Drummer Taylor Hawkins of the American band Foo Fighters has died at the age of 50, the band says. The statement did not state the cause of Hawkins’ death.
Markus Myllyoja,
Katriina Töyrylä
Rock drummer Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins is dead. The band spoke about it early on Saturday in Finnish time.
– The Foo family is shocked by the tragic and untimely death of Taylor Hawkins, His musical spirit and contagious laughter will live with us forever. His wife, children and relatives are in our hearts and we ask that they respect their privacy during this inconceivably difficult time, the band tweeted.
The band was currently touring in South America. On Friday, the program would have included a festival gig in Colombia. Hawkins performed in the band for the last time in Argentina last Sunday.
The cause of Hawkins’ death has not been told. Hawkins had been found dead in the hotel, according to AFP news agency, but Colombian authorities have not commented further.
Played at Foo Fighters for 25 years
Taylor Hawkins was born in 1972 in Texas but grew up in California. In Foo Fighters, Hawkins played since 1997, when the band’s original drummer left in the middle of the recordings on the second album. Before that, he had called Alanis Morissetten on tour.
Foo Fighters ’biggest hits include Everlong, Learn to Fly and Best of You.
Foo Fighters has performed several times in Finland over the years. The band was founded by grunge legend Nirvana, a former drummer Dave Grohl after Nirvana’s leading figure Kurt Cobain died.