Fans are paying tribute to the late Foo Fighters’ star Taylor Hawkins on the drummer’s posthumous 51st birthday!
Hawkins passed away in March of last year. He was found unresponsive in his Columbia hotel room while the band was on tour. A later toxicology report revealed a number of drugs in Hawkins’ system.
According to one of The Blast’s pieces of coverage surrounding Hawkins’ passing, it had been previously reported Hawkins had died of a drug overdose before subsequent reports were released revealing the 50-year-old had an enlarged heart.
The Foo Fighters would go on to cancel all remaining tour dates.
A number of high-profile musicians would pay tribute to Hawkins with performances throughout the year, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Miley Cyrus.
The 2022 Grammy Awards would also devote airtime for a tribute, a segment that brought many fans to tears.
A first of two tribute concerts in Hawkins’ memory would take place at London’s Wimbley Stadium in September. The shows were announced in June and were organized by the surviving Foo Fighters.
The first show took place on September 3rd, and featured artists such as The Police’s Stewart Copeland, The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde and Martin Chambers, Travis Barker, Hawkins’ 16-year-old son Shane, Liam Gallagher, and the surviving members of Rush, to name a few.
The second date took place in Los Angeles on September 27th. Performers included Alanis Morrisette, LeeAnn Rimes, Pink, and Joan Jett. Many artists from the Wembley show also appeared.
The tribute show can be streamed on Paramount Plus!
Foo Fighters Initially Announced Hawkins In A Statement Shared On Social Media
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
The band issued a statement announcing Hawkins’ passing on March 25th.
“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. 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.”
Fans Honor Hawkins On His 51st Birthday!
Miss you so much. pic.twitter.com/rpyYyf93O3
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) February 17, 2023
The effort to keep Hawkins’ memory alive did not end with the two tribute concerts and countless artists’ performance dedications. Fans would take to Twitter to honor Hawkins’ memory on Friday, February 17th.
First and foremost, the official Twitter for the band would post a black and white photo of Hawkins, writing “Miss you so much.”
“Glad I was in the world while he was,” a fan tweeted. “And got to see him perform live.”
“My sentiments exactly,” a fellow Hawkins admirer responded. “A true privilege to witness this man’s talent in the flesh. He blew my mind and burst my eardrums every time!”
“Happy birthday Taylor,” a fan wished Hawkins, sharing photos from the aforementioned tribute concerts. “I’m glad I got to go to your tribute and celebrate your life and favorite music. BTW you have an amazing son,” she concluded, referencing Shane, who performed “My Hero” at the tribute.
“I feel blessed that I’ve been able to see this legend perform with the Foos various times, but Wimbley stadium 2008 with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Dave [Grohl] on drums, and Tyler’s [sic] vocals will forever be embedded in my heart and mind. Thank you for the memories and a huge heavenly BD,” a fan tweeted.
A fan took his young daughter to see and attempt to meet Hawkins at the Foo Fighters’ hotel during a Paraguay tour stop, and Hawkins spent some quality time and took a selfie with the aspiring drummer!
“Emma took her drum set to the hotel where @FooFighter were staying in Paraguay, hoping that playing them would give her a chance for her to meet her idol. As usual, Taylor did not disappoint,” the satisfied father tweeted.
“Genuinely my breath catches every time I see his photo, even all these months later. So much love to you all today,” a fan wished the band.
Several fans discussed having trouble listening to the band since Hawkins’ passing.
“Love the Foo Fighters and yet I can’t listen anymore without the tinge of sadness that Taylor is gone,” a Twitter user shared.
Several fans echoed his sentiment.
“I was like that for about 8-9 months. I can finally fully listen to them again, it’s not the same obviously, but I’m glad I’m able to again. Hopefully it’ll be that way to you too,” a fan responded.
“we love you T. you left us with such a great legacy we will always cherish,” a fan wrote. “i’m happy i got the opportunity to see him play the drums with his whole heart, always remembering him like that,” they concluded.
“Happy birthday, Taylor. You are very loved and very missed but will never be forgotten. All kinds of love to the band and Taylor’s family and friends today,” a fan tweeted.
