Taylor Hawkins honored by peers “not only as an incredible drummer but as a beautiful man”
Taylor Hawkins, acclaimed drummer of Foo Fighters, has passed away at the age of 50. Musicians joined his fans and family in celebrating his life and legacy, especially his immense contributions to drumming.
Unsurprisingly, many drummers led the conversation. They recognized one of their own and honored someone who advanced the art form with his career. What emerged through their messages was not only a man who was a greatly talented artist, but also someone who showed friendship and kindness throughout his career.
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blink-182’s Travis Barker commented at length on Hawkins’ friendship, noting he gave him early encouragement.
“I don’t have the words,” Barker wrote. “Sad to write this or to never see you again. I’ll never forget Laguna Beach days when I was a trash man playing in a punk rock band and you were playing with Alanis. You’d come watch me play in dive bars and be like, “kid you’re a star”. And I thought you were crazy but you gave me so much hope and determination. Years later we toured together with Blink and Foo’s in Australia and I have the best memories of smoking cigarettes in the restroom of flights we were on together and watching your set every night. To say I’ll miss you my friend isn’t enough. Till the next time we talk drums and smoke in the boys room … Rest In Peace ???”
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Dean Butterworth of Good Charlotte also spoke about his personal connections to Hawkins, a childhood friend.
“Sitting with my bro Casey watching my childhood friend Taylor crush ??,” he began. ”To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement. We grew up in Laguna Beach surfing and playing drums and dreaming of making music forever. I have so much respect for what Taylor has accomplished in his journey, he will always be an inspiration for me. My condolences to the Hawkins family and too the Foo Fighters family and to all of Taylor’s friends. Love you always brother ???”
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Questlove, a recent Oscar winner, kept his message simple. “I’m so sad about this man. coolest dude ever. god bless & comfort his family, his bandmates, his friends & all his loved ones.” He closed with a moving line: ”Rest In Beats.”
I’m so sad about this man.
coolest dude ever.
god bless & comfort his family, his bandmates, his friends & all his loved ones.Taylor Hawkins.
Rest In Beats.#TaylorHawkins https://t.co/bOBv0l4K9r— Questo (@questlove) March 26, 2022
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Rage Against The Machine’s Brad Wilk expressed his surprise, noting they spoke to each other recently. “My brother, my friend… in shock. Talked to you 3 days ago.. last words to you were I love you.. as yours to me..grateful for that. You were a real friend… absolutely crushed. My heart goes out to your family, your band, all of your friends, and your fans. ????”
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Tré Cool of Green Day also spoke simply, writing “My heart goes out to Foo Fighters and Taylor’s family. Heartbreaking! We will miss you buddy ?”
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Gina Schock of the Go Go’s recognized his skill as an artist as well as his personal greatness.
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Many others continued the outpouring of support, mourning the man as well as the musician who became part of so many people’s lives.
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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
