Band shares positive New Year’s message
Foo Fighters have shared that they will be “a different band going forward” as they tease future plans following the unexpected passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. Dave Grohl and company shared a reflective, but positive message on New Year’s Eve, telling fans that Hawkins will be with them in spirit.
“As we say goodbye to the most difficult and tragic year that our band has ever known, we are reminded of how thankful we are for the people that we love and cherish the most, and for the loved ones who are no longer with us,” they write on social media.
“Foo Fighters were formed 27 years ago to represent the healing power of music and a continuation of life. And for the past 27 years our fans have built a worldwide community, a devoted support system that has helped us get through the darkest of times together. A place to share our joy and our pain, our hopes and fears, and to join in a chorus of life together through music. Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were — and without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward.”
They continue, “We also know that you, the fans, meant as much to Taylor as he meant to you. And we know that when we see you again — and we will soon — he’ll be there in spirit with all of us every night.”
Hawkins was found dead in his Bogota, Colombia hotel room on March 25th while the group was on tour in South America. Initial results released by the Colombia Attorney General’s Office over the weekend indicate marijuana, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids were among 10 different substances found in his body. Further details reveal that Hawkins had a “cardiovascular collapse” after binging on a bevy of drugs in his Four Seasons hotel room. Forensic experts have also revealed that his heart weighed 600 grams (1.3 pounds), double the average size of a man his age of 50 years old.
The band has been on hiatus ever since, canceling the remainder of its tour dates.
In September, Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee hosted two Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts. The events took place at London’s Wembley Stadium and Los Angeles’ Forum with all-star lineups that included members of AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, Metallica, Blink 182, Pretenders and more.
Hawkins joined the band in 1997, first appearing with the band on the tour supporting sophomore album The Colour & The Shape. He made his recorded debut with Foo Fighters with 1999’s There Is Nothing Left To Lose, playing on every subsequent FF album, including the band’s latest effort, 2021’s Medicine at Midnight. Hawkins also appeared in the band’s horror comedy, Studio 666, which was released just before his death.
