Paul McCartney on Taylor Hawkins: “You Were a True Rock and Roll Hero And Will Always Remain in My Heart”

In the immediate aftermath of the March 25 death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, the musician’s fans, friends, musical colleagues and acquaintances quickly flooded social media with tributes, memories and posts mourning his tragic passing at just 50 years of age.

A notable omission from the initial spate of reactions was Sir Paul McCartney, who had formed a strong musical kinship with Hawkins, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters over the years.

Sir Paul finally issued a statement early Wednesday, and it was clear in reading the words of the Beatles legend that this loss has hit him especially hard.

 

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A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney)

Taylor’s sudden death came as a shock to me and the people who knew and loved him.⁣
⁣
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.

I was asked by the Foo Fighters to play on one of their tracks. 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. 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 – Love Paul X

As for the songs mentioned in McCartney’s words, the song in question is “Sunday Rain,” featured on Foo Fighters’ 2017 album Concrete & Gold. Penned by Hawkins and performed 127 times by the band since its debut, it’s one of two Hawkins-written songs (the other being “Cold Day in the Sun”) that became somewhat of a set list treat and a chance for Grohl to take a breather from the rigors of singing on every track.

And a live performance, with Hawkins manning the drum kit and vocals:

When the Foo Fighters were enshrined into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, they were indeed inducted by Sir Paul, who joined them for “Get Back,” as mentioned in his post above:

On Tuesday, the Foo Fighters announced the cancellation of all future live performances, issuing an inevitable but still hard to read statement:

pic.twitter.com/RRuEDt67pz

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 29, 2022

May Taylor Hawkins rest in peace, and may the Foo Fighters and their fans and extended family and crew find healing in tough days ahead.