Foo Fighters share plans to carry on without Taylor Hawkins after 'most difficult and tragic year'

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By Kim Novak

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The Foo Fighters have confirmed they will carry on as a band following the death of Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, but admitted it would be a "different" experience.

Hawkins died in March 2022 during the band's tour in Bogota, Colombia, after he had suffered chest pains in his hotel room.

The 50-year-old drummer was unresponsive when paramedics arrived and he was declared dead at the scene after attempts at CPR were unsuccessful. An early toxicology test showed Hawkins had 10 drugs in his system at the time of his death.

The Foo Fighters had canceled shows in the wake of the tragedy, but arranged two tribute concerts with a host of huge artists - taking place in London and Los Angeles - in memory of the beloved star.

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Taylor Hawkins died at the age of 50 in March 2022. Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy

The band - which also consists of Dave Grohl, Chris Shiflett, Nate Mendel, Rami Jaffee, and Pat Smear - have shared their plans for the Foo Fighters going forward without their late drummer.

Taking to Instagram, they shared a New Year's post admitting the band will be "different" in the wake of their loss.

The band wrote: "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 most, and for the loved ones who are no longer with us.

"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 all 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."

They added: "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.

"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."

Fans flooded the comments with support, admitting they'd initially feared it would be a "goodbye" message from the band.

They wrote: "The beginning of the message scared the s**t out of me, thankfully it’s not a goodbye message. Taylor will always be missed, look forward to seeing you live soon."

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Fans had feared the message was a goodbye from the band itself. Credit: Instagram

Another added: "We promised, if you come back, we’ll come back. We know it won’t be the same without Taylor but it’s a new chapter and Taylor will always be with us and apart of our Foo Community."

A third wrote: "I was so scared to read this incase it was a goodbye message. Thank you for choosing to stay with us."

Foo Fighters was formed in 1994 by Grohl, who was formerly the drummer for Nirvana, as lead vocalist and guitarist, alongside Shiflett on guitar, bassist Nate Mendel, keyboardist Rami Jaffee and guitarist Pat Smear. Hawkins had joined the Foos in 1997 and been their drummer until his death.

They have won 15 Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.

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The band will be "different" as they continue without their beloved drummer. Credit: Raphael Pour-Hashemi / Alamy

The band had shared their sorrow at Hawkins' death, saying at the time: "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."

He is survived by his wife Alison, son Oliver Shane - who powerfully performed the band's 1997 hit 'My Hero' with Grohl at the tribute concert for his dad - and daughters Annabelle and Everleigh.

Featured image credit: Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy