The Foo Fighters have canceled all upcoming tour dates following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins on Friday.
A statement from the group read: “It is with great sadness that Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates at the heartbreaking loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins. We regret and share the disappointment that we will not see each other as planned. Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, to heal, to hug our loved ones, and to cherish all the music and memories we’ve made together.
With love,
Foo Fighter.”
The band were on tour in South America and were due to perform at a festival in Colombia on Friday when Hawkins reportedly complained of chest pains and died soon after. Although no cause of death was announced, local medical authorities reported that he had multiple drugs in his system and an enlarged heart.
Foo Fighters have been touring regularly since last spring and should be touring North America and Europe for most of the rest of the year. They were also due to perform at the Grammy Awards this Sunday – a performance announced the day before Hawkins died – but that too was thought to have been cancelled, although it’s still possible that founder/frontman Dave Grohl and other band members could perform at the ceremony to pay tribute to Hawkins. A representative for the group did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
Hawkins, who joined the band in 1997 after two years as Alanis Morissette’s drummer, was an important element in the Foo Fighters’ sound and image. A resourceful and rock solid drummer, he had the seemingly thankless task of playing drums behind Foos vocalist and guitarist Dave Grohl, who is one of the greatest drummers in rock history. Hawkins filled that role with aplomb, bringing his own muscular, time-juggling style to the band’s no-nonsense rock sound without attempting to emulate Grohl, though they shared myriad influences, mostly hard rock, punk and new wave. He was arguably one of the best rock drummers of the last 25 years.
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 29, 2022