Late Friday, the Foo Fighters sadly announced the death of their band mate Taylor Hawkins. The smiling and affable drummer had been found dead in his hotel room. The band was in Bogota, Colombia, on a festival tour. They had already completed four tours in South America. The Foo Fighters are one of the bands that are in the Grammy lineup in April, this year.

The band announced on Twitter that the members were “devastated by the tragic and untimely loss” of their charismatic drummer Taylor Hawkins and asked for privacy. They mentioned that his “musical spirit” as well as his “infectious laughter” would remain with them forever.

The Metropolitan Police of Bogota released a statement which noted that the cause of death had not been established. However, sources say that it could be drug related. The 50-year old, affable drummer had frankly discussed his usage of drugs as well as an overdose on heroin in 2001.

Hawkins joined the Foo Fighters as a drummer in 1997. Earlier, he was the drummer for Alanis Morissette. David Grohl, the founder and lead singer of the Foo Fighters recruited him. Grohl was the popular drummer of Nirvana, the band that broke up after Kurt Cobain’s suicide.

The Foo Fighters went mainstream, after Hawkins joined the band. They had several successful tours and played to packed audiences. He could pulverize the drums and had to be excellent to play with Grohl. He sometimes belted out tracks, especially from Queen, which was his favorite band.

Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, actors and others. Some of those who fondly remembered him and also shared pictures of themselves with him included the following:

Ozzy Osbourne
Mick Jagger
Ringo Starr
Axl Rose
Finneas
Travis Barker
Jimmy Barnes
Tom Morello
Billy Idol
Gene Simmons
John Stamos
The Smashing Pumpkins and many other musicians and celebrities.

Miley Cyrus announced that she would dedicate her show, on Saturday to Taylor Hawkins. Cold Play frontman wiped away tears as he played a version of Everglow, one of the greatest hits by the Foo Fighters as a tribute to him, at a live show in Mexico. Fans also payed their tributes to the hard hitting drummer.

Hawkins leaves behind wife Alison and their two teenage children–Oliver and Annabelle.

R.I.P.

(Photo: agwilson)