“The Foo Fighters family is saddened by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laugh will live on in all of us forever,” the band said in an opinion. “Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect at this unimaginably difficult time.”
According to their website, the band was scheduled to perform at the Estereo Picnic festival in Bogotá, Colombia on Friday, followed by Lollapalooza Brasil on Sunday. The band also announced Thursday that they will take the stage at the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Foo Fighters were formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl.
Texas-born Hawkins joined in 1997, having previously been the drummer for the Alanis Morissette band and touring with the group while they were performing their album The Color and the Shape, also released that year. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, their first year of eligibility.
The news of his death sparked a wave of grief from fans and fellow musicians on social media.
“Bless you, Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest in peace my friend,” wrote Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine in a Twitter post. Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love.”
And singer Ozzy Osbourne spoke about Hawkins’ character, saying he’s “truly a great person and an amazing musician.”
“My heart, love and condolences go out to his wife, children, family, band and fans. See you on the other side,” Osbourne wrote Twitter.