac arrest while on tour with his band in March 2022, shortly after his 50th birthday.

What did Dave Grohl say about Taylor Hawkins death? ›

27, Grohl took the stage to open the show, paying tribute to the California native, who was found dead in a Colombia hotel room in March. "This is the hometown s--t so you gotta make it loud and turn it up," the emotional rocker said, noting Hawkins' ability to "make you f--king smile and dance and laugh and sing."

How are the Foo Fighters doing after Taylor Hawkins death? ›

(CNN) — The Foo Fighters are learning to fly without their drummer Taylor Hawkins. A little over a year after Hawkins' death in Colombia while on tour with the band, the Foo Fighters announced on Wednesday that they will release a new album titled “But Here We Are” this summer.

What happened to Taylor Hawkins heart? ›

A urine toxicology report found the presence of marijuana, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and opioids in his system. Forensic doctors reportedly claimed Hawkins' heart weighed at least 600 grams, about double the normal size, and that it could have collapsed without the aid of the drugs.

Where was Taylor Hawkins buried? ›

Where was Taylor Hawkins buried? Taylor Hawkins had his body repatriated from Columbia to the USA for his final burial. Taylor Hawkins's funeral took place in the United States. More precisely, Taylor Hawkins was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea.

Who could replace Taylor Hawkins? ›

Matt Cameron could therefore become their live drummer in place of the late Taylor Hawkins, the Foo Fighters drummer from 1997 to 2022 who passed away on March 25 last year.

What did Taylor Hawkins son say at the end? ›

Wanting to honour his late friend, Farrell and his wife Etsy have released the voicemail that they received from Hawkins the night before he died. In it, he says: “Take care of each other. And I'll take care of myself. And I'll see you in São Paulo.

How did Dave Grohl find out about Taylor Hawkins? ›

They first met backstage at a music festival staged by a radio station. Grohl later recalled how Hawkins went over to him, introduced himself and said, “Dude, I love your record – it's so cool!” Grohl said within ten seconds of meeting Taylor, he felt like he was his “twin, best friend or spirit animal”.

What song did Dave Grohl write about Taylor Hawkins? ›

After a show, Taylor had been partying and ended up overdosing on heroin, spending days in a coma with Dave by his side. While Dave was worrying about his friend, he had written the song “On the Mend” about those days in recovery, saying: “I've never told him it's about him.

Will Foo Fighters break up after Taylor's death? ›

Foo Fighters have confirmed that they will continue on as a band, following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins last year. The surviving members of the rock group told fans that they will be continuing to make music as “a different band going forward” in a year-end message shared on Saturday (31 December).

Will Foo Fighters ever play again? ›

Dave Grohl and co have confirmed their first headline gigs since the passing of Taylor Hawkins. Find out where they are headed in 2023 and how to buy tickets.

Will Foo Fighters tour again 2023? ›

Foo Fighters have expanded their 2023 tour itinerary with six more headlining shows scheduled for later this summer and early fall. Like the three headlining shows the band announced back in February, the new dates are all structured around previously-announced festival appearances.

Why would Taylor Hawkins heart be twice the size? ›

The autopsy revealed that Taylor's heart was twice the size of someone his size and age and that might have had something to do with his death. However, Taylor knew he had an enlarged heart for some time because a doctor told him more than a year ago.

What was the forensic test of Taylor Hawkins? ›

Early toxicologic results revealed a ten-substance intoxication, according to forensic experts. Taylor tested positive for marijuana, antidepressants, tricyclics, and traces of heroin, some of which are associated with CM and can result in a fatal heart attack.

Why was Taylor Hawkins in the hospital? ›

Hawkins overdosed on heroin in August 2001, which left him in a coma for two weeks. Hawkins' bandmate and best friend, Dave Grohl, was beside his hospital bed in London for two weeks until he woke up. Grohl said he was ready to quit music while Hawkins was in the hospital.

