Taylor Hawkins, the drummer for the Foo Fighters, died at the age of 50

Taylor Hawkins, the drummer for the American rock band Foo Fighters, has died at the age of 50, according to the band.

In a message on social media, the band said they were “devastated” by the awful and untimely loss. The reason for the death has not been revealed.

Hawkins has been a member of the Foo Fighters for two decades, joining shortly after the band finished recording The Colour and the Shape in 1997.

The band is currently on a South American tour.

The Foo Fighters commented, “His musical spirit and contagious humour will live with us forever.”

After his previous band, Nirvana disintegrated following the suicide of lead vocalist Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters in 1994. While Grohl was drumming for Nirvana, he joined the Foo Fighters to take on lead vocals and guitar, and Hawkins had the daunting job of drumming in a band created by one of rock’s most renowned drummers.

During the band’s live shows, the two would occasionally switch roles, with Hawkins taking over the vocals. Many fans uploaded clips of him singing Queen’s “Somebody to Love” after his death was confirmed.

Hawkins drummed with Alanis Morissette before joining the Foo Fighters.

The band was scheduled to perform at the Estereo Picnic festival in Bogota, Colombia, on Friday night. The U.S. embassy in Bogota extended its “sincerest sympathies” to the drummer’s family, friends, and admirers.

Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, a fellow rock band, paid tribute by tweeting: “Taylor Hawkins, may God bless you. Your spirit was contagious, and you had irresistible rock power. My buddy, may you rest in peace.

Miley Cyrus, who performed at the festival, said she would devote her Saturday performance to Hawkins.

Gene Simmons, a Kiss member, stated he was “shocked and saddened” by Hawkins’ death.

On Twitter, Billy Idol posted a photo of Hawkins with the caption: “So tragic. Rest in peace, Taylor. “

The Smashing Pumpkins, Nickelback, and The Offspring were among the acts that paid respect to the Foo Fighters drummer.