Andrew McMahon Recalls Meeting Taylor Hawkins: 'Couldn't Have Been Nicer'

The loss of Taylor Hawkins has shaken the rock industry. The Foo Fighters drummer was only 50 years old when he passed away yesterday. At this time, current reports suggest that he passed away from suspected drug use.

Many in the industry are taking the time to remember the late musician, including The Three Pianos' Andrew McMahon.

On Saturday night, McMahon reflected on the first time he met Taylor Hawkins while he was having a taco meal with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.

“When I was 16 years old I met Taylor Hawkins,” he began. “A friend and I had just stepped out of a vintage clothing store in Laguna Beach and were dressed head to toe for a disco dance we were attending that night at our school.”

“He was sitting with Dave Grohl, eating tacos and we were starstruck and unapologetic about interrupting their meal,” he continued. “They couldn’t have been nicer, chatting with us for what felt like forever, never once mentioning how ridiculous we looked in our polyester suits.”

“To this day, it’s one of the reasons I try to meet anyone who comes to my shows and wants to connect,” he added. “I will always be grateful for that interaction – for the humility – and appreciation I was shown as someone who grew up listening to Foo Fighter’s records.”

“Today the world lost one of the greats,” he concluded. “Rest In Peace Taylor.”

He was not the only fan and musician to recall meeting the late Taylor Hawkins.

Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, was the bassist for the rock band Van Halen from 2006 to 2020. He also performed with the heavy metal band Tremonti from 2012 to 2016. The 31-year old musician paid tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer on social media on Friday night.

In a thoughtful tribute he posted to his Twitter page, Van Halen wrote, “I’ll never forget meeting Taylor on tour in San Diego in 2012. He was such a ridiculously kind man. The dude just emanated cool.”

“Him, my pops and I talk for as long as we could until we had to leave,” he continued. “An incredible drummer and singer, he was a constant inspiration to me throughout my entire life. This is like a kick in the gut.”

“My most heartfelt condolences go out to his family. You’ll be sorely missed, Taylor,” he concluded. “Rest in peace.”

Many others hopped on the post to share their own condolences as well. Dan Thomas wrote, “Taylor Hawkins made life brighter during the darkest of days. His infectious joy, generous spirit, passion for music, & brilliant drumming will remain close to my heart. Sincerest condolences to his family & those whose life he touched. Rest in peace.”

“So sad and clearly one of nicest humans to every play on the big stage. Taylor is of the greatest rock drummers there will ever be,” another shared. “What a tragic loss this is and to my favorite band of the last 25 years The Foo Fighters. RIP Taylor Hawkins and May God Bless your family.”

“The Foo Fighters we’re always amazing in concert. They always looked like they we’re just having fun,” said another. “Condolences to Taylor’s family, friends and fans. Heartbreaking.”

Nickelback tweeted, “In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and so many others. This is so incredibly sad.”

. @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

Ozzy Osbourne tweeted, “. @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”

FINNEAS tweeted, “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.”

The Smashing Pumpkins tweeted, “Taylor Hawkins 1972-2022. Our deepest sympathies to Taylor’s family, his fans, and of course his band.”

Tom Morello tweeted, “God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.”