Last night, the rock world was shocked to hear that Taylor Hawkins, drummer for world-conquering rock act Foo Fighters, had died at the age of 50. Since then, countless musicians have paid tribute to Hawkins via their social media. But the one that rips our guts out the most might be that of Nandi Bushell, the 11-year-old viral drummer who the Foo Fighters took under their wing after her drum covers blew up.
For those of you who don’t remember, after her many videos, including a cover of Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” went viral, Nandi took on a drum battle with frontman Dave Grohl. She has since become the patron saint of young drummers on YouTube, and has helped shape the world of rock and metal since her rise to stardom.
Here’s what Nandi posted to Taylor:
“Our love, thoughts and support are with all who knew Taylor. Thank you for looking after me, thank you for being so kind and loving, thank you for being the most awesome drummer ever, thank you for bringing so much joy to the world, thank you for being you! With love, Nandi x”
Just rips your heart out.
Hawkins’ death was announced late last night, around 11pm EST, with the following statement from the Foo Fighters:
The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.
A cause of death has not been revealed, but according to Rolling Stone, the band are currently on tour in South America, and were scheduled to play a show in Bogota, Colombia, last night. The show apparently did not happen.
Everyone at MetalSucks sends their heart out to Taylors family, friends, bandmates and collaborators during this difficult time.