Lars Ulrich, Stevie Nicks, Axl Rose and More Pay Tribute to Taylor Hawkins
Lars Ulrich, Axl Rose, Stevie Nicks, Ringo Starr, Queen’s Roger Taylor and more paid tribute to Taylor Hawkins as the music world turned to social media to remember the Foo Fighters drummer following his shocking and sudden death Friday at the age of 50.
“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,” Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich wrote in a series of tweets.
“At BottleRock recently, I had the best seat in the house right above you and once again stood in amazement watching as you effortlessly steered Foo Fighters through a two hour festival set with the perfect balance of swing, swagger, bounce and insane chops.”
Ulrich continued, “Your phone call a week ago touched and inspired me and I will always be appreciative for you championing our community as in your parting words…. ‘Drummers stick together!’ Damn right brother. Except now the community is lesser without you.”
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
Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose and Slash also remembered Hawkins. “Shocked n’ saddened to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins,” Rose tweeted. “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.” Slash added, “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.”
Music legends like Ringo Starr and Brian Wilson were also among the outpouring of tributes. “God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love,” Starr wrote, while Wilson tweeted, “I’m heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins. He was such a nice young man. Love & Mercy to Taylor’s family and friends.” (In 2007, Hawkins reworked Dennis Wilson’s “Holy Man” for the 30th anniversary edition of Pacific Ocean Blue.)
Many in the drumming community also paid tribute to the universally beloved Hawkins. “Stunned & heartbroken,” Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg wrote. “Taylor, you were one of a kind. One of the sweetest and most genuine people I’ve ever met. Thank you for your kindness, and the ferocity with which you played your drums. My love and condolences to @foofighters, Taylor’s family and loved ones.”
Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy tweeted, “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.”
Questlove also remembered Hawkins, the “coolest dude ever,” on Instagram:
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Hawkins died Friday in Bogota, Colombia, where the Foo Fighters were scheduled to perform Friday night. No cause of death was given. “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” the band said in a statement Friday night. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.”
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. @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
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
Speechless and Gutted. Taylor was a great guy, a dad and a husband. My heart goes out to them, Dave and the band. What awful news. https://t.co/uQdl04etlp
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) March 26, 2022
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GUTTED to hear of our friend and neighbor, Taylor Hawkins departure. In disbelief, like everyone else. He was one of my favorite people, always full of love… he will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to his family, to the Foo’s… #RIPTaylorHawkins #FooFighters
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) March 26, 2022
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
So heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins’ passing, what an incredible talent, who didn’t also need to be so kind and generous and cool but was all those things too anyway. The world was so lucky to have his gifts for the time that it did, Rest In Peace
— FINNEAS (@finneas) March 26, 2022
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GIFT. pic.twitter.com/eJm4fmyMNs
— Steven Tyler (@IamStevenT) March 26, 2022
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I am devastated to hear the news of one of my favorite drummers Taylor Hawkins has passed. Blessings to the family and to the band. I’m so sorry for your loss. Taylor you will be missed! ?????????? #taylorhawkins #foofighters #drummer pic.twitter.com/FJAFQOa76X
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) March 26, 2022
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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
