'His spirit will live forever'

TAYLOR HAWKINS 1972-2022. THE SHOCK LOSS OF THE FOO FIGHTERS' CHARISMATIC DRUMMER HAS DEVASTATED HIS FELLOW BANDMATES, FAMILY AND FANS

- Matt Coyte

The Foo Fighter enjoyed a view from the best seat in the house the drummer's stool - where he watched both stadiums full of adoring fans and his best friends living out their rock'n'roll fantasies.

Taylor Hawkins, the engine room of Foo Fighters, and one of the most respected drummers in rock, passed away in a hotel room in Bogotá, Columbia, on March 25. His death was tragic and untimely, leaving his wife and three children, and his bandmates shattered.

As evidenced by the outpouring of grief and tributes from the music world though, Hawkins led a life to be celebrated, not mourned. Australians have a particularly strong bond with Hawkins and Foo Fighters (fondly known as the Fooeys), welcoming frontman Dave Grohl and the band back to our shores for 12 stadium tours over their career, including an epic show on Sydney Harbour in 2011, and just this month playing the first big rock concert after our borders opened in regional Victoria.

Hawkins' passing will have an effect on the millions of Aussies who've thrown their fists in the air to hits like 'Everlong', 'My Hero', 'Best Of You', ‘Monkey Wrench' and 'Times Like These'.