The US band – one of the most successful rock bands of the last 20 years – said it was “damaged”. “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” the band wrote on Twitter. “His musical spirit and his infectious laughter will live with all of us forever. “Our hearts are with his wife, children and family and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.” No cause of death was reported in the band’s message. The band is currently in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, as part of a world tour to the UK this summer with performances in stadiums in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Hawkins joined the band in 1997 after touring with Canadian-born singer Alanis Morissette, one of the biggest stars of the ’90s. Hired by frontman Dave Grohl – the same former Nirvana drummer – as the band’s success soared after the release of their second album The Color and the Shape. With Hawkins on board, the Foos moved from the alternative rock scene to great success. They now regularly fill arenas and stadiums around the world with flowery tracks such as Everlong, Times Like These and All My Life. Hawkins, born in Fort Worth, Texas, was married with three children. Tributes are made by the great and the good of the rock world. Ozzy Osbourne wrote on Twitter that Hawkins “was a really great man and an amazing musician.” “My heart, my love and my condolences are with his wife, his children, his family, the band and his fans. We say it from the other side …” said the Black Sabbath singer. Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello posted: “God bless you, Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.” Billie Eilish’s brother and colleague Finneas said he was “hurt” and called Hawkins “an incredible talent, who also did not have to be so kind, generous and cool, but it was all that anyway.”
