In anticipation of the annual “In Memoriam” episode, Grammys host Trevor Noah took to the stage on Sunday to celebrate the life of Hawkins, who died suddenly last week at the age of 50. “Our thoughts are with Taylor’s family, his friends, the Foo Fighter family and all their fans around the world,” Noah said. This was followed by an emotional montage of Hawkins’ active performances with Foo Fighters and his other bands, with fans singing “My Hero” before the last card read: “Taylor Hawkins: 1972-2022”. Billie Eilish also honored Hawkins by wearing a T-shirt with his photo on during the live performance of “Happier Than Ever” on Sunday.
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Hawkins died March 25 in Bogota, Colombia while the band was in the middle of a tour of South America. Prior to joining Foo Fighters in 1997, Hawkins was the touring drummer for Alanis Morrissette. As a member of the Foo Fighters, Hawkins won a total of 14 Grammys, with the band winning three more on Sunday for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album. Foo Fighters teammates Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee, however, did not show up for this year’s awards ceremony, with pre-show presenter Jimmy Jam accepting. on their behalf. The Foo Fighters were also scheduled to appear at this year’s Grammys, but canceled the show along with the rest of their tour dates after Hawkins’s death. “We regret and share the disappointment that we will not see each other as planned,” the band said in a statement. “Instead, let us dedicate this time to mourning, healing, drawing close to our loved ones and appreciating all the music and memories we have created together.”