The drummer of the alternative rock group Foo Fighters, Taylor Hawkins, had consumed cannabis, opiates and antidepressants before dying on Friday night in a hotel in Bogota, the Colombian prosecutor’s office announced on Saturday.
“The toxicological analysis reports ten substances so far found in Taylor Hawkins’ body, including THC (cannabis), antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opiates“, said the prosecution in a press release. The forensic doctors continue to work “to complete clarification of the facts that led to the death” of Hawkins, he added.
Shortly before dying, the 50-year-old drummer complained of a “chest pain”. Called for help at his hotel, a general practitioner tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him, according to the town hall of Bogota.
The Foo Fighters, one of the most notorious alternative rock bands on the American scene, often acclaimed by critics, winner of several Grammy Awards and author of big hits, were to play this Friday in Bogota on the occasion of the Estéreo Festival Picnic.
moment of silence
The concert was canceled, and the thousands of people waiting for the show to begin observed a minute of silence. The group also canceled a concert scheduled for March 27 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Since the announcement of his death, many fans have gathered in front of the hotel where the group was staying, in Bogota.
Tributes poured in
Taylor Hawkins had been a part of the Foo Fighters since 1997, playing drums on some of their biggest hits, including “Learn to Fly” and “Best of You.” He previously played drums for Canadian indie singer Alanis Morissette. The Foo Fighters, the band of ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, celebrated their 25th anniversary last year and recently produced “Studio 666”, a rock horror film.
Tributes poured in across the music world, with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne saluting in him”a great person and an incredible musician”and punk rocker Billy Idol calling the news “tragic”. Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello praised “unstoppable rock power” of the deceased.
“Totally in disbelief at the announcement of the death of Taylor Hawkins”tweeted the rock group Nickelback.
In an interview given to Californian radio 95.5 KLOS last year, Dave Grohl recounted his first meeting with Hawkins. “I said, ‘well, you’re my twin or my spirit animal, or my best friend’, and we’ve only known each other for ten seconds!”.
“And of course I had seen him play drums and I thought he was an amazing drummer,” he added.
“When I called him and said, ‘Listen, I’m looking for a drummer’, he said, ‘You know I’m your man’. I think it had more to do with our personal relationship than ‘with something musical’told the ex-drummer of Nirvana.
Below, Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel in 2021.
Ci-dessous, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee, Chris Shiflett, Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl et Nate Mendel.
