Known for his infectious smile and musical spirit, Taylor Hawkins was found dead in his hotel room in northern Bogota, Colombia, while on the South American tour with the FOO FIGHTERS, right before the group was set to perform at the Festival Estereo Picnic on the city’s outskirts. Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had 10 different substances in his system at the time of his death, Colombian officials have said.
The mayor’s office said a local emergency line received a call late on Friday about a “patient complaining of chest pains.” A doctor “performed the respective resuscitation maneuvers, but there was no response and the patient was declared deceased,” it said, giving no cause of death.
Colombia’s attorney general revealed that a urine toxicological test carried out on Hawkins’ body indicated the presence of multiple drugs, including marijuana, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Investigators have concluded the 50-year-old suffered cardiovascular collapse after binging on a cocktail of drugs, respected Colombian news magazine Semana reported. It seems that Taylor had overdosed on heroin mixed with antidepressants and benzodiazepines which are psychoactive drugs known as benzos.
The federal government department did not mention cocaine in its post-autopsy statement, although earlier unconfirmed reports pointed to a “white cocaine-like powder” being found in Hawkins’ room.
What #colombia investigators are saying about the death of Taylor Hawkins in Bogota — #colombia pic.twitter.com/UTkDSc9K4v
— manuel rueda (@ruedareport) March 26, 2022
Back in 2001, Taylor Hawkins suffered a heroin overdose that left him comatose for a week. During that time, Dave Grohl composed a song for him.
Thousands of shocked and tearful fans at the Bogota venue lit candles and held a minute of silence after the news broke.
A message on the stage of Festival Estereo Picnic announces the cancellation of Foo Fighters’ South American tour, “due to a serious medical situation”, in Bogota, 25 March. Drummer Taylor Hawkins was found dead in a Bogota hotel.
📸 epa/EFE #foofighters #epaimages #epaphotos pic.twitter.com/L6y76Or4s8
— european pressphoto agency (@epaphotos) March 26, 2022
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.
All told, Hawkins played on eight Foo Fighters studio albums, five of which have gone platinum. Their recent album “Medicine at Midnight” has won 12 Grammys with Hawkins.
In 2021, Foo Fighters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They celebrated their 25th-anniversary last year in a pandemic-delayed tour and had most recently produced Studio 666, a rock-and-roll horror movie. Hawkins’ final performance with the band was at the Lollapalooza festival. He was known for being one of the greatest drummers of this generation.
Dave Grohl introduces Taylor Hawkins during his final concert with Foo Fighters 🖤 pic.twitter.com/bpGWO9iIj5
— Consequence (@consequence) March 27, 2022
The band said in a statement Friday that Hawkins’ death was a “tragic and untimely loss.”:
“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. 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.””
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
The announcement sent shockwaves through the music world and tributes have poured in from fans, rock and metal bands, as well as celebrity friends. See some of the tribute performances and tribute posts from various artists below.
During a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Liam Gallagher dedicated ‘Live Forever’ to the Foo Fighters drummer:
Liam Gallagher dedicating ‘Live Forever’ to Taylor Hawkins at the Royal Albert Hall tonight 🙏
pic.twitter.com/GCKULBob7r https://t.co/L9SaW1pqbE— Wu-Tang Is For The Children (@WUTangKids) March 27, 2022
Stereophonics paid an emotional tribute to Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins at their show in Brighton last night:
RIP Taylor – our thoughts and prayers to his family and bandmates. pic.twitter.com/sx9JkQOJav
— stereophonics (@stereophonics) March 26, 2022
Absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Taylor Hawkins my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends RIP brother LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) March 26, 2022
Underoath paid tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer/vocalist Taylor Hawkins during their set tonight (March 26th) at Jannus Live In St. Petersburg, FL:
During a performance in Monterrey, Mexico, Coldplay’s Chris Martin dedicated ‘Everglow’ to Taylor Martin:
Chris Martin dedicates Everglow to Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters in Monterrey this evening 🤍 #ColdplayMonterrey
📸 @gabasonica_
🪐 #MusicOfTheSpheresWorldTour pic.twitter.com/bbYob9GsUZ— ColdplayXtra (@coldplayxtra) March 26, 2022
Coldplay – Everglow (Taylor hawkins tribute) // Full song pic.twitter.com/cTrt6AxuhS
— Percy 🍂 (@humanheart___) March 26, 2022
Miley Cyrus dedicates ‘Angels Like You’ to Taylor Hawkins at Lollapalooza Brazil:
Miley Cyrus dedicates ‘Angels Like You’ to Taylor Hawkins at Lollapalooza Brazil 🤍
pic.twitter.com/KDj9RJITVH— Miley Nation (@MileyNation13) March 27, 2022
Elton John paid tribute to Taylor Hawkins during his concert in Des Moines, Iowa Saturday night (March 26), saying the late FOO FIGHTERS drummer was “one of the nicest people you could ever meet.:
Tom Morello:
God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/AkiRLF2L3e
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) March 26, 2022
Chicago Cubs honoring Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins:
Chicago @Cubs Wrigley Field marquee honoring Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins pic.twitter.com/F1rzWqfyRu
— Joshua Mellin (@JoshuaMellin) March 27, 2022
KISS frontman Gene Simmons:
Shocked and saddened to hear @taylorhawkins has passed away today.! 😞. Our prayers and condolences go out to the Hawkins family, @foofighters friends and fans. Sad. https://t.co/Mgu2K4SJyL
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) March 26, 2022
Travis Barker:
View this post on Instagram
The Smashing Pumpkins:
Taylor Hawkins 1972-2022.
