Video: Elton John Pays Tribute to Taylor Hawkins Onstage: “His Music Will Live On”

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. One such rock star was Elton John, who took a moment during his live set last night to pay homage to his fallen collaborator.

As reported by Blabbermouth, Elton prefaced his performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” in Des Moines, Iowa, last night to say a few words on Taylor Hawkins’ passing.

“I got up this morning to see that Taylor Hawkins from the Foo Fighters had passed away, and I was so shocked because he played on my ‘Lockdown Sessions’ album and he was one of the nicest people you could ever meet and one of the greatest drummers and a true musician who loved all sorts of music and loved life. And it seems so sad that at 50 years of age we’ve lost someone who had that much passion. And it makes me so downhearted for his family — his three children and his wife and his other relatives — and, of course, the Foo Fighers who’ve lost a dearest loved one that can never, ever be replaced. But his music will live on. But I can tell you he was a great, great one. So this song is for him and his family and his wife and his children.”

Watch video of the tribute below.

While an official cause of death has not been revealed, initial toxicology reports show that Hawkins had 10 different substances in his system at the time of his death, including THC, opioids, and anti-depressants.

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.

Everyone at MetalSucks sends their heart out to Hawkins’ family, friends, fans and collaborators during this difficult time.