Pearl Jam kicked off their North American tour on Tuesday (May 3) in San Diego, paying tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
“We all miss him”
“He exuded something incredible and very special,” said Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder of Hawkins. “We all miss him,” the musician said, before referring to the friendship between Matt Cameron, drummer of Pearl Jam, and Taylor Hawkins. Vedder emphasized that he was particularly sorry for his bandmate’s loss. In addition, Hawkins’ early death would give the band a reason to show how much they value their own drummer.
Pearl Jams Matt Cameron was a friend of Hawkins’
Cameron and Hawkins are said to have often rehearsed together. Last fall, the two performed together at the Ohana Festival in California, founded by Eddie Vedder. A Queen cover of Keep Yourself Alive was performed, with Cameron on drums and Hawkins on mic.
The performance can be seen here:
The tragic death of Taylor Hawkins
The Foo Fighters announced Hawkins’ death on March 25 via social media. “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” the statement said. “His musical spirit and infectious laugh will live on with all of us forever.”
A festival appearance in Colombia was actually planned, where the Foo Fighters were already. Shortly before, the drummer was said to have been found dead in his hotel room in Bogotá. The cause of death is so far unclear. However, a toxicology report revealed that various substances, including THC, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids, were in his body at the time of his death.
Numerous musicians and celebrities honored the drummer at one of their performances and shared their best memories of him: For example, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queen guitarist Brian May, James Corden, Billie Eilish and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney.
+++ This article first appeared on musikexpress.de +++