Music stars including Liam Gallagher, Travis Barker, Ringo Starr, Miley Cyrus, Slash, Brian May and Ozzy Osbourne are among the thousands paying tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who has died at the age of 50.
The US rock band announced Hawkins’ death, saying they are “devastated” by the “tragic and untimely loss” of their bandmate and friend.
“His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever,” they added.
Fans shared videos of Hawkins performing and memories of Foo Fighters gigs on social media following the sad announcement, with many musicians among those paying tribute.
Gallagher tweeted to say he had been left “absolutely devastated” by the news, while Blink-182 drummer Barker told how Hawkins had given him “hope and determination” as a young musician and said he had the “best memories” of touring together later on.
An ‘amazing musician’
Queen stars Brian May and Roger Taylor also joined the tributes, with May writing: “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. Bri.”
Drummer Taylor said it was “like losing a younger favourite brother” and that Hawkins had been a great mentor to his son.
Hawkins was a huge Queen fan and would often leave the drums to take centre stage and sing one of the band’s songs during Foo Fighters gigs.
Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne tweeted to say Hawkins “was truly a great person and an amazing musician”, while Beatles drummer Ringo Starr tweeted a picture of Hawkins and wrote: “God bless Taylor. Peace and love to all his family and the band.”
Rage Against The Machine star Tom Morello also shared a photo with Hawkins, writing: “I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Shows dedicated to Hawkins
Some singers are paying tribute by commemorating the star at gigs.
Wrecking Ball singer Cyrus posted a picture of Hawkins smiling at his drum set to her Instagram story, adding that her next show would be dedicated to him.
Chic frontman Nile Rodgers said the Foo Fighters are “one of the best bands around”, while guitarist Slash said he had “no words to express all the feelings I have about his passing”.
Bill Idol also paid tribute, saying: “So tragic. Rest in peace Taylor.”
The Foo Fighters were formed in 1994 by Dave Grohl, after his previous group Nirvana disbanded following the suicide of singer Kurt Cobain.
Hawkins joined the band in 1997 after previously touring with singer Alanis Morissette, one of the biggest stars of the 90s.
They had been in Bogota, Colombia, as part of a tour that was set to head to the UK this summer with stadium shows in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
No cause of death was given in the band’s statement about Hawkins’ death.
The drummer’s last song was an encore of Everlong.
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