Paul McCartney has issued a statement paying tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Sir Paul said, “Taylor’s sudden death came as a shock to me and the people who knew and loved him. Not only was he a GREAT drummer but his personality was big and shiny and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky to live and work alongside him.”
Macca continued, “I was asked by the Foo Fighters to play on one of their tracks. It turned out that they wanted me to play drums! – on one of Taylor’s songs. This request came from a group with TWO amazing drummers! It was an incredible session and cemented my relationship with Taylor and the guys.”
He added, “Later they asked if I would induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I sang with them on ‘Get Back’. Taylor provided a powerhouse drum part. I’ll never forget that night. All of which made it much more of a desperately sad shock to hear he had died. So thanks Taylor for sharing some glorious minutes with me. You were a true Rock and Roll hero and will always remain in my heart. God bless his family and band.”
Hawkins’ death on March 25 at age 50 was confirmed in a statement from the Foo Fighters reading, “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. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.”
In the days since his sudden passing, it was confirmed by Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office that ten types of substances were found in Hawkins’ body following an initial toxicology test. Yesterday (March 29), Foo Fighters announced all upcoming tour dates have been canceled.
