March 25th was a horrible day. I remember getting the news about Taylor Hawkins dying in his hotel room in Columbia and thinking, actually saying out loud “Get the f*** outta here” multiple times. As we’re rolling up on two weeks, it still just seems surreal.
The Foo Fighters drummer was a larger than life human. Filled with energy, creativity, more talent in his pinky finger than most carry in their whole body, and a million watt smile that was just infectious. From his time behind the kit with Alanis Morissette and a career with the Foos that began in 1999, Taylor’s talents united a world together thru music.
There’s been plenty of speculation to the cause of death as well. The primary EMS call was for a “patient with chest pains” and a couple days after the internet explodes with the fact that their were substances found in the preliminary toxicology screen, which is literally what was in his urine. All that tells us is what was in his system. Not how much of what or what kind of reaction it could have, so I refuse to speculate on any of it. I will patiently wait for the official tox report to come back, which can take a month or more and the official C.O.D.
I prefer to continue to celebrate this beautiful soul that has been taken from us entirely too soon. The rest of the world is joining in the tributes as well. From Sunday night at the Grammys, to pop star Billie Eilish wearing a custom made shirt with Taylor on it for her Grammy performance.
Sir Elton John was in Des Moines, Iowa the night after Taylor’s death and took a few moments to honor him before launching into his classic hit, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. (I’ve always loved that song and I will never be able to listen to it again without crying.)
Shinedown have dedicated time and songs to Taylor in the last couple of days. On April 1st, they did a version “Simple Man” in Spokane, Washington and the next night in Boise, Idaho, a haunting version of Foo Fighters “Wheels”.
Even late night television host, James Corden paid his respects. Of course, Foo Fighters were part of the most epic “Carpool Karaoke” ever in 2017!
Friends and fans even gathered in Taylor’s hometown of Laguna Beach for a very emotional drum circle.
Foo Fighters are taking some time off as they, like the rest of us, try and process what happened. Try and process our grief. At just 50 years old, he is gone too soon and the impact will be felt for a very long time.
Thank you, Taylor, for sharing all those talents, than million watt smile and your soul with us.
