Foo Fighters' drummer Taylor Hawkins has passed away. He was 50. 

The band shared the news in a statement on 26 March, in the midst of the South American leg of their world tour. 

pic.twitter.com/ffPHhUKRT4

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022

The band asks for privacy for Hawkin's family in this "unimaginably difficult time". Read the full statement here:

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 with 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.

Hawkins joined the Foo Fighters in 1997, and was also the touring drummer for likes of Alanis Morissette and Sass Jordan. Named Best Rock Drummer by UK drumming magazine Rhythm in 2005, Hawkins has also worked with music icons such as Slash, Queen's Bryan May, Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson, and more throughout his career.

In 2021, Hawkins, along with the rest of the Foo Fighters, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Paul McCartney. The Foo Fighters were scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza Brazil on 27 March, as well as at the 64th GRAMMY Awards this April.  

Musicians around the world paid tribute to Hawkins and his musical legacy, and sent their condolences via social media.

. @TaylorHawkins was truly a great person and an amazing musician. My heart, my love and my condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family, his band and his fans. See you on the other side - Ozzy

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) March 26, 2022

God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/AkiRLF2L3e

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) March 26, 2022

Dulu, sang drummer kehilangan vokalis. Kini sang vokalis kehilangan drummer. RIP Taylor Hawkins 💔 https://t.co/RkjaeozvQE

— Fiersa Besari (@FiersaBesari) March 26, 2022

In absolute shock & disbelief over the the passing of Taylor Hawkins. I’ve always had so much admiration for him. Amazing drummer & a gem of a guy who was always fun to be around. I’m absolutely gutted…my deepest condolences to his bandmates & family 😥🙏 #RIPTaylorHawkins pic.twitter.com/a3X0k2AqYW

— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) March 26, 2022

So heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins’ passing, what an incredible talent, who didn’t also need to be so kind and generous and cool but was all those things too anyway. The world was so lucky to have his gifts for the time that it did, Rest In Peace

— FINNEAS (@finneas) March 26, 2022

RIP TAYLOR HAWKINS :(

— degs 🎴🍓 (@degolas) March 26, 2022