When I think of Foo Fighters, I instantly think of Taylor Hawkins’ smile, with a close second of Dave Grohl distinctive alternative rock, grunge, heavy rock sound.  I’ve been a Foo Fighter fan since ‘Learning to Fly’ came out on Rock Band.  Even if you don’t like the Foo Fighters music, you probably still know who they are.

An overwhelming shock was felt around the world when the news Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had died at age 50 started hitting the internet.

The Foo Fighters made an official announcement cancelling all upcoming shows stating, “It is with great sadness the Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates in light of the staggering loss of our brother, Taylor Hawkins.  We’re sorry for and share in the disappointment that we won’t be seeing one another as planned.  Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, to heal, to pull our loved ones close, and to appreciate all the music and memories we’ve made together.

In addition to his drumming with the Foo Fighters, Hawkins also provided vocals, guitar, and piano to various recordings. He performed the lead vocal on a cover of Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar". Two versions of the song were released, one as the B-side to "Learn to Fly" and another on the Mission: Impossible 2 soundtrack album. He later sang lead vocals on "Cold Day in the Sun" from In Your Honor, which was later released as a single, as well as a cover of Cream's "I Feel Free", which appeared as the B-side of "DOA" and on the EP Five Songs and a Cover. Hawkins also sang lead vocals for the band's cover of Joe Walsh's "Life of Illusion". Later, he sang lead vocals for "Sunday Rain", a track on the Foo Fighters' 2017 album Concrete and Gold. He sang lead vocals on some songs during Foo Fighters live shows, such as a cover of Queen's "Somebody To Love" on his last concert with the band. He also contributed to the band's songwriting, and was listed as a co-writer on every album since There Is Nothing Left to Lose.

Prior to joining the Foo Fighters in 1997, Taylor was the drummer for Sass Jordan as well as drummer for Alanis Morissette on her tour supporting Jagged Little Pill and her Can’t Not tour.

Dave Grohl described Hawkins as “my brother from another mother, my best friend, a man for whom I would take a bullet”.

Taylor will be mourned by fans and his bandmates, but the true loss is for his family, his wife Alison, and three children.