Musicians, fans mourn loss of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who was with the rock band for more than two decades, died at age 50 while touring in South America.The band released a statement on Twitter, informing fans and the whole world of Hawkins’ sudden death. They said they were “devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.”The cause of his death is unknown. He leaves behind his wife Alison and their three children. Foo Fighters were scheduled to play at the Estereo Picnic music festival in Bogota, Colombia, on Friday.Many over social media mourned the loss of the rock star: Canadian rock band Nickleback tweeted about their disbelief on the news and called the situation “incredibly sad.”The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr gave all his love to Hawkins and his family during such tough times.Nile Rodgers was at the same music festival in Bogota, Colombia. He gave his heartfelt condolences to the drummer’s friends and family.Geezer Butler, the founding member of Black Sabbath, said he was shocked and saddened by the news of Hawkins’ passing.Ozzy Osbourne, lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, also offered his condolences. The Prince of Darkness called Hawkins “a great person and an amazing musician.”Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley said he was left speechless and gutted.American singer-songwriter Finneas O’Connell, who worked on many hit records with his younger sister Billie Eilish, said he was heartbroken to hear about the drummer’s passing and called him a kind, generous and cool guy.American punk band The Offspring tweeted a black and white picture of Hawkins, calling him “one of rock’s greatest drummers.”The Lord of the Rings star Elijah Woods gave his love to the drummer’s friends and family.Here were some more reactions online:Ashima Agnihotri is a reporter for the Star's radio room based in Toronto. Reach Ashima via email: aagnihotri@thestar.ca