The drummer of rock group Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins has died, the band has announced.
The band said it was “devastated by the tragic and untimely loss” and asked for the privacy of his family to be respected.
Hawkins, 50, played in the Foo Fighters with former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl 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,” a statement on the Foo Fighters official Twitter account said.
“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, however local media outlets reported that an ambulance had been called as Hawkins had been suffering chest pain.
RCA RecordsThe group were on tour in South America and were due to perform in Bogota, Colombia, on Friday night – the day his death was announced.
Pictures on social media showed fans gathering at the Estereo Picnic festival where candles were placed on stage.
Hawkins joined Foo Fighters in 1997 following the departure of the band’s previous drummer William Goldsmith.
Previously he had played drums for Alanis Morissette.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with them in 2021 by Sir Paul McCartney.
Tributes to Hawkins poured in on social media from fellow musicians including Ringo Starr, 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.”
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.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