Our deepest sympathies to Taylor’s family, his fans, and of course his band. pic.twitter.com/qlEaQK0uui— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) March 26, 2022
Ozzy Osbourne:
. @TaylorHawkins 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
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) March 26, 2022
Pearl Jam:
“Long live Taylor Hawkins. He enriched my life as a dear friend & fellow musician. He brought so much joy to the world of music, he will be forever missed. Our deepest condolences to Alison, Shane, Annabelle & Everleigh Hawkins & the entire Foo Fighters family.”
📸: Ross Halfin pic.twitter.com/ZsnqmjmPaW— Pearl Jam 🇺🇦 (@PearlJam) March 26, 2022
Billy Idol:
So tragic. 💔 Rest in peace Taylor. @taylorhawkins pic.twitter.com/1rhGIQHmFZ
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) March 26, 2022
Ringo Starr:
God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/wn2izxn4Vd
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 26, 2022
Guns n’ Roses:
Forever missed. pic.twitter.com/PkzEAKvryN
— Guns N’ Roses (@gunsnroses) March 26, 2022
Shocked n’ saddened to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins.He was a really great guy, drummer n’ family man. Was always great to see him!Was looking forward to seeing him n’ everyone in Daytona.Truly saddened. My deepest condolences to his family, the Foo Fighters n’their fans.
— Axl Rose (@axlrose) March 26, 2022
Lars Ulrich and Metallica:
Thank you Taylor..
Thank you for always having the biggest warmest smile on your face and for lighting up every room with your infectious energy and good vibes.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/G4SGcvHAqi
— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) March 26, 2022
View this post on Instagram
Mick Jagger:
So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. My thoughts are with his family and the band at this time. pic.twitter.com/wueydCu5gw
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 26, 2022
Steven Tyler:
GIFT. pic.twitter.com/eJm4fmyMNs
— Steven Tyler (@IamStevenT) March 26, 2022
Flea:
He was such an optimistic and musical dude, ‘twas was like he came from another era and didn’t give a fuk, was just gonna totally enjoy where he was at in the now, bless his heart, a true rocker. pic.twitter.com/wTYLEIXPaE
— Flea (@flea333) March 26, 2022
Jimmy Page:
View this post on Instagram
Nickelback:
In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and so many others. This is so incredibly sad. pic.twitter.com/2AUeqpaN94
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) March 26, 2022
Brad Williams:
Fuck. Just fuck. This one hurts. RIP Taylor Hawkins. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you provided. Your work will live forever. pic.twitter.com/GfXX1xdcbF
— Brad Williams (@funnybrad) March 26, 2022
The Offspring:
Shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of one of rock’s greatest drummers. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Taylor Hawkins tonight. pic.twitter.com/CiHWW3C11S
— The Offspring (@offspring) March 26, 2022
Jimmy Eat World:
We’re devastated. Our thoughts are with Taylor’s family, friends and band mates. He was the heartbeat of one of our most favorite bands. It’s hard to imagine someone with his power and energy could be gone so soon. He’ll be sorely missed but never forgotten. https://t.co/efbYnf3ksb
— Jimmy Eat World (@jimmyeatworld) March 26, 2022
Slash:
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 ❤️ https://t.co/pkQLK5rLVF
— Slash (@Slash) March 26, 2022
Patrick Carney:
R.I.P. Taylor Hawkins. One of the nicest and most talented dudes in music.
— Patrick Carney (@patrickcarney) March 26, 2022
Erik Lake:
You can’t help but feel so very bad for Dave Grohl. RIP Taylor Hawkins. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/ntjxUdfewi
— Erik Lake (@ErikLake1) March 26, 2022
Jamey Jasta:
RIP Taylor Hawkins. My condolences to his family, friends, band, road crew & fans. I didn’t know Taylor but everyone I know loves him. EVERYONE. That’s a life well lived.
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) March 26, 2022
Elijah Wood:
Ugh man. Sad to hear about Taylor Hawkins. Love to his family and friends.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) March 26, 2022
The Grateful Dead’s drummer Bill Kreutzmann:
Taylor Hawkins was one of those drummers that brought more than just skill to the instrument – he brought heart. You could see joy radiate from him and that, in turn, allowed others to radiate joy back. I felt connected to him in that way. RIP brother.
— Bill Kreutzmann (@BKreutzmann) March 26, 2022
Actor John Stamos:
This was Taylor Hawkins’ last text to me: “Ya We’ve yet to fully have a hang -Got a put that shit together before we die” Wise words from my friend- put that shit together! I’m so fucking sad. Another one gone too soon.
