
ROCK icons Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Tom Morello and more mourned the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Following the news of Taylor’s “untimely” death at the age of 50, the Foo Fighters canceled the rest of their South American tour.
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The Foo Fighters announced Taylor Hawkins’ death on FridayCredit: Getty
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Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello was one of many celebs to mourn his tragic passingCredit: Twitter/ Tom Morello
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Taylor was best known for being the drummer of the Foo FightersCredit: AFP
Late Friday night, the Foo Fighters released a statement on social media revealing that their drummer had died.
The band said in part: “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.”
The drummer was known for playing in Alanis Morissette’s band in the 90s before joining the Foo Fighters in 1997.
Not long after the news broke, tributes began flooding in online from fans and peers of Taylor’s, including Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol and more.
Ozzy, 73, tweeted: “[email protected] 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.”
Billy, 66, echoed that sentiment, tweeting a photo of the Texas native and writing: “So tragic. Rest in peace Taylor.”
Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, meanwhile, shared a photo on Twitter of himself and Taylor, writing: “Got bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest in Peace my friend.”
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Ozzy Osbourne tweeted out his condolences for the tragic lostCredit: Getty
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Rock legend Billy Idol called the shocking death ‘tragic’Credit: Twitter/BillyIdol
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash said: “Devastated by the loss of our friend #TaylorHawkins I’ve no words to express all the feelings I have about his passing. But my heart goes out to his family. & his band & friends. RIP Taylor.”
Patrick Carney of The Black Keys tweeted: “R.I.P. Taylor Hawkins. One of the nicest and most talented dudes in music.”
Band frontman Dave Grohl, 53, along with the other members of the the Foo Fighters – Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee – have not yet addressed the tragedy personally at this time.
‘UNIMAGINABLY DIFFICULT’
The unexpected news was confirmed by the band on social media.
They shared a text post featuring a statement about it was revealed that the star had been found dead in a hotel room in Bogota, Colombia.
It read: “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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Around the same time, Picnic Stereo Fest – a major music fest in Colombia – confirmed that the Foo Fighters would no longer be taking the stage.
The festival tweeted: “it is with a broken heart that we are here to tell you some very sad news, due to a very serious medical situation, Foo Fighters will not be able to perform tonight and have canceled the rest of their South American tour.”
STRUGGLES WITH DRUGS
Previously, Taylor spoke openly about his battle with drugs.
In an interview with Kerrang that was released just one year ago, he said: “I used to do a lot of f**king drugs. You get the work done.”
He continued while cryptically speaking of “living fast and dying young”: “Everyone has their own path and I took it too far. I was partying in London one night, and I mistakenly did something and it changed everything.
“I believed the bulls**t myth of live hard and fast, die young. I’m not here to preach about not doing drugs, because I loved doing drugs, but I just got out of control for a while and it almost got me.
“I was heading down a road that was going to lead to even worse paths. Whether someone’s sober, or they like a glass of wine with dinner, or they want a bottle of Jägermeister before they go onstage, or they like to smoke doobies all day long, everyone has their own path, and I took it too far.
“I’m glad it got knocked on the head at that point. I wouldn’t take anything away that I’ve done or been through either, because it’s all part of the trip and the journey. I’m trying to be as candid as I can be. I go mountain biking now.”
ALL ABOUT TAYLOR
In addition to being a member of the Foo Fighters for nearly three decades, Taylor played the drums with some other iconic artists during his lengthy career.
He drummed with Alanis as she toured at the height of her career in the 90s.
Taylor appeared in an episode of HBO’s Music Box written about the Ironic songstress, reflecting fondly his time in her band.
In 1997, after the Foo Fighters lost their original drummer, William Goldsmith, he joined the band and remained with them until his death.
Taylor started a side project called Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.
His final post appears to have been promoting another music project called NHC, or Navarro Hawkins Chaney.
Taylor was married to wife Alison Hawkins. The pair tied the knot in 2005.
They shared three children, a son Oliver, 16, and daughters Annabelle, 13 and Everleigh, 8.
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The rocker was widely regarded as one of the best drummers in the worldCredit: Rex
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Taylor has been best friends with band mate Dave Grohl for decadesCredit: Rex
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