BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY – FOO FIGHTER TAYLOR DIES, AGED 50

The drummer with the Foo Fighters, Taylor Hawkins, has died aged 50.

The band were “devastated by the tragic and untimely loss” . No cause of death was given.

Hawkins played with Foo Fighters for more than two decades, joining after they finished making their 1997 album The Colour and the Shape.

The band is on tour in South America.

“His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live with us forever,” Foo Fighters wrote.

“Our hearts go out to his wife, children, and family.”

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

While Grohl drummed for Nirvana, he took on lead vocals and guitar in Foo Fighters, and so Hawkins had the daunting task of drumming in a group founded by one of the most celebrated drummers in rock.

Born in Texas but raised in California, Hawkins had the demeanour of a surfer.

Hawkins’ death at the age of 50 is devastating – for Grohl, his bandmates and his fans, but most of all, his wife Alison and their three children.

Paying tribute, Tom Morello, of fellow rockers Rage Against the Machine, tweeted: “God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend.”

Ozzy Osbourne said Hawkins was “truly a great person and an amazing musician”.

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