The music world was shocked by the sudden passing of Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins earlier this week, and Paul McCartney is among the latest artists paying tribute to the late drummer.
McCartney — the former Beatle and musical icon widely considered to be among the world's greatest living songwriters — shared a tribute message via Instagram today, commemorating Hawkins' life and the time the two had spent together.
"Taylor's sudden death came as a shock to me and the people who knew and loved him," McCartney wrote. "Not only was he a GREAT drummer but his personality was big and shiny and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky to live and work alongside him."
In his tribute, McCartney recalled how Hawkins and the Foos requested his instrumental skill on 2017's Concrete and Gold. "I was asked by the Foo Fighters to play on one of their tracks," he wrote. "It turned out that they wanted me to play drums! - on one of Taylor's songs. This request came from a group with TWO amazing drummers! It was an incredible session and cemented my relationship with Taylor and the guys."
"Later they asked if I would induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," McCartney continued of the group. "I sang with them on 'Get Back.' Taylor provided a powerhouse drum part. I'll never forget that night. All of which made it much more of a desperately sad shock to hear he had died. So thanks Taylor for sharing some glorious minutes with me. You were a true Rock and Roll hero and will always remain in my heart. God bless his family and band."
Tributes to Hawkins have also come from rock music royalty including Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Flea, Axl Rose, Smashing Pumpkins and Liam Gallagher. You can find McCartney's tribute below.
Hawkins passed away March 25 in Bogotá, Colombia, at age 50. A preliminary toxicology report revealed that he had 10 substances in his system, though a cause of death has not been confirmed.
Yesterday, Foo Fighters announced the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates following Hawkins' death.
McCartney — the former Beatle and musical icon widely considered to be among the world's greatest living songwriters — shared a tribute message via Instagram today, commemorating Hawkins' life and the time the two had spent together.
"Taylor's sudden death came as a shock to me and the people who knew and loved him," McCartney wrote. "Not only was he a GREAT drummer but his personality was big and shiny and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky to live and work alongside him."
In his tribute, McCartney recalled how Hawkins and the Foos requested his instrumental skill on 2017's Concrete and Gold. "I was asked by the Foo Fighters to play on one of their tracks," he wrote. "It turned out that they wanted me to play drums! - on one of Taylor's songs. This request came from a group with TWO amazing drummers! It was an incredible session and cemented my relationship with Taylor and the guys."
"Later they asked if I would induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," McCartney continued of the group. "I sang with them on 'Get Back.' Taylor provided a powerhouse drum part. I'll never forget that night. All of which made it much more of a desperately sad shock to hear he had died. So thanks Taylor for sharing some glorious minutes with me. You were a true Rock and Roll hero and will always remain in my heart. God bless his family and band."
Tributes to Hawkins have also come from rock music royalty including Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Flea, Axl Rose, Smashing Pumpkins and Liam Gallagher. You can find McCartney's tribute below.
Hawkins passed away March 25 in Bogotá, Colombia, at age 50. A preliminary toxicology report revealed that he had 10 substances in his system, though a cause of death has not been confirmed.
Yesterday, Foo Fighters announced the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates following Hawkins' death.
