'Amazing musician': Stars pay tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

Music stars including Liam Gallagher, Travis Barker, Ringo Starr, Miley Cyrus, Slash, Brian May and Ozzy Osbourne are among the thousands paying tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who has died at the age of 50.

The US rock band announced Hawkins’ death, saying they are “devastated” by the “tragic and untimely loss” of their bandmate and friend.

“His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever,” they added.

Fans shared videos of Hawkins performing and memories of Foo Fighters gigs on social media following the sad announcement, with many musicians among those paying tribute.

A post shared by travisbarker (@travisbarker)

Absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Taylor Hawkins my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends RIP brother LG x

Gallagher tweeted to say he had been left “absolutely devastated” by the news, while Blink-182 drummer Barker told how Hawkins had given him “hope and determination” as a young musician and said he had the “best memories” of touring together later on.

An ‘amazing musician’

Writing on Instagram, Queen star Brian May said: “No. It cannot be. Heartbroken. Taylor, you were family to us. Our friend, our brother, our beloved child. Bless you. We will miss you so bad. Bri.”

Hawkins was a huge Queen fan and would often leave the drums to take centre stage and sing one of the band’s songs during Foo Fighters gigs.

Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne tweeted to say Hawkins “was truly a great person and an amazing musician”, while Beatles drummer Ringo Starr tweeted a picture of Hawkins and wrote: “God bless Taylor. Peace and love to all his family and the band.”

. @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

God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/wn2izxn4Vd

Rage Against The Machine star Tom Morello also shared a photo with Hawkins, writing: “I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.”

Shows dedicated to Hawkins

Some singers are paying tribute by commemorating the star at gigs.

Wrecking Ball singer Cyrus posted a picture of Hawkins smiling at his drum set to her Instagram story, adding that her next show would be dedicated to him.

Chic frontman Nile Rodgers said the Foo Fighters are “one of the best bands around”, while guitarist Slash said he had “no words to express all the feelings I have about his passing”.

Bill Idol also paid tribute, saying: “So tragic. Rest in peace Taylor.”

The Foo Fighters were formed in 1994 by Dave Grohl, after his previous group Nirvana disbanded following the suicide of singer Kurt Cobain.

Hawkins joined the band in 1997 after previously touring with singer Alanis Morissette, one of the biggest stars of the 90s.

Shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of one of rock’s greatest drummers. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Taylor Hawkins tonight. pic.twitter.com/CiHWW3C11S

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. RIP Taylor ❤️ https://t.co/pkQLK5rLVF

They had been in Bogota, Colombia, as part of a tour that was set to head to the UK this summer with stadium shows in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

No cause of death was given in the band’s statement about Hawkins’ death.

The drummer’s last song was an encore of Everlong.

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