How much were tickets to the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert? ›

On the day of the concert can still get tickets to the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at the KIA Forum through TicketMaster's face value exchange. At noon today (Sept. 27) we noticed more tickets being released with prices ranging from $99 to $420.

How many people were at Taylor Hawkins? ›

On September 3, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee and Grohl took to the stage of London's Wembley Stadium to deafening cheers from almost 90,000 fans, which just went on and on.

What hotel was Taylor Hawkins found? ›

Hawkins was found dead in his suite at the Casa Medina Four Seasons Hotel in Bogotá's Chapinero district.

Are Foo Fighters done? ›

Foo Fighters Are Officially Coming Back In 2023.

Who is Taylor Hawkins best friend? ›

Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, who died on Friday at age 50, were close friends. With the death of Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl lost not only his drummer, but his longtime best friend.

Who will be new Foo drummer? ›

Earlier this year, UK tabloid, The Sun reported that according to a “source close to Foo Fighters” Atom and Pearl Jam/former Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron would be sharing drum duties on Foo Fighters' summer tour dates, backed by claims that Atom had been spotted “rehearsing” at Foo Fighters' Studio 606.

How did Nandi react to Taylor Hawkins death? ›

Nandi Bushell, from Ipswich, joined the band onstage and took Hawkins' place on the drum stool for Learn To Fly. Hawkins died earlier this year while the band were in South America. Nandi said: "It was amazing to play Wembley, but at the same time it was really sad."

What was the message Taylor Hawkins sent before his death? ›

Taylor Hawkins Sent An Audio Message Hours Before His Death: 'Take Care Of Each Other And I'll Take Care Of Me' Perry Farrell wears many hats. Most notably, he's the leader of Jane's Addiction and the founder of Lollapalooza. Aside from that, he was close with recently deceased Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Did Taylor Hawkins have any children? ›

What did Alanis Morissette say about Taylor Hawkins? ›

“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.”

How much was Taylor Hawkins worth when he died? ›

Taylor Hawkins was an American musician who had a net worth of $40 million dollars at the time of his death in March 2022. Tragically, Taylor died on March 25, 2022 at the age of 50.

Who is Dave Grohl wife? ›

Will the Foo Fighters continue without Taylor Hawkins? ›

The Foo Fighters will continue as a band following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins last year, although it will be a “different” group, they have said. In a statement posted on Instagram at the weekend, the rock band called 2022 “the most difficult and tragic year” that they had known.

Did Dave Grohl get a tattoo for Taylor Hawkins? ›

And eagle-eyed fans at home reacted on Grohl's tattoo showing a large 'T' on the back of his right hand, appearing to be a tribute to his late friend and bandmate. The singer openly pointed to the inked hand during an embrace with fellow artist Bruce Springsteen, who also guest starred the Liverpudlian singers' set.

Did Foo Fighters replace Taylor? ›

Foo Fighters honing in on replacement for late drummer Taylor Hawkins as they prepare to head back on tour one year after his tragic death.

What is Dave Grohl's net worth? ›

But saving money is one thing Foo Fighters frontman and 18-time Grammy winner Dave Grohl doesn't have to be reminded about. Sure, you might say, it's easy for him to save: He's worth an estimated $320 million dollars, according to Celebrity Net Worth, but he goes above and beyond.

Are the Foo Fighters replacing their drummer? ›

In response to rumours suggesting he will replace his fallen friend, American drummer Matt Cameron went online declaring "the internet rumours are false, I haven't joined the Foos".

What did Matt Cameron say about Taylor Hawkins? ›

Taylor was a dear friend and a next level artist. “I miss him. I have only the deepest love and respect for Taylor, Dave and the Foo Fighters families.

What will be the future of Foo Fighters? ›

Foo Fighters are officially returning to stage in 2023 with three upcoming festival appearances slated for this summer. The band will headline this year's Boston Calling Music Festival on 26 May, alongside the likes of Paramore and The Lumineers.