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) March 26, 2022
More tributes and statements about Taylor:
My all time favorite internet video, and a fitting tribute to the incredible Taylor Hawkins.
1,000 musicians play Learn to Fly in a small town in Italy to convince Foo Fighters to play there.
(They did, of course.) pic.twitter.com/PwJ4kyNPLu
— Luke Kingma ❤️🌎 (@LukeKingma) March 26, 2022
Throwback to when Taylor Hawkins and the Foo Fighters rick rolled the bigots of Westboro Baptist church…I’m fucking devastated man rip Taylor Hawkins pic.twitter.com/jjL8sqo4Ym
— Cory Landel (@CoryLandel) March 26, 2022
Taylor Hawkins was a terrific drummer with a gorgeous disposition, seemed always to be having the time of his life. I didn’t know him well but I know music is lessened by his passing, made duller and smaller. Requiescat.
🎈— steve albini (@electricalWSOP) March 26, 2022
RIP Taylor Hawkins
Gone far too soon
Sending love to the family and the Foos— Faith No More (@FaithNoMore) March 26, 2022
Our love, thoughts and support are with all who knew Taylor. Thank you for looking after me, thank you for being so kind and loving, thank you for being the most awesome drummer ever, thank you for bringing so much joy to the world, thank you for being you! With love, Nandi x pic.twitter.com/JAxo6N844a
— Nandi Bushell (@Nandi_Bushell) March 26, 2022
Taylor Hawkins 💔 Somebody to Love pic.twitter.com/guZyahvyLG
— Monsters Of Rock® (@MonstersOfRock) March 26, 2022
I’m heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins. He was such a nice young man. Love & Mercy to Taylor’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/VyqZIP94UZ
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 26, 2022
View this post on Instagram
Taylor.
We are gutted to hear you are gone. So much love to you and your beautiful family.— Garbage (@garbage) March 26, 2022
In absolute shock & disbelief over the the passing of Taylor Hawkins. I’ve always had so much admiration for him. Amazing drummer & a gem of a guy who was always fun to be around. I’m absolutely gutted…my deepest condolences to his bandmates & family 😥🙏 #RIPTaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/a3X0k2AqYW
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) March 26, 2022
— Wolf Van Halen 🐺 🚐 🙌 (@WolfVanHalen) March 26, 2022
So devastated by the news of Taylor Hawkins passing. He was truly truly one of a kind. Such a generous, joyful, positive, impish, badass, infectiously hilarious, kind spirit. And one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. This f**king sucks.
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) March 26, 2022
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
2021 Inductee @taylorhawkins was the perfect drummer for the @foofighters, the 21st century’s monsters of rock. Taylor’s unmatched musical skills and boundless energy made every song monumental, pic.twitter.com/VUNu7z8GgI
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 26, 2022
A rock and roll brother has gone home too soon. My deepest condolences to his family, Dave Grohl, and the @FooFighters. Taylor played from the heart with power and joy. May he Rest In Peace. #TaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/YcDrEfUzpF
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 26, 2022
One of a few drummers our drummer Anton Fig would leave his kit to watch work when Foo Fighters appeared on Late Show. A true R&R giant. This is a very sad day. RIP. pic.twitter.com/1wUQKr9mqi
— David Letterman (@Letterman) March 26, 2022
“My dear brother. Few words, many tears.
We were great friends from the tender age of 10. All the defining life experiences we shared. We dared to dream a life of music! We reached those heights! You will always be my motivation and inspiration.
I am because we are. Jon” pic.twitter.com/cZNuKS0nFZ— YESofficial (@yesofficial) March 26, 2022
View this post on Instagram
Dear Friend & Brother…we are completely heartbroken.
Rest In Peace Taylor Hawkins. pic.twitter.com/s6Y7dCoG76— The Darkness (@thedarkness) March 26, 2022
— Joan Jett (@joanjett) March 26, 2022
@taylorhawkins pic.twitter.com/IP0AUtEVy0
— Joan Jett (@joanjett) March 26, 2022
Heartbreaking news about Taylor Hawkins. Saw him loads, met him once, sorely missed.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) March 26, 2022
Sending love and light to @taylorhawkins family + the @foofighters family✌🏿❤️
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) March 26, 2022
We’re so shocked and saddened about the passing of Taylor Hawkins.
He was always so incredibly supportive when we toured with the Foos. His passion for music was infectious and his drumming was incredible.
Sending our love to his family, friends and fans.We’ll miss him.
KCs
xxx pic.twitter.com/pULURwTyws— Kaiser Chiefs (@KaiserChiefs) March 26, 2022
Sending love and light to the whole Foo fighters family,friends and fans. Rest in power Taylor. 🙏🏾🌹
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) March 26, 2022
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
I woke up this morning to hear the awful news of Taylor Hawkins death. What a terrible loss to us all. He was such a lovely guy and such a brilliant player. ⁰My deepest condolences go out to his family, his band and his fans. He will be sadly missed Rest In Peace Taylor. -Tony pic.twitter.com/MSYRMzDy8c
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) March 26, 2022
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Countless of other messages and tributes have been pouring in from fellow musicians from all over the world.
