Taylor Hawkins, drummer for all-time great band Foo Fighters, passes away unexpectedly in Colombia.
The legendary rock band, Hawkins included, were scheduled to son perform live in Bogota, Colombia, before they were hit with this "tragic and untimely loss" in the words of the band itself.
The rock band took to social media Friday night, where they posted the devastating news that shocked the music industry across the world.
"His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever," the online statement read. "Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time."
The 50-year-old had been part of Foo Fighters since 1997, just three years after the rock band was originally founded.
And the rest was history since then.
With Hawkins as their drummer, Foo Fighter went on to win a whopping 12 Grammy Awards and nailed four #1 hits on Billboard charts.
Founder of Foo Fighters David Grohl has previously praised Hawkins for his imense ability on a drum set. Grohl, also being a drummer himself, says that their personal connection has reflected on how well they connected musically on stage throughout the years.
"We're close personally, but then we're also connected by this love and understanding of rhythm and drums. So when we're writing songs, you know, I might request something or I might try to steer in a direction, but for the most part, the guy — he doesn't need me to tell him what to do because he's an incredible drummer." David in a 2007 interview.
This loss is not only sad news for the music industry as a whole, but most of all for drummers around the world that loved and admired Hawkins' professionalism on a drum set.
One of those drummers is Mauro Aldrete, an local all-around musician and long-time drummer in southbay San Diego, and he says that Hawkins' drumming skills plays a role in his desire to create music every day.
“When I saw him play live or on a music video, his big smile and explosive energy when he would perform would make me bob my head and make me want to create amazing music," Aldrete said.
Colombian authorities are currently investigating the cause of death in this tragic loss, and have also expressed their condolences to the family and followers of the legendary drummer.
"The District Department of Health mourns the death of this talented musician and drummer, widely recognized internationally for his work," Colombian health officials said in a statement early Saturday. "Besides, the entity sends its message of condolences to the family, colleagues and followers."