Where is rock am Ring? ›

Is Pearl Jam touring in 2023? ›

Pearl Jam is hitting the road this year, and the band hopes fans can come along without breaking the bank. On Thursday, the rock group announced its 2023 U.S. tour, commencing at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., on Aug. 31.

Why was Taylor's heart so heavy? ›

Taylor Hawkins' heart weighed double that of men his age as an autopsy finds the Foo Fighters drummer suffered a 'cardiovascular collapse' after binging on a cocktail of drugs including heroin, marijuana, and opioids, investigators have said.

Does an enlarged heart ever return to normal size? ›

Some people have an enlarged heart because of temporary factors, such as pregnancy or an infection. In these cases, your heart will return to its usual size after treatment.

How does a heart get twice its size? ›

An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) can be caused by damage to the heart muscle or any condition that makes the heart pump harder than usual, including pregnancy. Sometimes the heart gets larger and becomes weak for unknown reasons. This condition is called idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

What was found in Taylor Hawkins urine? ›

On Saturday, Colombia's attorney general's office said analysis of Hawkins' urine found traces of marijuana, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines, which can be used to treat insomnia or anxiety.

What was the toxicology of the Foo drummer? ›

"In the urine toxicological test performed on Taylor Hawkins' body, 10 types of substances were preliminarily found, including: THC (marijuana), tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids," the government organization said in a statement on Twitter Saturday afternoon, March 26.

What was the toxicology report on the Foo Fighters drum? ›

It is not yet known what Hawkins died of, but a toxicology report confirmed there were 10 different substances in his body including marijuana, opioids and antidepressants. It was also reported that a cocaine-like powder was found in his hotel room.

Where is Taylor Hawkins buried? ›

Where was Taylor Hawkins buried? Taylor Hawkins had his body repatriated from Columbia to the USA for his final burial. Taylor Hawkins's funeral took place in the United States. More precisely, Taylor Hawkins was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea.

Have any of the Foo Fighters talked about Taylor's death? ›

In a statement, after the drummer's death, 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 for ever.”

Were the Foo Fighters on tour when Taylor Hawkins died? ›

The Foo Fighters were on tour in South America when Hawkins died, his last show with the band taking place March 20 at Lollapalooza Argentina. The group had a full year of touring ahead, with dates scheduled around the world through December.

Who will be the new drummer for Foo Fighters? ›

Earlier this year, UK tabloid, The Sun reported that according to a “source close to Foo Fighters” Atom and Pearl Jam/former Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron would be sharing drum duties on Foo Fighters' summer tour dates, backed by claims that Atom had been spotted “rehearsing” at Foo Fighters' Studio 606.

Did Taylor Hawkins have kids? ›

Who was the guest drummer on the Foo Fighters Tribute to Taylor Hawkins? ›

Dave Grohl ended the incredible 53-set gig with an emotional performance of Everlong, accompanied on the drums by Taylor Hawkins close friend, Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

What was Foo Fighters last concert with Taylor Hawkins? ›

Their last gig with the drummer took place five days earlier, on March 20th at Lollapalooza Argentina. The 19-song show featured Hawkins singing lead on Queen's “Somebody to Love,” a cover of Jane's Addiction's “Been Caught Stealing” with special guest Perry Farrell, and a final encore of “Everlong.”

Who is the guy from the audience drums for the Foo Fighters? ›

Following in his father's footsteps, Shane Hawkins passionately pounded the drums while Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl belted the lyrics along with the crowd. Before the song began, a black-and-white photo of Taylor Hawkins and Shane Hawkins appeared on the screens at London's Wembley Stadium.

Did Taylor Hawkins have 3 kids? ›

The late Foo Fighters' drummer leaves behind a legacy of three children. Find out more about his son and two daughters here. Taylor Hawkins was survived by his wife Alison Hawkins and their three children when he passed away at the age of 50 on March 26.

What are Taylor Hawkins kids called? ›

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