Photo Credit: Raph_PH / CC by 2.0
The Foo Fighters will soldier on as a band without their legendary drummer Taylor Hawkins. The group released an official statement on social media, calling 2022 the most difficult year the band faced together.
“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,” the statement begins.
“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.”
“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,” the Foo Fighters’ statement continues.
“We also know that you, the fans, mean 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.”
Taylor Hawkins died in March 2022 in Colombia while on tour at the age of 50. Hawkins played drums for Alanis Morissette before he joined the Foo Fighters in 1997–three years after the group was founded. In September 2022, the Foo Fighters gathered in Wembley Stadium as part of the star-studded tribute event honoring the late drummer. Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher, and Brian May were among some of the music acts to appear. Hawkins’ son, Oliver Shane Hawkins, joined them to play drums for the song “My Hero.”