LAST UPDATE | 26 Mar 2022

TAYLOR HAWKINS, DRUMMER of rock group Foo Fighters, has been remembered by titans of the music industry as being a “kind brilliant man” and an “amazing musician” following his death.

The 50-year-old was playing on the South American leg of the band’s world tour when his sudden death was announced today.

The band said it was “devastated by the untimely loss” and asked for the privacy of his family to be respected.

Hawkins, 50, played in the Foos with former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl on vocal for more than two decades, alongside Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee.

“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” Foo Fighters official account tweeted.

“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.”

No further details about Hawkins’ death were provided, although local media outlets reported that Hawkins had been suffering from chest pain and an ambulance had been called.

Tributes have been pouring in from music industry heavyweights, describing the news as “heart breaking”.

Queen drummer Roger Taylor compared Hawkins death to “losing a younger favourite brother”.

“He was a kind brilliant man and an inspirational mentor to my son Rufus and the best friend one could ever have. Devastated,” he said.

Meanwhile Queen guitarist Brian May said: “No. It cannot be. Heartbroken. Taylor, you were family to us.

“Our friend, our brother, our beloved child. Bless you. We will miss you so bad.”

Hawkins will appear on May’s remastered second solo album, Another World Revisited, released on April 22 this year.

Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker remembered the days when Hawkins played with Alanis Morissette before moving to the Foo Fighters, adding that he was “sad” he would never see him again.

“To say I’ll miss you my friend isn’t enough. Till the next time we talk drums and smoke in the boys room.”

‘Incredibly sad’

Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger also paid tribute, saying on Twitter: “So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. My thoughts are with his family and the band at this time.”

Duran Duran star Roger Taylor said Hawkins was one of the last true “rock star drummers of our time.”

He added: “Greatly saddened to hear about the passing of Taylor Hawkins. Whenever I saw Taylor play it always struck me that he embodied the spirit of punk, coupled with the amazing technique and ability.

Drummer from the Vamps Tristan Evans said it was a “sad day for drummers.”

Evans said: “I remember watching Taylor for the first time and being fixated with his talent and showmanship, it was an experience I’ll never forget.”

At the time of his death, Foo Fighters were on tour in South America. The band had played in San Isidro, Argentina, last Sunday and were due to perform in Bogota, Colombia, on yesterday night.

Pictures on social media showed fans gathering in front of the stage at the Estereo Picnic festival, with lit candles being placed on stage.

The band were scheduled to perform at the Grammys on 3 April and were due to begin a new tour of North America in May.

Hawkins was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1972 and raised in Laguna Beach, California.

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

He joined Foo Fighters in 1997 following the departure of the band’s previous drummer William Goldsmith.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with them in 2021 by Sir Paul McCartney.

Following the release of their most recent album, Medicine At Midnight, the band filmed a spoof-horror film titled Studio 666, in which Hawkins starred alongside his bandmates.

Prior to joining Foo Fighters he had played drums for Alanis Morissette.

Tributes to Hawkins poured in immediately on social media from fellow musicians including Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol.

Ozzy Osbourne praised Taylor Hawkins as a “great person and an amazing musician,” and promised to “see him on the other side.”

“@TaylorHawkins was truly a great person and an amazing musician,” Osbourne wrote on Twitter.

“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.”

Sharing a picture of Hawkins online Idol wrote: “So tragic. Rest in peace Taylor.”